Step-by-step guide for handling a death in Spain, from the first 24 hours to inheritance tax. Updated for 2026.
Spanish law requires deaths to be registered within 24 hours. Funerals typically happen within 24-72 hours. This is much faster than UK/US timelines.
When someone dies in Spain, time-sensitive actions must be taken within the first 24 hours. This tight timeline is very different from UK/US procedures.
Call for Medical Certification
Call 112 (emergencies) or 092 (local police). A doctor must certify the death and issue a medical death certificate (Certificado Médico de Defunción).
Contact a Funeral Director
Choose a funeral director who speaks English. They will collect the body and handle registration with the Civil Registry (Registro Civil).
Notify UK/US Embassy (if applicable)
For British citizens: +34 917 146 300
For US citizens: +34 915 872 200
Gather Essential Documents
Passport, NIE/residence card, Spanish will (if applicable), insurance documents, marriage certificate (if applicable).
The death must be registered at the local Civil Registry (Registro Civil) within 24 hours. Your funeral director typically handles this.
1. Medical Death Certificate (Certificado Médico)
Issued by the doctor who certifies the death. States cause of death.
2. Death Certificate (Certificado de Defunción)
Issued by Civil Registry after registration. Official legal document.
3. International Death Certificate
Multilingual certificate valid in EU countries. Request if repatriating or handling international affairs.
Pro Tip: Request multiple certified copies (5-10) immediately. You'll need them for banks, insurance, inheritance, pensions, and more. Additional copies later require visiting the registry again.
Funeral directors (tanatorios) in Spain handle everything from body collection to burial/cremation and paperwork. Choose one who speaks English to avoid misunderstandings.
Cost Range: Funerals in Spain cost €3,000-€6,000 for basic services. Repatriation to UK/US adds €8,000-€15,000. Get quotes from 2-3 funeral directors.
Both burial and cremation are common in Spain. Your choice depends on religious preferences, cost, and whether you plan to repatriate remains.
Cost: €2,000-€5,000
Cost: €1,500-€3,500
Repatriation involves transporting the deceased back to their home country for burial or cremation. This is complex and expensive.
1. Embalming & Documentation: Spanish law requires embalming for international transport. You need medical death certificate, consular death certificate, and embalming certificate.
2. Airline Coordination: Body transported in sealed zinc-lined coffin. Must fly as cargo. Funeral director coordinates with airline.
3. Receiving Country Requirements: UK/US have specific import requirements. Receiving funeral director handles customs clearance.
Cost Warning: Full body repatriation costs €10,000-€15,000 (Spain to UK) or €15,000-€25,000 (Spain to US). Cremating in Spain and transporting ashes costs only €2,000-€4,000 total.
Spain charges inheritance tax (Impuesto de Sucesiones) on worldwide assets of Spanish residents, or Spanish assets of non-residents. Rates vary by region and relationship.
Tax Rates: 7.65% - 34%
Depends on amount inherited, region, and relationship to deceased
6-Month Deadline
Must file and pay within 6 months (extensible to 1 year with penalty)
Regional Variations
Madrid, Valencia, Andalusia have generous exemptions. Catalonia has higher rates.
This certificate shows whether the deceased made a will in Spain. Required before distributing inheritance.
Important: If the deceased had wills in multiple countries (e.g., UK will for UK assets, Spanish will for Spanish assets), you need certificates from all countries.
During this difficult time, working with professionals who speak your language makes everything easier.
Three fields, free quotes from vetted English-speaking professionals — reply within 4 business hours.