What to Do When Someone Dies in Spain: Complete 72-Hour Action Guide

First 24 Hours: Critical Steps After a Death in Spain

When someone dies in Spain, the clock starts ticking immediately. Spanish law requires death registration within 24 hours, and funeral arrangements typically happen within 48 hours—much faster than in the UK or US.

Step 1: Obtain the Medical Death Certificate (Certificado Médico de Defunción)

A doctor must certify the death and issue a medical death certificate stating the cause of death. This is the first official document you'll need.

If death occurred at home:

• Call the deceased's regular GP (médico de cabecera) immediately
• The GP will come to certify the death and issue the certificate
• If you don't have a GP or they're unavailable, call the local police (092)
• Police will arrange for a doctor to attend

If death occurred in hospital:

• Hospital staff handle the medical certification automatically
• Request multiple copies of the death certificate before leaving
• Ask about the hospital's funeral home partnerships (you're not obligated to use them)

If death was unexpected or suspicious:

• Call emergency services (112) or local police (092)
• Do not move the body
• A forensic doctor (médico forense) will investigate
• This can delay the death certificate by 24-48 hours

Cost: Free when provided by regular doctor or hospital. Forensic examination may incur fees (€100-300).

Step 2: Contact a Funeral Home (Tanatorio)

Spanish law requires bodies to be moved to a funeral home (tanatorio) quickly. Contact a funeral home within hours of death—they will handle transportation and guide you through next steps.

How to choose:

• Ask for recommendations from hospital or locals
• Google "tanatorio [city name]" or "funeral home [city] English"
• Get quotes from 2-3 funeral homes (prices vary significantly)
• Verify they have English-speaking staff if needed
• Ask if they handle death registration (most do, for a fee)

What funeral homes handle:

• Transportation of the body from home/hospital
• Temporary storage (2-3 days free, then €50-100/day)
• Death registration assistance
• Cremation or burial arrangements
• Repatriation if sending body abroad
• Paperwork coordination

Costs: €3,000-8,000 depending on services. Get written quotes.

→ Find English-speaking funeral homes in Spain

Step 3: Register the Death at Civil Registry (Registro Civil)

You have 24 hours from death to register at the local Registro Civil (civil registry). In practice, if death occurs on Friday evening, you have until Monday, but don't delay.

Required documents:

• Medical death certificate
• Deceased's ID (DNI for Spanish citizens, passport for foreigners)
• Your ID as the person registering
• Marriage certificate (if applicable)
• Birth certificate (if available)

The process:

1. Go to the Registro Civil in the municipality where death occurred
2. Present documents to the registrar
3. Provide information about the deceased (full name, date/place of birth, marital status, parents' names)
4. Registrar creates the official death entry
5. You can immediately request death certificates (certificados de defunción)

Costs: Registration is free. Death certificates: first 2-3 copies free, then €3-5 per additional copy.

Critical: Order at least 10 certified copies of the death certificate. You'll need them for banks, insurance, property registry, inheritance, pension claims, etc. Requesting more later is a hassle.

Can't go in person? Many funeral homes offer to register the death on your behalf for €100-200. This is worth it if you're overwhelmed or don't speak Spanish.

Step 4: Notify Key Institutions

Within the first 24-48 hours, notify:

Spanish authorities:

• Social Security (INSS) - stops pension payments, enables survivor benefits
• Tax office (Hacienda) - if deceased was self-employed or business owner
• Town hall (Ayuntamiento) - cancel padrón registration
• Electoral registry - automatic in some regions, manual in others

Financial institutions:

• All banks where deceased had accounts (accounts freeze upon notification)
• Credit card companies
• Insurance companies (life insurance, home insurance, car insurance)
• Pension providers (Spanish and foreign)

Important: Spanish banks freeze accounts immediately upon death notification. You won't be able to access funds—even for funeral expenses—until inheritance is legally resolved. Keep some cash accessible.

