(Spain Guide for Families)

Arranging a funeral in another country is difficult at the best of times. Doing so from abroad — while grieving — can feel overwhelming, especially when you are told you need documents you simply don’t have.

One of the most common concerns we hear from families is this:

“I’m not in Spain, and I don’t have a valid passport or ID. Does that mean nothing can move forward?”

The short answer is no — it does not mean everything stops.
Situations like this are more common than people realise, and Spain does allow practical solutions when the process is handled correctly.

This guide explains what usually happens, why identification is requested, and — most importantly — what families can do when they are abroad and cannot sign documents themselves.

Why Families Are Often Asked for a Passport or ID

When someone dies in Spain, several administrative steps must take place before a funeral can be arranged. These steps involve coordination between:

• the funeral operator
• the Civil Registry
• medical authorities
• and, in some cases, local courts

As part of this process, next of kin are often asked to provide identification. This is typically requested to:

• confirm who is legally authorising the funeral
• ensure documents are signed by the correct person
• protect against disputes or errors

Because of this, families may be told that a passport or official ID is required.

What is not always explained clearly is that this requirement does not automatically mean the next of kin must be physically present in Spain — or that the process cannot continue without them.

What Makes This Situation So Stressful for Families Abroad

When you are outside Spain, several problems tend to appear at once:

• You may not have immediate access to valid identification
• Your passport may be expired, lost, or unavailable
• You may be dealing with grief, shock, or practical constraints
• You may receive conflicting advice from different people

Families often fear that everything is “on hold” until they can travel or resolve paperwork. In reality, Spanish funeral procedures are more flexible than many people realise, provided the correct authorisation is in place.

What Spanish Authorities Actually Allow in These Situations

While every case is different, Spanish funeral procedures generally allow for authorisation to be delegated when the next of kin cannot act in person.

In practical terms, this means:

• A close family member can authorise another person to sign funeral-related documents on their behalf
• The authorised person must be clearly identified
• The authorisation must be properly written and understandable to all parties involved

This approach is commonly used when families are abroad, elderly, unwell, or otherwise unable to attend in person.

It is important to understand that this is not a loophole or an unusual workaround — it is a recognised and widely used solution when handled professionally.

The Practical Solution: Authorising Someone Else to Sign on Your Behalf

In situations where the next of kin cannot attend in Spain or lacks valid identification, the most effective solution is often to formally authorise another person to act on their behalf.

This authorised person may be:

• another family member who is in Spain
• a trusted representative
• in some cases, a funeral professional acting under instruction

The authorisation document typically includes:

• details of the deceased
• details of the person giving authorisation
• details of the person being authorised
• a clear statement allowing them to sign funeral and administrative documents

When prepared correctly, this allows the funeral process to move forward without unnecessary delay.

What matters most is not the format itself, but that:

• the intent is clear
• the identities involved are properly stated
• the document is suitable for Spanish administrative use

This is where families often benefit from guidance, as small mistakes or omissions can cause avoidable delays.

Common Mistakes Families Make in These Situations

Families navigating this alone often run into problems, not because they are doing something wrong, but because they are working with incomplete information.

Some common issues include:

• Waiting for consular intervention when it is not required
• Assuming travel to Spain is mandatory before anything can happen
• Sending incomplete or informal authorisations
• Relying on verbal assurances without document review

These delays are particularly difficult when time-sensitive decisions — such as cremation or repatriation — are involved.

Clear coordination from the outset usually prevents these problems.

How Funecon Supports Families in This Situation

When families contact Funecon from abroad, our role is not simply to arrange a funeral, but to help them understand what is actually required — and what is not.

In cases where identification or presence is an issue, we typically assist by:

• explaining the available options clearly
• helping families understand authorisation requirements
• coordinating with funeral operators in Spain
• reviewing documentation before it is submitted

Our focus is always on reducing stress, avoiding unnecessary steps, and ensuring families are not asked to do more than is genuinely required.

When Cremation or Repatriation Decisions Are Also Involved

When a family is abroad, decisions around cremation or repatriation often need to be made quickly.

In these cases, delays caused by paperwork confusion can increase emotional and financial strain.

If you are also facing decisions about:

• cremation in Spain
• returning ashes home
• or repatriation of the deceased

it is especially important to clarify authorisation and documentation early.

You may find it helpful to read our related guides on:

• what to do when someone dies in Spain
• repatriation procedures and timelines

These explain how documentation, timing, and decisions interact.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to travel to Spain to arrange the funeral?
In many cases, no. Funerals are often arranged entirely from abroad when the correct authorisation is in place.

What if I don’t have a valid passport at all?
Lack of a passport does not automatically prevent arrangements. Alternative authorisation solutions are often available.

Can I authorise someone else to sign documents for me?
Yes. This is a common and accepted approach when families are abroad or unable to attend in person.

How long does this process usually take?
Timelines vary depending on the circumstances, but clear documentation from the start usually prevents delays.

A Final Word of Reassurance

When someone dies abroad, it is easy to feel powerless — especially when paperwork, language, and distance are involved.

If you are facing this situation, it may help to know that you are not expected to navigate it alone, and that many families before you have faced the same challenges and found workable solutions.

If you need guidance specific to your situation, you can speak with us for calm, practical support — without pressure and without obligation.

Speak With Us Anytime

If you want clear, honest guidance about your funeral options in Spain, we’re always here to help — with no pressure.

📞 Call or WhatsApp (+34) 640 034 791
📧 support@funecon.es
🌐 https://funecon.es/contact/

Recommended additional resources

• What to do when someone dies in Spain
• Repatriation from Spain