Do not wait for every document
Identification helps, but we can guide you first.
Bringing someone home
International repatriation, fully coordinated from Spain.
Repatriation involves more than booking a flight. It requires the local death process, preparation of the deceased, official documents, airline acceptance and a funeral director or authorised party at the destination.
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.
Bringing someone home
Repatriation involves more than booking a flight. It requires the local death process, preparation of the deceased, official documents, airline acceptance and a funeral director or authorised party at the destination.
1. Confirm the family decision
Tell us the destination country and preferred receiving funeral director if you already have one.
- Check whether insurance covers repatriation
- Confirm the destination and contact person
- Give Serenity authority to liaise with the necessary organisations
2. Complete the Spanish formalities
The death must be handled in accordance with Spanish procedures before international transport can take place.
- Medical or judicial release
- Civil registration and certificates
- Preparation and embalming when required
- Suitable sealed or flight-approved coffin/container
3. Consular and airline coordination
Requirements vary by destination and carrier, so the documents must match the actual journey.
- Consular or embassy documentation where required
- Health and transport documents
- Air cargo booking and airline acceptance
- Coordination with the receiving funeral director
4. Keep the family informed
International arrangements can involve several organisations. One point of contact helps reduce confusion.
- Regular progress updates
- Clear explanation of expected timing
- Copies or details of key documents
- Confirmation of flight and destination handover
What affects the timescale
There is no single reliable number of days for every repatriation. Timing can change because several independent organisations must complete their part before the flight can go ahead.
- Medical or judicial release
- Civil registration and availability of certificates
- Consular or destination-country requirements
- Preparation and documentation for international transport
- Airline cargo space and receiving-funeral-director availability
Insurance and costs
If the person had travel, medical or funeral insurance, contact the insurer before committing to major expenditure where possible. Some insurers appoint their own providers or require authorisation.
- Give the insurer the policy number and Serenity's contact details
- Ask exactly what the policy covers and whether there is an excess
- Confirm whether flights, preparation, consular fees and the receiving funeral director are included
- Request a written repatriation quotation if the family is paying privately
The receiving funeral director
A successful repatriation has two ends. The team at the destination needs the flight information and appropriate documents so they can take responsibility after arrival.
- Confirm the receiving funeral home's full name, address and contact person
- Check who will collect from the destination airport
- Share burial or cremation plans in the destination country
- Keep the family updated when the deceased has been formally handed over
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
Immediate practical guidance
The First 24 Hours After a Death in Spain
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.
Read this guide
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 guideDo not try to book the transport before the documents are ready
Repatriation is a coordinated legal and logistical process, not an ordinary flight booking. The deceased must be prepared and documented correctly, the destination requirements checked and a receiving funeral director confirmed. Serenity manages those moving parts in sequence.
Keep these points in mind
- Confirm the destination country and whether burial or cremation will take place there.
- Identify the authorised next of kin and a receiving funeral director in the destination country.
- Allow the Spanish certification, registration and any judicial release to complete before transport is fixed.
- Do not assume travel insurance and Spanish decesos insurance provide the same cover; contact the relevant insurer directly.
- Ask for a written explanation of the repatriation scope, including Spanish care, documents, transport and handover.
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.