What to Do When Someone Dies on the Costa del Sol: A Step-by-Step Guide

​Losing a Loved One Abroad: Where to Start?
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Losing someone you love is a difficult and emotional time, especially when it happens abroad. If you are in Spain’s Costa del Sol and unsure of the next steps, this guide will provide clear, practical advice to help you through this process. With our team of experienced funeral professionals and celebrants, we can handle everything for you – from the collection of your loved one to legal paperwork and the funeral service itself. With one phone call to us, you can rest assured that everything will be taken care of.

1. Contact Us First

• When a death occurs, call us immediately if possible, if not as soon as you can. With one phone call, we will arrange for the collection of your loved one and begin handling all formalities, including legal paperwork and funeral arrangements.
• If the death occurs at home or in a public place, we will liaise with emergency services (dial 112 in Spain) and ensure everything is managed professionally and compassionately.
• We will also coordinate with medical professionals to confirm the cause of death and obtain the necessary Medical Certificate of Death (Certificado Médico de Defunción).​

2. Registering the Death

• We will take care of registering the death at the Civil Registry Office (Registro Civil), which must be done within 24 hours.
• Our team will handle the necessary documents, including the Medical Certificate and identification of the deceased.
• Once completed, you will receive the Death Certificate (Certificado de Defunción).

From the moment you contact us, we ensure all formalities are completed smoothly and efficiently.
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3. Decide on Burial or Cremation

• In Spain, burial or cremation typically takes place within 24 to 48 hours, although our Funeral Directors can offer you a service to increase this time.
• Whether you choose burial, cremation, or repatriation, we will guide you through the process and take care of all arrangements.
• If cremation is chosen we arrange for the ashes to be given to you.
• For burials, we will liaise with local cemeteries and authorities on your behalf.

Our team ensures your wishes and those of your loved one are honoured with care and respect.
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4. Plan the Funeral or Memorial Service

• We work with you to create a meaningful and personalised ceremony that honours your loved one’s life.
• Venue Options: Whether you prefer a chapel in a crematorium with your loved one, or a scenic outdoor location for a service with the ashes, we will arrange everything.
• English Funeral Traditions: We specialise in services tailored for English-speaking families, incorporating familiar music, readings, and tributes.
• Working alongside established funeral directors who specialise in English funerals, we provide a seamless service that ensures every detail is perfect.

Together, we will organise a fitting farewell that reflects your loved one’s life and wishes.
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5. Handling the Practical Details

• We take care of all legal formalities, including documentation, permits, and any repatriation needs.
• If you wish to scatter ashes in Spain, we can obtain the necessary permissions and organise a private ceremony at a meaningful location.
• We work closely with local authorities and trusted professionals to manage any additional legal or practical matters, so you don’t have to worry.

Why Choose Us?

• One Call Does It All: From collection of your loved one to handling paperwork, legal requirements, and the funeral service, we take care of everything for you.
• English-Speaking Funeral Specialists: We work alongside experienced funeral directors who specialise in funerals for expats and English-speaking families.
• Compassionate, Professional Support: Our team understands how difficult this time is, and we are here to make everything as smooth and stress-free as possible.
• Local Knowledge: With years of experience in the Costa del Sol region, we ensure everything is handled efficiently and respectfully.​

Contact Us for Immediate Support

If you need help when someone has passed away, please don’t hesitate to call. With one phone call, we will take care of everything for you, offering compassionate and professional support every step of the way.