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What to Do When Someone Dies in Spain — Step-by-Step Guide for Expats
1. Introduction — Why This Guide Matters
When someone passes away in Spain, the process can feel sudden and overwhelming — especially for expat families who are used to very different procedures in the UK, Ireland, USA, or Northern Europe.
The Spanish system is:
- fast,
- structured,
- and often in Spanish, which can add stress at an already difficult moment.
This guide explains exactly what happens step-by-step, in plain English, so you know what to expect and so families feel supported and informed.
2. Step 1 — Call a Doctor or Emergency Services
A medical professional must officially confirm the death.
This is the first legal requirement.
Who can issue the Medical Certificate of Death?
- A hospital doctor
- A primary care doctor
- Emergency services (112)
- A private doctor (rare but legally valid)
What this document is called:
Certificado Médico de Defunción
(The Medical Certificate of Death.)
Without this certificate, nothing else can move forward.
3. Step 2 — A Funeral Home Is Contacted (Important for Expats)
In Spain, the first funeral home involved usually becomes the provider.
This is culturally normal in Spain, but very different for expats.
⚠️ Important notes for expat families:
- You do NOT have to accept the first provider.
- You can request time to speak with family.
- You can ask for information in English.
- You have the right to choose your funeral provider.
Hospital staff sometimes contact a funeral home automatically.
This is routine in Spain, but can surprise foreign families.
If you prefer a provider like Funecon:
You can tell the hospital or the first operator:
“Gracias, pero ya tenemos un servicio organizado.”
(Thanks, but we already have our provider arranged.)
This is perfectly acceptable.
4. Step 3 — Removal of the Deceased to a Funeral Home or Mortuary
Once the Medical Certificate is issued, a funeral home will transfer the deceased to:
- a funeral home mortuary,
- a hospital mortuary,
- or a municipal mortuary depending on region.
You can choose:
- cremation,
- burial,
- repatriation,
- or direct cremation without a ceremony.
If you already have a preferred provider, this is the moment to contact them.
5. Step 4 — Death Registration at the Civil Registry
A death must be registered at the Registro Civil (Civil Registry).
Documents needed:
- Passport / NIE of the deceased
- Medical Certificate of Death
- Basic personal information
Who does the registration?
Usually:
- the funeral home,
- or the family (less common).
What you receive:
- Certificado Literal de Defunción
(the official Spanish Death Certificate)
You can request extra copies or obtain them later online.
Additional recommended reading:
6. Step 5 — Decide Between Cremation, Burial or Repatriation
Spanish cremations usually occur within 24–48 hours.
Burials can occur even sooner.
Cremation
Most expats choose this option.
It is quick, simple, and widely available.
Direct Cremation
No ceremony.
The simplest and most affordable option.
Burial
Less common among expats due to cost and municipal restrictions.
Repatriation
If the family wants the person returned home, this takes 3–7 days depending on:
- consulate paperwork
- flights
- autopsy requirements (if applicable)
Internal link:
Repatriation from Spain — Complete Guide (coming next)
7. Step 6 — Collecting Cremated Remains (Ashes)
If you choose cremation, you will receive:
- an urn
- a Spanish cremation certificate
- sometimes a translated summary (region dependent)
Ashes can be:
- kept at home (In Spain)
- scattered (where legally allowed), or
- flown home internationally.
Internal link:
Flying Ashes Home: Airline Rules and Documentation Explained
8. Step 7 — Notifying Family, Consulates and Institutions
Depending on circumstances:
Notify the consulate if:
- the deceased is a foreign national
- the family is abroad
- repatriation is required
They can assist with:
- passport cancellation
- documentation
- emergency contacts
Notify:
- Banks
- Insurance companies
- Pension providers
- Local healthcare clinics
- The town hall (for municipal services)
9. Important Information for Expats
A. Timelines Are Fast in Spain
This is culturally normal.
Families often feel rushed.
You can request more time to make decisions.
B. Language Barriers Are Real
Many families feel overwhelmed by:
- Spanish documents
- medical terminology
- fast explanations
Funecon provides English & multilingual support 24/7.
Additional recommended reading:
- Understanding Death Certificates, Cremation Certificates, and Autopsy Paperwork in Spain: A Complete Guide for Expats – Funecon
- How to Read a Spanish Death Certificate (and What Missing Details Mean) – Funecon
C. Each Region Has Different Rules
Andalusía ≠ Valencia ≠ Cataluña.
This is why local knowledge matters.
D. You Have Rights
You can:
- choose your funeral provider
- ask for explanations
- request cost transparency
- request English-speaking support (@ Funecon.es we offer multi lingual support)
10. What It Costs When Someone Dies in Spain
Typical cost ranges:
Direct Cremation (Funecon)
€1,395–€2,250 depending on region – average €1,700
Traditional Cremation (Funecon.es – with a wake and service)
€2,500–€4,300. (depending on region)
Burial (Funecon.es – direct no wake)
€1,200–€2,000 – not including the cost of the burial site (Niche) or local authority TAX for the cemetery
Repatriation
€3,000–€3,500
(depending on where in Spain – not including flights)
Additional recommended reading:
Funeral Costs in Spain 2025: What Expats Need to Know
11. How Funecon Supports Families (Calm, Clear, 24/7)
We help with:
- immediate guidance
- arranging transport
- speaking with hospitals
- handling paperwork
- English-language explanations
- cremation, burial or repatriation
- transparent pricing – get a guaranteed price here
- optional follow-up support
And we never pressure families into decisions.
12. FAQ
What is the first thing I need to do if someone dies in Spain?
Call a doctor or emergency services (112) so the Medical Certificate of Death can be issued.
Can I choose my own funeral provider in Spain?
Yes. Even if a hospital contacts someone, you can choose your own provider.
How quickly do cremations happen in Spain?
Usually within 24–48 hours. However if you need more time speak with funecon.es or your funeral service provider to make those arrangements.
What documents do I need?
The Medical Certificate of Death, passport/NIE of the deceased and your passport.
Do I need to register the death?
Yes, at the Civil Registry. The funeral home usually handles this. funecon.es or one of our partners will handle this without exception.
Can I repatriate a loved one to the UK, Ireland, USA or elsewhere?
Yes, provided there is no legal reason the body cannot be cremated or taken outside the state. It usually takes 3–7 days depending on documentation and consulate procedures.
13. Call to Action — We’re Here to Support You 24/7
If someone has passed away and you need calm, clear guidance
—or if you simply want to understand your options—
we are here to help.
📞 Call or WhatsApp (+34) 640 034 791
📧 support@funecon.es
🌐 https://funecon.es/contact/
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