Utilities and services:

• Electricity, water, gas (don't cancel yet; transfer after inheritance if keeping property)
• Phone and internet
• Subscriptions and memberships

Foreign embassies/consulates: If the deceased was a foreign national, notify their embassy or consulate. They can help with:

• Notification to family abroad
• Repatriation assistance
• Death certificate translation and apostille
• Will searches in home country

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Registering a Death in Spain: The Registro Civil Process

The Registro Civil (Civil Registry) is where all vital events in Spain are officially recorded—births, marriages, and deaths. Registration creates the legal record that everything else depends on.

Where to Register

Register at the Registro Civil in the municipality where the death occurred—not where the deceased lived or where you live.

Finding your local Registro Civil:

• Google "Registro Civil [city name]"
• Usually located in the Justice Court building (Palacio de Justicia)
• Larger cities have dedicated registry offices
• Smaller towns may share registry services with nearby municipalities

Opening hours: Typically Monday-Friday, 9:00 AM - 2:00 PM. Closed weekends and holidays.

Appointments: Most locations accept walk-ins for death registration, but calling ahead is wise, especially in large cities.

Required Documents for Death Registration

Bring originals and photocopies of everything:

Essential:

• Medical death certificate (Certificado Médico de Defunción)
• Deceased's ID: Spanish DNI/NIE or foreign passport
• Your ID as the registrant

If applicable:

• Marriage certificate (if deceased was married)
• Previous divorce decree (if applicable)
• Birth certificate of deceased (if available)
• Will (if you have it; not required for registration)

For foreign nationals:

• Passport
• Residence certificate (certificado de registro) or TIE card
• Apostilled/translated birth certificate (if available)

The Registration Appointment

The process takes 20-40 minutes:

1. Arrival: Present yourself at the Registro Civil with documents
2. Interview: Registrar asks questions about the deceased:
   • Full legal name (including maiden name if female)
   • Date and place of birth
   • Parents' full names
   • Marital status
   • Last address
   • Nationality
   • Cause of death (from medical certificate)
3. Verification: Registrar reviews documents and enters information into the registry
4. Signature: You sign the death registry entry as the declarant
5. Certificates: Request multiple certified death certificates (certificados de defunción)

Language: Conducted in Spanish. Bring a translator if you don't speak Spanish fluently, or ask your funeral home to send a representative.

Death Certificates: How Many Do You Need?

Request at least 10-15 certified copies of the death certificate (certificado literal de defunción). Here's why:

You'll need death certificates for:

• Each bank account (2-3 banks = 2-3 certificates)
• Life insurance claims
• Property registry (Registro de la Propiedad) for each property
• Pension claims (Spanish and foreign)
• Inheritance tax filing
• Will registry search
• Closing utilities
• Vehicle transfer or deregistration
• Notary for inheritance deed
• Foreign embassy (if repatriating or foreign inheritance)

Costs:

• First 2-3 copies: Free
• Additional copies: €3-5 each
• Total for 10 copies: €15-30

Requesting more later: You can request additional copies later by mail or in person, but it requires filling out forms, paying fees, and waiting. Order generously now.

Types of death certificates:

• Literal certificate (certificado literal): Full details, required for most purposes
• Summary certificate (certificado de defunción): Basic details, sometimes sufficient
• International certificate (certificado internacional): For use abroad

Ask for literal certificates unless told otherwise.

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Finding English-Speaking Funeral Homes in Spain

Choosing a funeral home during grief is overwhelming. Here's what you need to know to make an informed decision quickly.

Why English-Speaking Matters

If you're not fluent in Spanish, an English-speaking funeral director can:

• Explain Spanish funeral customs and legal requirements clearly
• Help navigate death registration without translation errors
• Communicate sensitively during a traumatic time
• Coordinate with hospitals, registries, and churches in both languages
• Assist with repatriation paperwork if needed

Cremation vs Burial in Spain

Cremation (incineración):

• Increasingly common in Spain, especially among expats
• Faster and simpler than burial (can happen within 24-48 hours)
• More affordable: €800-2,000 for basic cremation
• Ashes can be scattered, kept, or buried
• Requires notation on death certificate (doctor must know in advance)
• Crematoria not available in all small towns

Burial (entierro/inhumación):

