Contents
- Introduction
- What is the death certificate and why you need it
- How to obtain the death certificate in person
- How to obtain the death certificate online
- Who can request the certificate
- How many copies do I need and what for
- Frequently asked questions
- Summary
Introduction
We understand that dealing with bureaucratic procedures is the last thing you want to do at a time of grief. However, the death certificate is the most important document you will need after the death of a loved one: without it, you will be unable to begin practically any subsequent procedure, from the inheritance to the cancellation of contracts.
The good news is that obtaining it is relatively simple, quick and free. In this guide we explain exactly what the death certificate is, how to request it -- both in person and online -- who can request it and how many copies you will need. The aim is for you to resolve this task as soon as possible and focus your energy on what truly matters: being with your family.
If you are looking for a complete checklist of all the procedures after a death, we recommend our guide to mandatory procedures.
What is the death certificate and why you need it
The death certificate (certificado de defunción) is the official document issued by the Civil Registry (Registro Civil) that legally certifies that a person has died. It is the first document needed to begin any procedure following a death, from the inheritance to the cancellation of utility contracts.
Two documents that are commonly confused
Many families confuse two different documents they receive in the first hours:
| Document | Who issues it | What it is for | Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| Medical death certificate (certificado médico de defunción) | The doctor who certifies the death | Determines the cause of death. Needed to register the death at the Civil Registry. | Free |
| Official death certificate (certificado literal de defunción) | The Civil Registry | Legally certifies the death. The document needed for ALL subsequent procedures. | Free |
The medical certificate is obtained automatically: it is issued by the doctor who confirms the death (GP, A&E or forensic doctor). The Civil Registry certificate is the one you must actively request and is the one that banks, notaries, insurance companies and public bodies will ask for.
Procedures that require the death certificate
| Procedure | Body | Copies needed |
|---|---|---|
| Inheritance / notarial deed | Notary | 1 - 2 |
| Unblocking bank accounts | Each bank | 1 per bank |
| Activating the death insurance (seguro de decesos) | Insurance company | 1 |
| Widow's/widower's pension | INSS | 1 |
| Funeral benefit (auxilio por defunción) | INSS | 1 |
| Inheritance tax (Impuesto de Sucesiones) | Regional tax authority | 1 |
| Cancelling utilities (electricity, gas, phone) | Each provider | 1 per service |
| Cancelling health card | Health centre | 1 |
| Removal from the municipal register | Town hall | 1 |
Recommendation: request at least 5 copies of the death certificate from the start. It is free and will save you future trips.
While you gather the necessary documentation, you can create a digital memorial where the family can share memories and photographs of the loved one.
How to obtain the death certificate in person
The most direct way to obtain the certificate is to go in person to the Civil Registry. The process is simple and does not require an appointment in most municipalities.
Step by step
- Go to the Civil Registry of the municipality where the death occurred (not the deceased's home address, unless they coincide).
- Request the official death certificate (certificado literal de defunción) at the public service counter.
- Provide the deceased's details: full name, date of death and, if known, date of birth and ID number (DNI).
- Identify yourself with your DNI or passport (although not strictly mandatory, it speeds up the process).
- Collect the certificate: in most Civil Registries it is issued on the spot or within minutes.
Important information
- Cost: free.
- Opening hours: varies by Civil Registry. Most are open Monday to Friday from 9:00 to 14:00.
- Time: on the spot or same day, unless the Registry is saturated.
- Appointment: not required in most municipalities, but some large city Civil Registries (Madrid, Barcelona) recommend it.
Request by post
If you cannot attend in person, you can send a request by post to the corresponding Civil Registry. Include:
- Your personal details and delivery address
- The deceased's details (name, date and place of death)
- A photocopy of your ID (DNI)
The certificate will be sent to your address within 7 to 15 working days. It is free; you only pay the postage costs.
How to obtain the death certificate online
From the Electronic Office of the Ministry of Justice (Sede Electrónica del Ministerio de Justicia) you can request the death certificate without leaving home. There are two options:
With electronic identification (immediate download)
If you have a digital certificate or are registered with Cl@ve, you can download the certificate in PDF format immediately:
- Go to sede.mjusticia.gob.es/tramites/certificado-defuncion.
- Select "Application with digital certificate" or "Application with Cl@ve".
- Enter the deceased's details (name, surnames, date and place of death).
- Download the certificate in PDF.
Time: immediate.
Without electronic identification (postal delivery)
If you do not have a digital certificate or Cl@ve:
- Go to the same web address.
