Funeral process for expats in Spain

The loss of a loved one is always a challenging time, and it can be even more overwhelming when you're living in a foreign country. If you're an expat in Spain, it's important to familiarise yourself with the local funeral customs and procedures to ensure a smooth and respectful process. This article will guide you through the various steps involved in organising a funeral for an expat in Spain.

1. Reporting the death

The first step when a death occurs is to have the death certified by a medical professional. If the death occurs at home, call the local emergency number (112) and request a doctor. If the death occurs in a hospital or care facility, the staff will handle this process for you.

Once the death has been certified, the doctor will issue a Certificado Médico de Defunción (Medical Death Certificate). This document is essential for registering the death and obtaining the necessary permits for burial or cremation.

2. Registering the death

The next step is to register the death with the local Registro Civil (Civil Registry) within 24 hours of the passing. You will need to provide the Medical Death Certificate, the deceased's passport, and your own identification. The Civil Registry will issue a Certificado de Defunción (Death Certificate), which is required for all further funeral arrangements. These steps can also be carried out by the funeral director.

It's also a good idea to notify their home country’s embassy or consulate. They can provide assistance with repatriating the body if desired, and they can help notify the next of kin if you do not have those details.

3. Choosing a funeral director

Funeral directors in Spain are known as funerarias or tanatorios. It's important to choose a reputable funeral director who is familiar with the specific requirements for expats. They will guide you through the entire process, from obtaining the necessary permits to organizing the funeral service and assisting with any religious requirements you may have.

4. The Funeral service and Spanish Traditions

Funeral services in Spain are typically held within 24–48 hours after the death unless special circumstances apply. This is due to the warm climate and the lack of embalming, which is not a common practice in Spain. The funeral service can be religious or non-religious, depending on the wishes of the deceased and their family.

It's essential to communicate your preferences to the funeral director, as they will help arrange the service, including booking a venue, organising transportation, and coordinating with a religious leader if desired.

In Spain, the funeral process is typically divided into three main parts: the wake, the funeral service, and the burial or cremation. Each of these stages has its own customs and traditions that are deeply rooted in Spanish culture:

The Wake (Velatorio)

The wake, or velatorio in Spanish, is the first step in the funeral process. It usually takes place at the deceased's home or a designated funeral parlour. The wake is an opportunity for family and friends to pay their respects and offer condolences to the bereaved family. It is common for the deceased to be displayed in an open casket, surrounded by flowers and candles. Mourners may visit throughout the day and night, and it is customary to spend some time in quiet reflection or prayer by the casket.

The Funeral Service (Funeral)

The funeral service, or simply funeral in Spanish, is held at a church or funeral home, depending on the family's preference and religious beliefs. The service typically includes prayers, hymns, and a eulogy given by a family member or close friend. In Catholic services, a Mass is usually celebrated, with the priest offering words of comfort and hope to the grieving family.

The Burial or Cremation (Entierro o cremación)

After the funeral service, the deceased is transported to the cemetery or crematorium for burial or cremation. In many cases the crematorium will be in the same building as the funeral parlour, making it much easier for the family as all stages of the funeral will take place within the same building.

In Spain, both burial and cremation are accepted, although burial is more common in villages. In rural areas, if a person is buried, the procession leading to the cemetery commonly begins with family members and friends walking behind the hearse.

Once at the cemetery, a brief graveside service is held before the casket is lowered into the ground. It is important to know that due to limited space in many cemeteries, burial plots are often leased for a specific period (usually 5–15 years), after which the remains may be exhumed and moved to a common grave or an ossuary. As a result, it is important to clearly understand what you are purchasing and if the plot is permanent or temporary.

If the deceased is to be cremated, you will need to obtain a Permiso de Cremación (Cremation Permit) from the local authorities. This requires presenting the Death Certificate, Medical Death Certificate, and the deceased's identification. However, if you have contracted a funeral director, they will take care of navigating these bureaucratic steps for you. The cremation usually takes place shortly after the funeral service. The ashes are then either placed in an urn and given to the family or scattered according to the deceased's wishes.

In Spain, scattering ashes is generally allowed, but certain restrictions apply. Avoid public roads and parks, and take the urn back with you unless it's biodegradable. Each town may issue additional restrictions, particularly for popular scattering locations. Scattering ashes near the coast or beach is prohibited; you will have to take them out on a boat to a predefined distance from the shore. Be aware that specific rules and laws govern the scattering of ashes, and non-compliance can result in fines of up to 15,000 euros in some areas. Always check local regulations before proceeding to ensure respectful and lawful scattering.

5. Repatriation

If the deceased wished to be buried or cremated in their home country, the process of repatriation can be complex and costly. It's crucial to work closely with the funeral director, who will help you navigate the necessary paperwork and coordinate transportation.

Each country has different requirements, so you will need to contact your local consulate. It's important for you to know that if the deceased does not have any family members living in their home country or any other relatives who can take responsibility for them, they may not be able to return home at all.