• Traditional in Spain, especially in rural areas
• Spanish cemeteries use above-ground niches (nichos) rather than ground burial
• Niches are rented for 5-99 years; rental periods vary by cemetery
• After rental expires, remains moved to common ossuary (unless renewed)
• Full burial costs: €2,000-5,000 depending on location and niche type
• Perpetual niches (permanent) cost €5,000-15,000

Which to choose:

• Expats typically choose cremation for flexibility and cost
• If deceased expressed wishes, honor them
• Consider family's ability to visit burial site
• Check if deceased had pre-paid funeral plan

Funeral Home Costs in Spain (2025)

Basic cremation package: €800-1,500

• Transportation of body
• Refrigeration (2-3 days)
• Basic coffin
• Cremation
• Basic urn

Standard cremation package: €1,500-3,000

• All basic services
• Viewing/wake (velatorio)
• Chapel service
• Better coffin and urn
• Death registration assistance

Burial package: €2,500-5,000

• Transportation
• Embalming (if required)
• Coffin
• Wake services
• Cemetery fees
• Niche rental (5-25 years)

Premium services (add-on): €500-2,000

• Funeral ceremony (religious or civil)
• Flowers and decorations
• Obituary notices
• Reception/catering
• Video recording
• Memory books

Repatriation to another country: €3,000-10,000

• Embalming and sealing
• International transport coffin
• Documentation and permits
• Airline cargo fees
• Destination country receiving
• (Check if travel insurance covers this—many do)

Total typical costs: €3,000-8,000 depending on services selected.

Questions to Ask Funeral Homes

Before committing, ask:

1. "Do you have English-speaking staff?" Critical if you don't speak Spanish.

2. "What's included in your package price?" Get itemized breakdown.

3. "Will you handle death registration?" Most do for €100-200. Worth it.

4. "How long is refrigeration included?" Usually 2-3 days free, then €50-100/day.

5. "What happens if we can't pay immediately?" Banks freeze accounts—payment plans may help.

6. "Can you help with repatriation?" If considering sending body abroad.

7. "What's your cancellation policy?" In case you change funeral homes.

8. "Do you coordinate with specific cemeteries/crematoria?" Location matters.

Red flags:

• Pressure to decide immediately without seeing alternatives
• Refusing to provide written quotes
• Unclear pricing or hidden fees
• No English speakers despite advertising as "international funeral home"

Finding Funeral Homes by Region

Madrid area:

• Tanatorio M-30
• Parcesa (multiple locations)
• Funeraria San Isidro

Barcelona area:

• Mémora (large chain, English-speaking)
• Funerarias Montserrat Truyols
• Serveis Funeraris de Barcelona

Costa del Sol (Málaga, Marbella):

• Many English-speaking options due to expat population
• Costa del Sol Funeral Services
• Sunrise Funeral Services

Valencia area:

• Funeraria Aragonesa
• Parcesa Valencia

Alicante/Costa Blanca:

• Multiple expat-focused funeral homes
• Ask in local expat groups for recent recommendations

→ Browse verified English-speaking funeral homes in Spain

→ Find funeral homes near you

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Repatriation: Sending a Body Home from Spain

If the deceased wasn't permanently living in Spain, you may want to repatriate their body to their home country for burial.

When to Consider Repatriation

Repatriation makes sense if:

• Deceased was visiting or on short-term stay in Spain
• Family grave site exists in home country
• Cultural or religious traditions require burial in homeland
• Family cannot travel to Spain for funeral
• Travel insurance covers repatriation costs

Local burial/cremation makes sense if:

• Deceased was permanently living in Spain
• Cost is prohibitive (€3,000-10,000+)
• No strong ties to home country
• Cremation with ashes sent home is acceptable alternative

Repatriation Process

Step 1: Check Insurance Coverage Many travel insurance policies and some credit cards include repatriation coverage (up to €10,000). Check:

• Travel insurance policy
• Credit card benefits (if trip booked with card)
• Life insurance (some include repatriation)
• Professional association memberships
• Embassy assistance programs (limited, income-based)

