Bereavements, funerals, grief, and death are not the sort of topics we enjoy talking about. But it’s best to know what to anticipate when someone dies in Spain. Grief is the same in Spain as in England; there may be some differences in the aftermath of a death and in funeral planning. This blog looks at what to expect following a death in Spain.
Registering the Death
In Spain, a doctor will sign the death certificate as soon as a person passes away. A judge will then certify the death certificate. The certificate will then be given to the Spanish embassy or consulate for foreigners if the dead was not Spanish. The individual’s home country can then issue a death certificate. To carry out the deceased’s will, this certificate must be acquired. The death will also be reported to the town halls in the area where the deceased lived and passed away. For detailed guidance on handling Spanish probate matters after a death abroad, see our Spanish Probate Guide. For official UK government guidance on what to do when someone dies in Spain, including death registration and obtaining Spanish and international death certificates, visit Gov.uk. Or for detailed information on how death registration works in Spain visit Registrocivil.es.
What Are The Rules For Funerals In Spain?
Unlike in the UK, where funerals are often planned weeks in advance, Spanish law and tradition move very quickly. Burials or cremations often take place within 24 to 48 hours. This can be a significant shock for grieving families travelling from abroad, making it even more important to have your paperwork and preferences in order beforehand.
If you want to be buried in Spain when the time comes, you can rent graves. It is crucial to remember that these are only in place for a limited number of years; after that, the body is exhumed and reburied in a public location. But you can also purchase a permanent burial ground outright. Unlike in the UK, Spanish burial sites typically feature above-ground walls. Another option is to have your body returned to the UK for a funeral. Unless it is covered by insurance, this is a costly alternative.
The Costs Involved With a Funeral in Spain
- If necessary, transporting the body
- Plot rental or purchase price
- Cost of cremation if there is no burial
- The funeral service charge
- The undertaker’s fee
- The cost of refrigeration
- The reception’s venue and catering costs
It is often advisable to get prices from various funeral firms, much like with a funeral in the UK. If a loved one dies in Spain, find out what kind of funeral they would prefer, then contact the suppliers. To guarantee you get the funeral you desire and to make it easy for your loved ones when the time comes, it is crucial to let them know if you have special funeral requests.
For help with Spanish probate issues, contact Spanish Probate Matters on 0208 150 2010.
