What to Do When a Family Member Dies in Spain: Step-by-Step Guide

Introduction

We understand that you are going through one of the most difficult moments of your life. Losing a loved one is an overwhelming experience, and it is completely natural to feel that you do not know where to begin. This guide exists precisely to accompany you through these first steps, so that you can focus on what matters most: being with your family.

When a family member dies in Spain, there are a series of procedures and formalities that must be carried out in a specific order and within particular timeframes. From obtaining the medical death certificate to registering the death at the Civil Registry (Registro Civil), through to choosing a funeral company and managing the death insurance, each step has its proper moment.

In this guide we explain, clearly and without jargon, what to do when a family member dies: the immediate steps in the first 24 hours, the documents you will need to gather, how to choose a funeral company (with or without death insurance), the mandatory procedures during the first two weeks, and the formalities you will need to complete from 15 days onwards, such as requesting the Certificate of Last Wills (Certificado de Ultimas Voluntades) or managing the inheritance.

This guide is designed for immediate family members -- spouse, adult children, siblings -- who need practical, immediate guidance. We have organised all the information in chronological order, so you can consult it step by step as needs arise.

During such a difficult time, many families find comfort in creating a digital memorial where they can gather memories, photographs and condolences from loved ones -- a space of remembrance accessible from anywhere.

First steps after the death (first 24 hours)

The first thing you should know when a family member dies is that the immediate steps depend on where the death occurred. In all cases, the initial objective is the same: obtain the medical death certificate and contact a funeral company. Below we explain how to act in each situation.

If the death occurs at home

When a family member dies at home, the first step is to call 112 or the family doctor at the corresponding health centre. Do not move or handle the body of the deceased. If the death was expected (terminal illness, palliative care), the family doctor or home care team will come to the home to certify the death.

If the death is unexpected, the emergency services (112) will send an ambulance and, if necessary, the police. In this case, intervention by the duty court may be needed to authorise the issuance of the medical death certificate, which can extend the timeframes.

Once the death has been certified, these are the immediate steps:

1. Obtain the medical death certificate: issued by the doctor who certifies the death. It is essential for any subsequent procedure.
2. Contact the funeral company: if the deceased had death insurance (seguro de decesos), call the insurance company directly (they operate 24 hours). If not, contact a funeral company of your choice.
3. Gather the deceased's documentation: national identity card (DNI) or passport, health card and Family Record Book (Libro de Familia).

If the death occurs in hospital

When the death occurs in a hospital, the process is simpler in terms of certification. The hospital issues the medical death certificate through its own medical services.

The steps the family should follow are:

1. Collect the medical death certificate from the hospital's admissions or patient services department.
2. Contact the funeral company or death insurance company: most hospitals have a direct telephone number or guidance service.
3. Collect the personal belongings of the deceased.
4. Transfer the body: the funeral company will handle the transfer from the hospital to the funeral parlour (tanatorio).

Important: In Spain, around 46% of the population has death insurance (seguro de decesos). If the deceased had this type of insurance, the insurance company will manage most of the funeral arrangements: transfer, funeral parlour, coffin and ceremony. Check this before incurring expenses.

If the death occurs outside Spain

When a family member dies abroad, the process is more complex and requires coordination with the Spanish consulate in the country where the death occurred. The main steps are:

1. Contact the Spanish consulate in the relevant country. The consulate will advise on local procedures and provide the necessary documentation.
2. Obtain the local death certificate, legalised and translated (Hague Apostille if applicable).
3. Decide between repatriation or burial in the country: if repatriation is chosen, the funeral company and/or insurance company manages the international transfer of the coffin.
4. Register the death at the Consular Civil Registry, which will subsequently communicate it to the Central Civil Registry in Madrid.

If the deceased had death insurance, most policies cover repatriation. Check the conditions with the insurer.

Documents needed in the first days

Gathering the correct documentation is essential for the procedures following the death of a family member to proceed without delays. Each document serves a specific function and is needed at different points in the process. Below are the documents you should have prepared.

Medical death certificate

This is the first document obtained. It is issued by the doctor who certifies the death (whether at home, in hospital or through emergency services). Without this document, no subsequent procedure can be carried out.

Civil Registry registration

Under Law 20/2011 on the Civil Registry (Ley 20/2011 del Registro Civil), the death must be communicated to the Civil Registry corresponding to the place where it occurred. When the death occurs in a healthcare facility, the hospital itself submits the notification electronically. If it occurs outside a healthcare facility, the family or funeral company must report it as soon as possible.

Following registration, the Civil Registry issues the death certificate and the burial licence, which is an essential document for the burial or cremation to proceed.

Family Record Book (Libro de Familia)

Although its use has been decreasing with the digitalisation of the Civil Registry, the Family Record Book is still needed to prove family relationships in various procedures, especially those related to inheritance, the widow's/widower's pension (pension de viudedad) and the funeral allowance (auxilio por defuncion).