Step 2: Choose Repatriation Company Funeral homes can coordinate repatriation, but specialist companies often cost less:

• International repatriation specialists
• Embassy can provide list of approved providers
• Get 2-3 quotes

Step 3: Documentation Required

• Death certificate (apostilled for international use)
• Passport of deceased
• Embalming certificate
• Consular mortuary certificate
• Permission to transport remains
• Destination country import permit

Step 4: Body Preparation

• Embalming required by most airlines (€400-800)
• Hermetically sealed zinc-lined coffin (€800-1,500)
• External wooden shipping crate (€300-500)

Step 5: Transportation

• Airline cargo (only certain airlines transport human remains)
• Flight costs: €1,500-5,000 depending on destination
• Airport handling fees
• Receiving funeral home fees in destination country

Repatriation Costs Breakdown

Alternative: Cremation + Ashes Repatriation

Much cheaper and simpler:

• Cremate in Spain: €800-2,000
• Ashes shipped by courier: €100-300
• Total: €900-2,300
• Can travel with ashes on passenger flight (with documentation)
• Funeral/burial service in home country with ashes

Required documents for ashes:

• Cremation certificate
• Death certificate
• Container must be x-ray safe (no metal)
• Destination country may require import permit

This is the choice most expat families make when repatriation is desired.

→ Find repatriation specialists in Spain

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Spanish Inheritance Process: What Happens Next

Once the funeral is complete, the Spanish inheritance process begins. This is complex, bureaucratic, and has strict deadlines—but it's manageable with proper guidance.

Timeline Overview

Days 1-15 after death:

• Register death
• Funeral arrangements
• Secure property and assets
• Wait 15 working days before requesting will registry certificate

Days 15-60:

• Request certificate from Registro de Últimas Voluntades (Will Registry)
• Request certificate from Registro de Seguros (Insurance Registry)
• Obtain copy of will from notary (if will exists)
• OR start Declaration of Heirs process (if no will)

Months 2-6:

• Gather inheritance documents
• Property valuations
• Bank account inventories
• Prepare inheritance acceptance deed (escritura de aceptación)
• Sign deed at notary
• CRITICAL DEADLINE: Pay inheritance tax within 6 months

Months 6-12:

• Register property transfers at Property Registry
• Transfer bank accounts
• Sell or distribute assets
• Close estate

Step 1: Check the Will Registry (Registro de Últimas Voluntades)

Spain has a centralized Will Registry that records all wills made in Spain by notaries. You must wait 15 working days after death before requesting this certificate.

How to request:

• Online: https://sede.mjusticia.gob.es (requires digital certificate)
• In person: Any registry office (Registro Civil)
• By mail: Form 790 + death certificate + €3.82 fee

What you'll receive: Certificate stating:

• If a Spanish will exists (yes/no)
• If yes: which notary holds it, with contact information
• Date will was executed

Important: This only shows Spanish wills. Check in deceased's home country for foreign wills.

Cost: €3.82

Processing time: Immediate if in person, 7-10 days online/mail.

Step 2: Obtain the Will (if exists)

If the Will Registry certificate shows a will exists:

Contact the notary who holds the original will:

• Call or visit their office
• Request an authorized copy (copia autorizada)
• Bring death certificate and your ID
• Cost: €30-60

Review the will with a lawyer: Spanish wills have specific requirements. A lawyer can:

• Verify will is legally valid
• Explain beneficiaries and inheritance shares
• Identify any conflicts with Spanish forced heirship rules
• Advise on tax implications
• Guide next steps

→ Find inheritance lawyers in Spain

Step 3: If No Will - Declaration of Heirs

If no Spanish will exists (intestate succession), you need a Declaración de Herederos (Declaration of Heirs).

This is a notarial act determining who the legal heirs are under Spanish law.

Spanish intestate succession order:

1. Children (or grandchildren if child deceased) - inherit equally
2. If no children: spouse inherits everything
3. If no spouse/children: parents inherit
4. If no parents: siblings inherit
5. If no siblings: more distant relatives
6. If no relatives: Spanish state inherits

Process:

1. Gather documents (birth certificates, marriage certificates, family book)
2. Attend notary with 2 witnesses who knew the deceased
3. Witnesses testify about family relationships
4. Notary creates Declaration of Heirs document

Cost: €200-400

Timeline: One appointment, certificate issued within days.