- Select "Application without digital certificate".
- Fill in the form with the deceased's details and your postal address.
- The certificate will be sent by post to your address.
Time: between 5 and 10 working days.
Limitations
- Only certificates for deaths registered in Spain or at Spanish Consulates, after 1870, can be issued.
- The same certificate cannot be requested until 15 days have passed since the previous request.
Who can request the certificate
Any person can request a death certificate in Spain. Unlike other Civil Registry certificates (such as birth or marriage, which may have restrictions), the death certificate is a public document and no family relationship, power of attorney or justification is required.
This means that:
- A family member can request it without proving kinship.
- A lawyer, administrator or notary can obtain it directly.
- An employer, insurer or bank can also request it.
- Even a private individual with no connection to the deceased can legally request it.
Note: the registration of the death at the Civil Registry does require the involvement of a family member or authorised person. But once the registration is done, the certificate is publicly accessible.
How many copies do I need and what for
Request at least 5 copies of the death certificate from the very first moment, although ideally 8 to 10. Each body -- bank, insurer, notary, public authority -- will ask for an original or certified copy, and requesting several at once is free. These are the minimum recommended copies:
| Destination | Copies |
|---|---|
| Notary (inheritance, declaration of heirs) | 2 |
| Banks (one per institution where accounts are held) | 1 - 3 |
| Insurance company (death and/or life insurance) | 1 |
| INSS (widow's pension, funeral benefit) | 1 |
| Regional tax authority (Inheritance Tax) | 1 |
| Service providers (contract cancellations) | 1 - 3 |
| Total recommended | At least 5, ideally 8-10 |
Requesting several copies from the start is free and will save you future trips. If you need additional copies later, you can request them at any time -- there is no limit on requests.
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between the medical death certificate and the Civil Registry certificate?
The medical death certificate (certificado médico de defunción) is issued by the doctor who confirms the death and states the cause. The Civil Registry certificate (certificado literal de defunción) is the official legal document that proves the death and is the one needed for all subsequent procedures: inheritance, insurance, pensions and cancellation of services.
Can you obtain the death certificate online?
Yes. You can request it through the Electronic Office of the Ministry of Justice (sede.mjusticia.gob.es). If you identify yourself with a digital certificate or Cl@ve, you can download it immediately. Without electronic identification, the certificate is sent by post within 5 to 10 working days.
Who can request a death certificate?
Any person can request a death certificate in Spain. It is a public document: no family relationship or justification is required. This is because the registration of a death is a matter of general interest, unlike other Civil Registry certificates.
How much does the death certificate cost?
The death certificate is free when requested in person at the Civil Registry. The online request through the Electronic Office of the Ministry of Justice is also free. There are no fees associated with this certificate.
What happens if the death occurred abroad?
If a Spanish citizen dies abroad, the death must be registered at the corresponding Consular Civil Registry. The certificate can subsequently be requested from the Central Civil Registry in Madrid or through the Electronic Office. The process may require additional documentation depending on the country.
Summary
- There are two different documents: the medical certificate (issued by the doctor) and the official death certificate (issued by the Civil Registry). You need the latter for all procedures.
- It is free: there is no cost whatsoever, whether in person or online.
- Anyone can request it: it is a public document, with no family relationship restrictions.
- In person: go to the Civil Registry of the municipality where the death occurred. It is obtained on the spot.
- Online: through sede.mjusticia.gob.es. With Cl@ve or digital certificate, immediate download. Without electronic identification, postal delivery in 5-10 days.
- Request at least 5 copies from the start: you will need them for banks, notaries, insurers and public bodies.
- It can also be requested by post if you cannot attend in person or do not have electronic identification.
Related articles
- Mandatory procedures after a death: complete checklist 2026 -- chronological checklist with all steps and deadlines.
- Inheritance without a will in Spain: how it is divided -- order of heirs, notarial procedures and costs.
- Inheritance Tax in Spain 2026 -- how much is paid by autonomous community.
- Social Security funeral benefit (auxilio por defunción) -- the state benefit of EUR 46.50 and how to apply.
- Death insurance in Spain (seguro de decesos) -- what it covers, how to activate it and whether it is worth it.
While you manage the paperwork -- consider a digital memorial
Bureaucratic procedures are necessary, but they are not the only thing that matters. While you gather the documentation, you can create a space where the family gathers memories, photographs and messages of love for your loved one. A digital memorial remains accessible to everyone, at any time and from anywhere.