Death Procedures For British Nationals In Spain

When someone passes away in Spain

Losing a loved one is one of life’s hardest moments — and when it happens abroad, it can bring extra challenges. For British nationals in Spain, the combination of language barriers, legal formalities and differing customs can make the experience daunting. Understanding the key steps can help reduce stress and ensure that everything is handled correctly and respectfully.

Immediate steps after a death

If the death occurs at home, contact the local emergency services by dialling 112. A doctor will issue a medical death certificate (“certificado médico de defunción”). If the death happens in hospital, the hospital will take care of this step and arrange for the body to be moved to the mortuary. You should then contact a local funeral director (tanatorio) as soon as possible.

Funeral directors in Spain are professional, well-equipped, and often have English-speaking staff — particularly in areas with large expat populations. If you need assistance finding one, the British Consulate can help locate English-speaking undertakers and liaise with them on your behalf.

Time limits and preservation

Spanish law requires that burial, cremation, or embalming takes place within 48 hours of death unless special permission for delay is granted by the local authorities. For foreign nationals, embalming is common practice — particularly if repatriation to the UK is planned — as it is a legal requirement before remains can be transported internationally.

Insurance and costs

Check immediately whether the deceased had travel, life, or health insurance that covers funeral or repatriation costs. If insurance is in place, contact the provider right away. They usually appoint an international funeral director to coordinate all arrangements. If no insurance exists, the family or next of kin will be responsible for paying the expenses. Neither the British Consulate nor the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) can cover these costs.

Registering the death in Spain

All deaths in Spain must be registered with the local Registro Civil (civil registry). This is typically done by the funeral director, who will obtain the official Spanish death certificate (“certificado literal de defunción”). It’s advisable to request several copies, and you can also ask for an international multilingual version for use in the UK.

Spanish certificates do not state the cause of death. If you need this information, it must be requested separately through the medical authorities or local court.

You are not legally required to register the death again in the UK. However, you may do so through the Overseas Registration Unit, which can issue a UK-style consular death certificate for your records.

Burial, cremation, or repatriation

Once the local authorities issue permission for burial or cremation, the next of kin must decide whether the deceased will be buried in Spain, cremated locally, or repatriated to the UK.

Burial in Spain: Spanish cemeteries often lease plots for a fixed term (commonly 5, 10, or 25 years). Families may renew the lease or transfer remains later if desired. Funeral directors can handle these administrative details.

Cremation in Spain: Crematoria are modern and widespread. If you wish to take the ashes back to the UK, you will need an official cremation certificate and customs declaration. Airlines typically allow ashes in hand luggage, but always check airline rules in advance.

Repatriation to the UK: Repatriation usually takes 8–10 days once paperwork is complete. The undertaker will supply the embalming certificate, death certificate, and transport authorisation. The UK-based international funeral directors list provides contacts familiar with transfers from Spain.

Inquests and investigations

If the death was sudden, unexplained, or occurred under unusual circumstances, an examining magistrate will oversee a preliminary inquiry. A post-mortem may be ordered, and the release of the body could be delayed until the investigation concludes. Reports are retained by the Spanish court and can only be accessed by the family’s legal representative.

In cases involving suspected crime, the police and state prosecutor will determine whether further legal action is needed before authorising burial, cremation, or repatriation.

Organ donation and post-mortems

Organ donation is legal and encouraged in Spain. Unless the deceased specifically opted out, consent is presumed under Spanish law. However, next of kin are normally consulted. Post-mortems are carried out by forensic doctors appointed by the court, and tissue samples may be retained for examination — consent from relatives is not required.

Consular support and useful contacts

The British Embassy in Madrid and its consulates across Spain can help by liaising with local authorities, providing lists of translators and funeral directors, and issuing emergency travel documents if needed. They cannot intervene in local legal processes or pay expenses, but they are there to guide and support you.

British Embassy Madrid: +34 917 146 300
Website: https://www.gov.uk/world/organisations/british-embassy-madrid

Planning ahead: why preparation matters

For those living permanently in Spain, it is wise to discuss funeral wishes with family members, consider prepaid funeral plans, and ensure your health insurance covers repatriation or death-related expenses. Taking simple steps in advance can protect loved ones from both financial and emotional strain later.

Health insurance and peace of mind

If you want to protect your family from unexpected medical costs or ensure repatriation is covered, explore our range of Sanitas health insurance options. Plans are available for residents, expats, and retirees — all in English and underwritten by Bupa. Get a private medical insurance quote today.

Sources:
GOV.UK – What to do after a death abroad
British Embassy Madrid
Spanish Ministry of Justice