Critical for foreign nationals: If deceased was foreign, their national law may apply (not Spanish law). Consult a lawyer specializing in cross-border inheritance.

Step 4: Prepare Inheritance Acceptance Deed (Escritura de Aceptación de Herencia)

Once you know who the heirs are (from will or declaration), all heirs must sign the inheritance acceptance deed at a notary.

This deed officially transfers assets from deceased to heirs.

Required documents:

• Death certificate
• Will or Declaration of Heirs
• NIE numbers for all heirs
• Property deeds (escrituras) for any real estate
• Bank account statements
• Vehicle registration
• Property valuations (tasación)
• Inheritance tax forms

The notary appointment:

• All heirs attend (or designate power of attorney)
• Notary reads will/declaration
• Heirs declare they accept inheritance
• Assets are listed and valued
• Division of assets specified
• All parties sign
• Notary registers the deed

Costs:

• Notary fees: €300-1,000 (scales with estate value)
• Property valuations: €150-400 per property
• Gestoría (administrative help): €500-1,500
• Lawyer (complex cases): €1,500-5,000

Can heirs refuse inheritance? Yes. If debts exceed assets, heirs can reject inheritance to avoid liability. Must formally reject at notary within 6 months.

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Spanish Inheritance Tax: The 6-Month Deadline

This is the most critical deadline in Spanish inheritance. You have 6 months from death to calculate and pay inheritance tax (Impuesto sobre Sucesiones y Donaciones).

Why This Deadline Matters

Late payment penalties:

• First 6 months: 5% surcharge
• 6-12 months: 10% surcharge
• 12-18 months: 15% surcharge
• After 18 months: 20% surcharge + interest

Penalties apply to the TAX AMOUNT, which can be substantial. Missing deadline can cost thousands.

How Much Is Spanish Inheritance Tax?

Here's the shocking truth: It varies wildly by region, from 0% to 34%.

Low-tax regions (99% reduction for direct family):

• Madrid
• Andalucía
• Canary Islands
• Murcia
• Extremadura
• Galicia
• Cantabria

In these regions, children and spouses pay almost nothing (typically €50-500 total).

Medium-tax regions (50-75% reduction):

• Valencia
• La Rioja
• Castilla y León

High-tax regions (little/no reduction):

• Catalonia (7.5-34% for family)
• Asturias (7.65-34%)
• Aragón (7.65-34%)

Example: €200,000 inheritance to a child:

• In Madrid: €200 tax (99% reduction)
• In Catalonia: €15,000-25,000 tax (depending on amount)

That's a €15,000 difference based solely on region.

Who Pays Inheritance Tax?

Each heir pays individually on their share:

• Children and spouses: lowest rates
• Siblings, nieces/nephews: medium rates
• Distant relatives/friends: highest rates (can exceed 50%)

Non-residents face higher rates in some regions (Madrid and Andalucía changed this after EU ruling, but double-check current rules).

How to Pay Inheritance Tax

Step 1: Calculate tax owed

• Hire a tax advisor (asesor fiscal) - €500-1,500
• Or use gestoría - €300-800
• DIY possible but risky (complex calculations)

Step 2: File tax forms

• Form 650 (Modelo 650) - main inheritance tax form
• Regional variations exist
• Submit to regional tax authority (Hacienda Autonómica)

Step 3: Pay tax

• Bank transfer or in person at bank
• Get payment receipt (modelo 050)

Step 4: Attach payment proof to notary deed

• Notary won't register inheritance without tax payment proof
• Property registry won't transfer without it

Extensions possible: Can request 6-month extension before deadline (total 12 months). Requires justification and approval. Interest charges may apply.