While you organise the first steps, many families find comfort in knowing that they can create a space of remembrance where they gather photos and condolence messages from loved ones, accessible from anywhere at any time. Discover digital memorials on Kinmory

How to choose and contact a funeral company

Choosing a funeral company is one of the first decisions the family must make after the death. In Spain, the process varies significantly depending on whether the deceased had death insurance or not. The average cost of a complete funeral is between 3,500 and 5,500 EUR, although it can vary considerably by city and type of service.

If the deceased had death insurance

Approximately three out of four people in Spain have death insurance. If this is your case, the process is considerably simpler:

1. Call the insurance company: all have 24-hour helplines, 365 days a year.
2. The insurer takes care of everything: transfer of the deceased, funeral parlour, coffin or urn, ceremony management (religious or civil), flowers, death notices and administrative procedures.
3. Review the policy: some cover additional services such as catering for the family or legal advice on inheritance.

The insurance company will assign a coordinator to guide the family through each step. This service is included in the policy at no additional cost.

If there was no death insurance

If the deceased did not have death insurance, the family will need to organise the funeral services themselves. We recommend the following:

1. Compare at least 2 or 3 funeral companies: request detailed, written quotes before making a decision. Do not allow yourself to be pressured by urgency.
2. Ask for a full breakdown: the quote should include transfer, funeral parlour, coffin or urn, ceremony, administrative management and, where applicable, the niche or cemetery plot.
3. Ask about payment options: some funeral companies offer payment facilities.

Indicative data for 2026. Prices vary by city and autonomous community. Source: funeral sector data and specialist comparison sites.

For detailed information on costs according to your situation, you may consult our complete guide on how much a funeral costs in Spain in 2026.

Mandatory procedures in the first 15 days

Once the burial has taken place, there are a series of administrative formalities that must be completed in the days following the death. These procedures have legal deadlines and failure to comply can cause complications later on. Below we detail them in order of priority.

Notify Social Security (INSS) of the death

If the deceased was a pensioner or receiving any Social Security benefit, the death must be reported to the National Social Security Institute (Instituto Nacional de la Seguridad Social, INSS) within a maximum of 30 days. You can do this:

• In person at an INSS office (with a prior appointment)
• Through the Social Security electronic portal (with a digital certificate)

Apply for the funeral allowance

The funeral allowance (auxilio por defuncion) is a Social Security benefit consisting of a one-off payment of 46.50 EUR. Although the amount is symbolic, it is a right you are entitled to if the deceased was registered or in an equivalent situation. The deadline for claiming it is five years from the date of death.

It is applied for at the INSS by presenting the death certificate and proving your family relationship with the deceased. For more information on this and other benefits, see our guide on the funeral allowance and other benefits.

Apply for the widow's/widower's pension (if applicable)

If the deceased was married or in a registered partnership, the surviving spouse may be entitled to a widow's/widower's pension (pension de viudedad). This benefit is also applied for at the INSS and the requirements vary depending on the deceased's employment situation. It is advisable to start this procedure as soon as possible, as the benefit is paid retroactively from the date of death if applied for within the first three months.

Notify the employer

If the deceased was an active worker, the family must notify the employer of the death. Additionally, if you need to be absent from your own work to handle the procedures, the Workers' Statute (Estatuto de los Trabajadores, article 37.3) grants you paid leave:

According to the Workers' Statute, article 37.3. Your company's collective agreement may establish more favourable conditions.

Cancel or transfer utility accounts

In the weeks following the death, it is advisable to manage:

• Home utilities (electricity, water, gas, internet): change of account holder if the contract was in the deceased's name.
• Bank accounts: notify the bank of the death. The bank will temporarily freeze the accounts until the heirs are confirmed.
• Subscriptions and services: cancel health insurance, mobile phone, digital platforms and other recurring services.
• Vehicles: if the deceased owned vehicles, you will need to arrange the transfer or deregistration with the DGT (Direccion General de Trafico).

Procedures from 15 days onwards

After the first 15 days following the death, a second phase of formalities begins, more focused on the inheritance and the deceased's financial situation. These procedures are equally important and have deadlines that should be respected to avoid surcharges or legal complications.

Certificate of Last Wills (Certificado de Ultimas Voluntades)

The Certificate of Last Wills is a document issued by the Ministry of Justice (Ministerio de Justicia) that indicates whether the deceased made a will and, if so, before which notary. It is essential for starting any inheritance procedure.

• When to request it: from 15 working days after the death.
• How to request it: electronically through the Ministry of Justice website, in person at the Territorial Offices (Gerencias Territoriales) or by post.
• Cost: 3.86 EUR (form 790 fee).
• Processing time: 5 days (electronically) or 10 days (by post).

For a detailed guide on this procedure, see our article on mandatory procedures after death.

Certificate of Death Cover Insurance Contracts (RCSF)

This certificate, issued by the Registry of Death Cover Insurance Contracts (Registro de Contratos de Seguros de Cobertura de Fallecimiento, RCSF), allows you to verify whether the deceased had any life insurance or death insurance that the family was unaware of. It is requested from the Directorate-General for Insurance and Pension Funds (Direccion General de Seguros y Fondos de Pensiones), also from 15 working days after the death.

