Do not wait for every document
Identification helps, but we can guide you first.
Immediate practical guidance
The first 24 hours: what actually needs to happen.
Most families do not need to solve every decision immediately. The priority is the correct medical and official process, choosing the funeral director you want, and giving them authority to coordinate the next steps.
Has someone died? You can call before you have every answer.
Tell us where the person is and what has happened. Serenity will explain what must happen now and what can wait.
Give the exact location
The home, hospital, care facility or authority determines the next step.
Check Spanish funeral insurance first
When a decesos policy exists, contact the insurer before instructing a private service.
Immediate practical guidance
Most families do not need to solve every decision immediately. The priority is the correct medical and official process, choosing the funeral director you want, and giving them authority to coordinate the next steps.
If the death is at home
The correct first call depends on whether the death was expected and whether a doctor is involved.
- Contact the appropriate medical or emergency service so the death can be medically confirmed.
- Do not move the person unless a medical professional or authority tells you to.
- Once the medical process allows, call Serenity so we can explain transfer and documentation.
If the death is in hospital or a care home
Staff will follow their own clinical procedure, but the family can normally state which funeral director they wish to use.
- Tell the facility that Serenity Funeral Services is your chosen funeral director.
- Call us so we can coordinate release and collection directly with the facility.
- Keep the deceased person's passport, DNI or NIE available if possible.
If the death is sudden or subject to investigation
Police, court or forensic procedures can take priority and may delay release.
- A post-mortem or judicial authorisation may be required.
- Do not make non-refundable travel or ceremony commitments until release timing is clearer.
- Serenity can remain in contact with the relevant offices and update the family.
What Serenity starts doing
After the first call we create a practical plan around the circumstances of death and the family's wishes.
- Coordinate collection when authorised
- Identify documents likely to be needed
- Discuss cremation, burial or repatriation
- Provide a clear point of contact for the family
What to have ready for the first call
You do not need a complete file before calling. A few basic facts help us identify the right next steps and the organisations we may need to contact.
- Full name of the person who died and where they are
- Passport, DNI or NIE if readily available
- Whether the death was expected and whether a doctor, hospital, police or court is already involved
- Your name, relationship to the person and the best number for updates
- Any funeral plan, travel insurance or death-benefit policy you know about
If close family are outside Spain
Tell us early if relatives need to travel or if decisions must be shared across countries. We can plan communication around that reality rather than forcing every decision into the first conversation.
- Nominate one main family contact if possible
- Tell us who must be consulted before cremation, burial or repatriation decisions are confirmed
- Avoid non-refundable travel bookings until release and likely funeral timing are clearer
- Ask for written summaries so relatives abroad receive the same information
What not to rush
The first hours are for getting the legal and practical process under control. Personal choices can usually be discussed once the immediate position is understood.
- Do not feel pressured to choose flowers, music or ceremony details immediately
- Do not move the deceased yourself unless instructed by the appropriate authority
- Do not assume a funeral plan or travel policy covers every item until it has been checked
- Keep passports and original documents safe and only hand them to an authorised professional when required
These guides are general information, not legal or medical advice. Procedures can differ according to the place and circumstances of death. Serenity will confirm the steps that apply to your family.
Official information sources
Official information sources
For procedures that can change, we also link to official government guidance. Serenity will confirm what applies to your circumstances.
Family information & guidance
More help for families
Paperwork made clearer
Documents Needed After a Death in Spain
The exact documents depend on the circumstances and the service required. Gathering the basics early helps Serenity deal with registries, crematoria, cemeteries, consulates and airlines more efficiently.
Read this guide
Making the right choices
Arranging a Funeral in Spain: A Family Guide
Once the immediate legal steps are under control, the funeral can be shaped around the person's wishes, the family's beliefs, timing, budget and whether relatives are travelling from abroad.
Read this guide
Understanding your options
Cremation or Burial in Spain: How to Choose
The best choice depends on personal wishes, religion or culture, whether the family lives in Spain, the need for a permanent grave, and how relatives want to remember the person.
Read this guideWhat you do not need to solve in the first hour
The first hour is about safety, certification and reaching the right people. It is not the time to understand every document, choose every funeral detail or call several different providers. Serenity can establish the sequence and tell you what can wait.
Keep these points in mind
- You do not need the final death certificate before asking for funeral guidance.
- You do not need to choose every coffin, flower, song or ceremony detail immediately.
- Do not move the deceased or disturb the room after an unexpected death unless an authority tells you to.
- Do not book flights or transport for repatriation before the Spanish and destination requirements are confirmed.
- If a Spanish decesos policy exists, contact the insurer before entering a private funeral arrangement.
Before arranging privately: if the deceased has a Spanish seguro de decesos policy, contact the insurer named on the policy first. The insurer normally has its own funeral-arrangement number.
24/7
Has someone died?
Call our 24-hour team before making arrangements elsewhere. We will explain the next step calmly and clearly.