Inheritance Tax Planning

If you live in Spain and expect to leave an inheritance:

1. Make a Spanish will - Essential to avoid complications
2. Consider your region - Madrid/Andalucía vastly cheaper than Catalonia
3. Ownership structure - Joint ownership with spouse can reduce tax
4. Life insurance - Not subject to inheritance tax if beneficiary named
5. Gifts during lifetime - Different tax treatment (gift tax)
6. Professional advice - Tax lawyer can save heirs tens of thousands

→ Find inheritance tax advisors in Spain

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Property Transfers and Plusvalía Municipal

If the inheritance includes real estate in Spain, there are additional steps:

Plusvalía Municipal (Local Capital Gains Tax)

What it is: A municipal tax on the increase in land value since the deceased acquired it.

Who pays: The heirs (not optional)

How much: Varies by municipality and years owned

• Typical range: €200-2,000 per property
• Formula: (cadastral land value × years owned × municipal rate) × 30%
• Can be steep in expensive areas or long ownership

When to pay: Within 6 months of death (same as inheritance tax deadline)

Where to pay: Town hall (Ayuntamiento) where property is located

Note: Some municipalities waive this tax for primary residences inherited by spouses/children—ask at town hall.

Registering Property Transfer

After paying inheritance tax and plusvalía, register the property transfer at the Registro de la Propiedad (Property Registry).

Required documents:

• Inheritance acceptance deed
• Proof of inheritance tax payment
• Proof of plusvalía payment
• Property deed (escritura)

Process:

• Notary or lawyer submits documents to registry
• Registry verifies all taxes paid
• Updates ownership records
• Issues new property certificate

Costs: €100-300 per property

Timeline: 2-4 weeks

Critical: Property can't be sold until registered in new owner's name.

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Costs Breakdown: Death and Inheritance in Spain

Here's what to budget for the complete process:

Immediate Costs (First Month)

Inheritance Process Costs (Months 2-6)

Grand Total

Simple estate (small, Madrid region): €4,000-10,000
Complex estate (multiple properties, high-tax region): €10,000-50,000+

Critical: Set aside cash for these expenses. Banks freeze deceased's accounts, so you can't use their money until inheritance is complete (catch-22).

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Common Mistakes That Cost Expats Thousands

Mistake #1: Not Ordering Enough Death Certificates

The problem: You get 2 free copies, figure that's enough, then need to request more later.

The cost: €3-5 per certificate + time/hassle requesting more.

The fix: Order 10-15 certified copies at initial registration. They're nearly free upfront.

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Mistake #2: Missing the 6-Month Inheritance Tax Deadline

The problem: You didn't know about the deadline, or thought you had more time.

The cost: 5-20% penalty on the tax amount, which can be €5,000-20,000+ on a large estate.

The fix: Mark your calendar immediately. Set reminders for 4 months (start process) and 5 months (final deadline buffer).

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Mistake #3: Using the Seller's Lawyer for Inheritance

The problem: Funeral home or bank recommends their "trusted" lawyer. That lawyer works for them, not you.

The cost: Overcharging, unnecessary services, conflicts of interest.

The fix: Hire your own independent lawyer specializing in international inheritance.

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Mistake #4: Not Checking for Spanish Will

The problem: You assume deceased's UK/US will covers Spanish assets. It doesn't—or creates conflicts.

The cost: Months of delays, legal challenges, potentially invalid distribution.

The fix: Always check Registro de Últimas Voluntades, even if you "know" there's no will.

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Mistake #5: Assuming UK/US Will Is Valid in Spain

The problem: Foreign wills can be recognized in Spain, but the process is complex (requires translation, apostille, legal validation). Spanish wills are much simpler.

The cost: €1,000-3,000+ in translation, apostille, and legal fees. Months of delays.

The fix: If deceased lived in Spain, they should have made a Spanish will (costs €50-150 when alive).

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Mistake #6: Not Checking All Bank Accounts

The problem: You notify one bank, but deceased had accounts at 2-3 banks you didn't know about.

The cost: Abandoned accounts, unclaimed funds, incomplete inheritance.

The fix: Check the Registro de Seguros (Insurance Registry) for life insurance policies you didn't know existed. Also search deceased's paperwork, emails, and mail for bank statements.

