What to Do If Someone Dies in Spain: A Practical Guide for Foreign Residents and Property Owners
Dealing with a death is difficult under any circumstance, and it can be even more complex when it happens in a foreign country. Whether the deceased was a resident, a holidaymaker, or a property owner in Spain, understanding the steps to take and local procedures can help reduce stress during an already emotional time.
This article offers a practical overview of what to do if someone passes away in Spain, especially aimed at foreign nationals and British citizens.
Step 1: Contact Emergency Services
If the death is sudden or unexpected, call Spain’s emergency number:
112 – for police, ambulance, or fire services.
If the death occurs in a hospital, hospice, or care facility, the staff will initiate the formal process.
If the death occurs at home, a doctor must be called to confirm and certify the death (certificado de defunción). Without this certificate, no further arrangements can be made.
Step 2: Inform the Local Authorities
Once the death is certified, it must be officially registered at the Civil Registry (Registro Civil) in the town where the death occurred. This is usually done within 24 hours.
You will need:
- The death certificate
- The deceased’s passport or ID
- Details of next of kin
Once registered, the Civil Registry issues the literal death certificate (certificado literal de defunción), which is needed for funeral arrangements, repatriation, and legal processes such as wills and inheritance.
Step 3: Funeral Arrangements or Repatriation
In Spain, funerals usually take place very quickly—often within 48–72 hours of death, especially in warmer months.
You’ll need to decide whether to:
- Hold the funeral in Spain (burial or cremation)
- Repatriate the body to the deceased’s home country
Most people work with a local funeral director (funeraria), who can also assist with translations and paperwork. If the deceased had funeral insurance, this will usually cover transport and services.
For repatriation, the funeral home will coordinate with:
- Spanish and foreign authorities
- The embassy or consulate
- Airlines and customs
This process may take several days to a week.
Step 4: Notify the Embassy or Consulate
Contact your country’s embassy or consulate in Spain. For British citizens, contact:
British Consular Services in Spain
▶️ https://www.gov.uk/world/spain
They can help with:
- Repatriation information
- Local procedures
- Issuing a Consular Death Registration (optional)
- Passport cancellation
- Informing UK authorities if necessary
Step 5: Legal and Property Matters
If the deceased owned property in Spain or was a legal resident, legal steps must follow:
Check for a Will
Spain recognises both:
- Spanish wills (filed at the Spanish notary)
- Foreign wills that comply with international law (such as a UK will covering worldwide assets)
You can check with the Spanish Central Wills Registry (Registro de Últimas Voluntades) to see if a Spanish will exists.
Appoint a Lawyer
You’ll likely need a Spanish solicitor (abogado), especially if:
- The deceased owned property or assets in Spain
- There’s no will
- You need to handle inheritance tax (Impuesto de Sucesiones)
Inheritance in Spain does not pass automatically, and heirs must formally accept their inheritance through a notary process.
Step 6: Inheritance and Taxes
In Spain:
- Inheritance tax must be paid within six months of the death (extensions are possible).
- Taxes vary depending on the relationship to the deceased and the autonomous region (e.g. Andalucía, Valencia, etc.).
- Beneficiaries must settle debts, community fees, and utilities if inheriting a property.
Professional guidance is essential here—especially if multiple heirs or foreign laws are involved.
Helpful Documents to Gather
To navigate the process smoothly, try to locate:
- The deceased’s passport and NIE
- Any will (Spanish or foreign)
- Title deeds to any Spanish property
- Funeral plan or insurance
- List of local bank accounts or assets
Practical Tips
- Plan ahead: If you or your relative owns property in Spain, it’s wise to prepare a Spanish will and understand local succession laws.
- Appoint a power of attorney: If you live abroad, you may need someone locally to act on your behalf during the legal process.
- Keep translations ready: Foreign documents may require official translations (traducción jurada) and apostilles for Spanish legal use.
Final Thoughts
Losing someone is always hard, but being informed about local procedures can make a difficult time a little more manageable. If the deceased had property or assets in Spain, taking timely steps—particularly with legal advice—can prevent delays and protect their estate.
For more guidance or help, contact the British Consulate, your embassy, or a trusted local lawyer.