Acceptance of inheritance and Inheritance Tax

Once the Certificate of Last Wills has been obtained, the heirs must:

1. Visit the notary: if a will exists, it is opened and read. If there is no will, a declaration of intestate heirs is made.
2. Carry out an inventory of assets and debts: it is essential to know the deceased's complete estate before accepting the inheritance.
3. Accept or renounce the inheritance: heirs may accept the inheritance unconditionally, accept it with the benefit of inventory (being liable for debts only up to the value of the inherited assets) or renounce it.
4. Pay the Inheritance Tax (Impuesto de Sucesiones): this tax must be paid within 6 months of the death (extendable by a further 6 months if an extension is requested within the first 5 months). The amount varies significantly by autonomous community, as each one sets its own allowances and reductions.

Allowances may change according to the legislation in force at any given time. Consult a tax adviser in your autonomous community.

Note: If you need inheritance advice, consider consulting a lawyer specialising in succession. Many bar associations offer a first consultation at no charge.

Frequently asked questions

How long do I have to register a death at the Civil Registry?

The registration must be carried out as soon as possible. Under Law 20/2011 on the Civil Registry, if the death occurs in a healthcare facility, the hospital itself communicates the death electronically to the Civil Registry. If it occurs outside a healthcare facility, the family must immediately inform the public authorities, who will relay the notification to the Civil Registry. The registration is carried out on the same day the documentation is submitted.

Who is responsible for organising the funeral if there is no death insurance?

The immediate family of the deceased must contact a funeral company and organise the funeral services. It is advisable to request at least two or three detailed quotes before deciding. The average cost of a complete funeral in Spain without insurance ranges between 3,500 and 5,500 EUR, depending on the city and type of service (burial or cremation). Some funeral companies offer payment facilities for families who need them.

Can I take time off work for the death of a family member?

Yes. The Workers' Statute (Estatuto de los Trabajadores, article 37.3) grants a paid leave of 2 calendar days for the death of relatives up to the second degree of consanguinity or affinity (spouse, parents, children, siblings, grandparents, grandchildren, in-laws). If the death requires travel, the leave extends to 4 days. Additionally, your company's collective agreement may establish more favourable conditions.

What is the Certificate of Last Wills and when can I request it?

The Certificate of Last Wills (Certificado de Ultimas Voluntades) is the document that confirms whether the deceased made a will and before which notary. It is essential for starting inheritance proceedings. It is requested from the Ministry of Justice, either electronically or in person, and can only be applied for from 15 working days after the date of death. Its cost is 3.86 EUR and it is issued within 5 to 10 days.

How much does a funeral cost in Spain in 2026?

The average cost of a complete funeral in Spain ranges between 3,500 and 5,500 EUR, although it varies significantly by city, autonomous community and type of service chosen. A complete burial costs on average around 3,500 EUR, while cremation may be slightly lower, at around 3,000 - 4,500 EUR. In cities such as Madrid or Barcelona, prices tend to be higher, in some cases exceeding 5,000 EUR.

Summary

These are the key points to remember about what to do when a family member dies in Spain:

• First hours: obtain the medical death certificate (by calling 112 if at home, or from the admissions service if in hospital) and contact the funeral company or death insurance provider.
• First day: register the death at the Civil Registry and obtain the burial licence.
• Death insurance: check whether the deceased had this insurance (around 46% of Spaniards do). The insurer handles almost everything.
• Without insurance: compare at least 2-3 quotes from funeral companies. The average cost ranges between 3,500 and 5,500 EUR.
• First 15 days: notify the INSS (if the deceased was a pensioner), apply for the funeral allowance (46.50 EUR), arrange your work leave (2-4 days) and cancel utilities.
• From 15 days: request the Certificate of Last Wills (3.86 EUR, Ministry of Justice) and the Certificate of Insurance Contracts.
• Before 6 months: accept the inheritance and pay the Inheritance Tax (varies by autonomous community).
• Do not forget to look after yourself: grief is a process that takes time. Do not hesitate to seek professional support if you need it.

Related articles

• How much does a funeral cost in Spain in 2026 -- Full breakdown of prices by city and type of service.
• Mandatory procedures after death -- Detailed guide to all administrative formalities with deadlines and documentation.
• Death insurance: what it covers and how it works -- Everything you need to know about this widely held insurance in Spain.
• What to do if you do not have death insurance -- Options, quotes and alternatives for organising a funeral without cover.
• Funeral allowance and other benefits -- Social Security benefits and available aid for families.

Preserve their memory

Create a digital memorial on Kinmory: add photos, videos and the life story of your loved one. A permanent space where family and friends can share memories and condolences, accessible from anywhere in the world. QR code for the gravestone included.

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Data updated as of 15 March 2026. Prices, deadlines and regulations may vary. We recommend confirming the information with the relevant authorities or a professional.