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Mistake #7: Selling Property Before Inheritance Tax Paid

The problem: You can't sell inherited property until it's registered in your name, which requires paying inheritance tax first.

The cost: Buyers walk away, delays in selling.

The fix: Pay inheritance tax before listing property for sale.

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Mistake #8: Ignoring Plusvalía Municipal Tax

The problem: You pay inheritance tax but forget the municipal plusvalía tax on property.

The cost: Late penalties, inability to sell property.

The fix: Ask your lawyer/gestoría about plusvalía for each property. It's required.

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Mistake #9: Accepting Inheritance With Unknown Debts

The problem: In Spain, heirs inherit BOTH assets and debts. If debts exceed assets, you're liable.

The cost: You could end up owing money.

The fix: Investigate all debts before accepting inheritance. You have the right to reject inheritance or accept "with benefit of inventory" (límite de responsabilidad) which caps your liability at asset value.

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Mistake #10: Trying to DIY Complex Inheritance

The problem: Spanish inheritance law is complex. Cross-border inheritance (foreign assets/heirs) even more so. DIY errors are costly.

The cost: Missed deadlines, incorrect tax calculations, invalid deeds, family disputes.

The fix: Hire professionals for anything beyond very simple estates:

• Tax advisor for inheritance tax (€500-1,500)
• Notary for deeds (mandatory)
• Lawyer for complex cases (€1,500-5,000)

The professional fees pay for themselves by avoiding mistakes.

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Next Steps: Your Action Checklist

Immediate (First 24-48 Hours):

• ☐ Obtain medical death certificate
• ☐ Contact funeral home
• ☐ Register death at Registro Civil
• ☐ Order 10-15 death certificates
• ☐ Secure property and valuables
• ☐ Notify police if death at home

Week 1:

• ☐ Arrange funeral/cremation
• ☐ Notify banks (but expect account freeze)
• ☐ Notify insurance companies
• ☐ Notify Social Security (INSS)
• ☐ Cancel health card
• ☐ Notify embassy if foreign national
• ☐ Wait 15 working days before will registry request

Week 2-4:

• ☐ Request Will Registry certificate (€3.82)
• ☐ Request Insurance Registry certificate (€3.82)
• ☐ Obtain will from notary (if exists)
• ☐ OR start Declaration of Heirs (if no will)
• ☐ Consult inheritance lawyer
• ☐ Gather all estate documents

Month 2-6 (CRITICAL DEADLINE: 6 MONTHS):

• ☐ Get property valuations
• ☐ Prepare inheritance acceptance deed
• ☐ Calculate inheritance tax
• ☐ Pay inheritance tax BEFORE 6-month deadline
• ☐ Pay plusvalía municipal (if property)
• ☐ Sign inheritance deed at notary
• ☐ Register property transfers

Month 6-12:

• ☐ Transfer bank accounts to heirs
• ☐ Transfer or cancel utilities
• ☐ Sell or distribute assets
• ☐ Apply for survivor pensions if eligible
• ☐ Close estate

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Get Expert Help

Dealing with death in Spain is overwhelming. You don't have to do it alone.

Use Our Complete Death & Inheritance Checklist

We've created a detailed 47-task checklist that walks you through every step of the process with deadlines, required documents, and cost estimates.

→ Access the complete death & inheritance checklist for Spain

Find Verified Professionals

Connect with English-speaking professionals who specialize in helping expats through this process:

• Funeral homes - Arrange burial, cremation, or repatriation
• Inheritance lawyers - Navigate Spanish inheritance law
• Tax advisors - Calculate and file inheritance tax
• Notaries - Execute inheritance deeds
• Gestorías - Handle paperwork and bureaucracy

All providers are verified and experienced with international cases.

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Related Resources

Inheritance Guides

• Spanish Inheritance Tax Rates by Region →
• How to Register a Death in Spain →
• Repatriating a Body from Spain →

Professional Services

• English-Speaking Funeral Homes in Spain →
• Find Inheritance Lawyers →

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This guide was last updated in January 2025. Spanish inheritance law and tax rates change periodically. Always verify current rates and deadlines with a qualified professional.

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