Arranging a Funeral in Alicante: Step-by-Step Guide for English-Speaking Families (2025)

Why Alicante Has Become a Home Away From Home for Expats

The province of Alicante, known for its golden beaches, warm climate, and welcoming lifestyle, is one of Spain’s most popular destinations for international residents.
Thousands of British, Irish, Dutch, German, and Scandinavian families have made the Costa Blanca their home, creating a diverse and supportive community that stretches from Denia and Jávea in the north to Torrevieja and Orihuela Costa in the south.

However, when a loved one passes away abroad, even in a familiar place like Alicante, navigating local funeral procedures can feel overwhelming — especially when Spanish is not your first language.
This guide walks you through how to arrange a funeral in Alicante step by step, ensuring clarity, compassion, and peace of mind at every stage.

Step 1: Reporting the Death and Obtaining a Medical Certificate

The first step after a death in Spain is to obtain the medical death certificate (certificado médico de defunción).
If the death occurs in a hospital, the attending doctor issues it directly.
If it happens at home, call 112, and a doctor or police officer will attend to issue the documentation.

Once the certificate is in hand, the death must be registered with the Civil Registry Office (Registro Civil) in the same municipality.
In Alicante, this is often handled by the funeral director, who will submit the necessary paperwork on your behalf.
The Registro Civil de Alicante and local offices in Benidorm, Torrevieja, and Elche process registrations quickly and efficiently.

Step 2: Choosing Between Cremation or Burial

Both cremation and burial are available across the province, and the decision usually depends on family wishes, budget, and long-term considerations.

Cremation

Cremation is increasingly chosen by expats in Alicante because it is simpler, more flexible, and easier for families living abroad.
Ashes can be kept locally, scattered at sea, or transported to another country with official documentation.
You can learn more about the process in our guide Direct Cremation in Spain: A Complete Guide for Expats.

Burial

Burial remains a traditional option, particularly for residents with local connections or family plots.
Space is available in several municipal cemeteries, though many operate on rental terms of 10 to 50 years.
For a national overview of typical costs and requirements, visit Funeral Costs in Spain 2025: What Expats Need to Know.

Step 3: Handling the Legal Paperwork

Spanish funeral processes are well-regulated and supported by local authorities.
The main documents required include:

• The medical death certificate.
• The official death registration from the Civil Registry (certificado literal de defunción).
• A burial or cremation permit from the local health department.
• The deceased’s passport and NIE number (if applicable).
• Consular documentation for non-Spanish nationals.

The British Consulate in Alicante can provide information on repatriation or registering the death in the UK, Ireland, or other home countries.
funecon.es can manage these procedures on your behalf, offering English-language and multilingual assistance throughout.

Step 4: Local Crematoria and Cemeteries in Alicante Province

Alicante has several modern crematoria and well-maintained cemeteries offering both civil and religious services.
Among the most used by expat families are:

• Alicante City Crematorium (Vistahermosa) — centrally located and fully equipped.
• Torrevieja Crematorium — serving southern Costa Blanca communities.
• Benidorm / Villajoyosa Crematorium — convenient for Benidorm, Altea, and Calpe residents.
• Denia and Jávea Municipal Crematorium — serving the northern coast.
• Elche Crematorium — accessible for Elche, Santa Pola, and inland towns.

Municipal cemeteries (cementerios municipales) operate in nearly every town, providing traditional burial spaces, niches, and chapels.

Step 5: Timelines and Typical Costs

Funerals in Spain usually take place within 24 to 48 hours of registration.
However, timelines in Alicante can vary depending on local holidays, weekends, or family travel schedules.
Funeral directors can secure temporary custody so relatives can arrive before the service.

Cremation is generally more affordable than burial, with costs depending on the municipality, local taxes, and any additional ceremony or wake.
Alicante’s prices typically fall between Málaga and Murcia, offering a balance of cost and quality.
For up-to-date national comparisons, see our guide on Funeral Costs in Spain 2025.

Step 6: Personalising the Farewell

Families in Alicante have many ways to make the farewell meaningful and personal.
Whether you prefer a religious service, a civil ceremony, or a private gathering, most funeral homes and celebrants can tailor the experience to your wishes.

Options include:

• English, Dutch, or Scandinavian-language ceremonies.
• Anglican, Catholic, or Humanist services.
• Music, readings, or photo tributes.
• Flowers, personalised urns, and ashes scattering ceremonies.

Scattering ashes at sea off Torrevieja, Calpe, or Denia is popular among expat families, and most crematoria provide the necessary paperwork for maritime scattering.

Step 7: Repatriation — Bringing a Loved One Home

When families wish to repatriate a loved one to their home country, Alicante’s proximity to Alicante–Elche Miguel Hernández Airport (ALC) simplifies the process.
Local funeral directors coordinate all formalities — including consular authorisation, embalming, and flight arrangements — with full English-language support.
This can be arranged within a few days, depending on airline schedules and embassy processing.

Step 8: Pre-Planning and Funeral Plans for Expats

Pre-arranging a funeral plan ensures your wishes are known and all documentation is in order.
Many residents in Alicante, particularly retirees, choose to set up funeral plans to:

• Fix prices at today’s rates.
• Avoid placing financial or emotional burden on their families.
• Ensure their chosen type of service (cremation, burial, or repatriation).

These plans can be transferred if you relocate within Spain or back to your home country.

Step 9: Local Support for English-Speaking Families

The Costa Blanca has one of Spain’s strongest support networks for English-speaking residents.
Many funeral directors, hospitals, and registry offices have bilingual staff, and several Anglican, Lutheran, and independent churches provide pastoral care in English.

Key points of contact include:

• British Consulate Alicante
• Anglican Chaplaincy Costa Blanca (Benidorm & Calpe)
• English-speaking lawyers and translators in Torrevieja and Denia
• Municipal Civil Registries in Alicante, Benidorm, and Torrevieja

Step 10: Useful Links and Resources

• Funeral Costs in Spain 2025: What Expats Need to Know
• Cremation vs Burial in Spain: Which Is Right for Expats?
• Direct Cremation in Spain: A Complete Guide for Expats
• British Consulate Alicante

🕊️ Need Help or Guidance?

If you’re arranging a funeral or need advice about cremation, our team is available 24/7 to assist you — with no commitment required.

📞 Call or WhatsApp us on (+34) 640 034 791
📧 Email: support@funecon.es
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