You will need several documents for repatriation, including the Death Certificate, Medical Death Certificate, Embalming Certificate, if applicable (Certificado de Embalsamamiento), and a Repatriation Permit (Permiso de Repatriación) from the local authorities. Once the deceased has been prepared according to local regulations, you will be able to send the body home either by air or sea.

6. How much does a funeral cost in Spain

In Spain, according to the Organisation for Consumers and Users (OCU), the average cost of a funeral involving a traditional burial is around €3,739, while a funeral service with cremation is slightly cheaper at €3,617. Funeral costs can vary depending on factors such as location, services needed, type of coffin, and other variables.

When examining average costs, one can anticipate paying €1,198 for the coffin, €646 for the burial and associated cemetery fees, €546 for the funeral home, €319 for obituaries, €291 for personnel and services, €211 for the funeral vehicle, €205 for administrative processes, €186 for floral arrangements, and an additional €137 for unforeseen expenses.

7. How to plan ahead for your funeral

As an expat living in Spain, it is essential to plan ahead for your funeral to ensure that your final wishes are carried out according to your preferences and to ease the burden on your loved ones. These steps will ensure a smooth process for your funeral arrangements in Spain.

Make a Will

The death of an expat can have legal implications, depending on the circumstances of their death. If an expat dies in Spain and there is no will or trust, then their estate will be distributed according to Spanish inheritance law. This means that everything they own goes to their closest relatives; if there are no surviving family members left behind then everything goes to the government.

Having a legally valid will in place is crucial to ensure that your assets are distributed according to your wishes after your death. In Spain, it is common to have two separate wills – one for your assets in Spain and another for assets in your home country. Consult with a lawyer experienced in international estate planning to help you draft a will that complies with both Spanish and your home country's laws. To understand more about Spanish wills and inheritance laws in Spain read this article.

Plan for Funeral Expenses

Planning for your funeral expenses can help alleviate the financial burden on your loved ones and ensure that your funeral arrangements are carried out according to your preferences.

Pre-paid funeral plans in Spain (plan funerario prepago) are a popular way for Expats to ensure that their families are prepared for the inevitable end-of-life expenses. These plans allow people to pre-pay for their funeral services, locking in today’s price and taking the financial burden off their loved ones during a difficult time. The plans, offered by funeral homes and funeral director companies, typically include services such as administrative assistance, coffin selection, transportation, and burial or cremation arrangements.

Funeral insurance policies (seguro de decesos) in Spain are an alternative solution and are more widely used by the Spanish population, but they can be expensive if you contract them later in life. Normally, after the age of 65, the insurance company will charge one fixed fee for the policy. These insurance policies are designed to cover the costs and organisation of funeral services upon the death of an insured person. They help alleviate the financial burden on the family and ensure that the funeral arrangements are carried out according to the individual's preferences. Some popular providers of funeral insurance in Spain include Mapfre, Ocaso, BBVA Allianz and Caser Seguros amongst many others. The coverage provided by these policies may vary, but they typically include organising, managing, and executing the funeral service, as well as covering the associated costs up to an insured capital limit.

Inform Your Loved Ones of Your Wishes

Communicate your funeral preferences to your loved ones, including the location of your will, any pre-paid funeral arrangements, and specific requests for your funeral service. This will help ensure that your wishes are carried out, and provide guidance for your family during a difficult time.

Keep Important Documents Accessible

Ensure that your important documents, such as your will, funeral pre-payment contract, and any insurance policies, are easily accessible to your loved ones after your death. You may want to provide copies of these documents to a trusted family member or friend or store them in a secure location, such as a safety deposit box.

By planning ahead for your funeral as an expat in Spain, you can ensure that your final wishes are respected and alleviate the burden on your loved ones during a challenging time.

8. How does organ donation work in Spain when someone dies?

Spain has a very structured system for organ donation. Organ donation and transplantation have been highly successful, making the country a global leader in this field. The organ donation process in Spain is based on an "opt-out" system, where all citizens are automatically considered donors unless they explicitly opt out.

Expats living in Spain are also affected by the country's organ donation system. This means that expats, like Spanish citizens, are automatically considered organ donors unless they explicitly opt out. For this reason, if you do not want your organs to be donated, then it is important that this is registered with your doctor (or another medical professional).

9. Grieving and support

Grieving the loss of a loved one can be especially difficult when living abroad. It's important to reach out to friends, family, and support groups to help you through this challenging time. Many expat communities in Spain have bereavement support groups or can connect you with local therapists or counsellors who speak your language.

The funeral process for expats in Spain can be quite different from what you may be accustomed to. As a result, it is essential to plan ahead, act quickly, and have the necessary documents ready, which will help ensure a respectful and smooth process during this difficult time. If you do need legal assistance organising your will and final wishes please see our directory for lawyers and solicitors in Spain.