You must get in touch with the local Registro Civil (Civil Registry) in order to receive a death certificate in Spain. The Registro Civil government office maintains records of births, deaths, marriages, and divorces. Read on for all you need to know about getting a death certificate in Spain.
How to Contact the Registro Civil
You can either go into the office in person, give them a call or send them an email.
You must give the following details to the Registro Civil when you get in touch with them:
- The deceased person’s name
- When and where the death occurred
- The birthdate of the deceased
- The nationality of the deceased
- Names of the deceased’s parents, if known
After supplying this information, you will receive a certificate from the Registro Civil. You can ask for a translation if necessary, but the certificate will be in Spanish.
Who Can Request a Spanish Death Certificate?
In Spain, the following individuals are able to get a death certificate:
- The spouse or partner of the deceased
- The offspring of the deceased
- The parents or siblings of the deceased
- The administrator or executor of the deceased
- Anyone else who could have a right to obtain the death certificate
Cost and Waiting Time
Depending on the area, different death certificates in Spain cost different amounts. It usually costs about €20. Depending on the Registro Civil’s workload, obtaining a certificate in Spain can take a variety of times, but it should generally be available to you in a few days.
What is a Spanish Death Certificate Used For?
In Spain, a death certificate is needed for several things, such as:
- Filing a death report with the authorities
- Getting a permit to be buried
- Closing the bank accounts of the deceased
- Giving the heirs of the deceased’s estate
- Making a claim on life insurance
In Spain, the Registro Civil where the death took place is the place to go if you require a certificate. You can get additional details about the procedure and prerequisites from the Registro Civil.
If you are unsure of what you need to do following a death, contact a professional, such as Spanish Probate Matters.
Contact Spanish Probate Matters for Spanish probate assistance on 0208 1502010.
