When an expat dies in Spain, their assets will be distributed according to their will or Spanish law if there is no will in place. The process of settling the estate can take several months or even years.
Now let’s take a closer look
When an expat dies in Spain, their assets will be distributed according to their will or Spanish law if there is no will in place. The process of settling the estate can take several months or even years. In addition, there are some important things to consider, such as:
Inheritance taxes: In Spain, inheritance taxes can be high, so it’s important to plan ahead to minimize tax liabilities.
Probate: The process of probate in Spain can be complicated and time-consuming, especially for foreigners. It’s important to hire a local lawyer who can help with the process.
Documentation: It’s important to have all the necessary documents in order, such as death certificates, wills, and property deeds, in order to speed up the settlement process.
Bank accounts: Spanish banks will usually freeze the account of a deceased person until the probate process is complete. However, if there are joint account holders, they may still be able to access the account.
Digital assets: With the rise of digital assets, it’s important to include instructions for their distribution in your will.
One interesting fact about inheritance laws in Spain is that they differ depending on the region of the country. For example, in the region of Catalonia, there is a tradition called “usufruct” where the surviving spouse is entitled to keep using the marital home and possessions even if they are not the legal owner.
In conclusion, as Spanish inheritance law can be complex and vary depending on the region of the country, it is important to consult a Spanish lawyer to ensure that your assets are distributed according to your wishes. As the author of “The Art of War”, Sun Tzu, once said, “In war, the way is to avoid what is strong and to strike at what is weak.” The same can be said for estate planning – it’s important to anticipate potential problems and plan ahead to minimize conflicts.
Instructions for digital assets should be included
See a video about the subject
The hosts of “Tuesdays with Friends” discuss death and funeral traditions in Spain, including the history of burial practices and different rituals surrounding death and mourning in various villages. They note that most people in Spain opt for cremation, and funeral homes take care of everything related to transportation and burial. The cost of a proper funeral in Spain is expensive, starting from 3,000 euros, with the standard cost being 6,000 euros. The hosts also visit the Pamplona Cemetery where they see the sculpture “Life and Death” by Ramon Arcaya and the resting place of a famous violinist Pablo Sarasate. They encourage viewers to learn more about the rich traditions of Spain.
There are also other opinions
When an expat dies in Spain, their body must be taken to a funeral parlour (tanatorio) as soon as possible. The funeral directors will then contact the local civil registry to begin the process of registering the death and providing a local death certificate.
When an expat in Spain dies intestate, i.e. without leaving a will, Spanish civil law establishes the following order of inheritance:
Natural and adopted children, all treated equally. In the absence of one or more children, their own children inherit their parent’s share.
The parents of the deceased; and in their absence to the closest surviving ascendants.
Surviving spouse
Collateral relatives such as siblings and nieces/nephews.
When there are no relatives with a right to inherit, the estate passes to the state.
These topics will undoubtedly pique your attention
What happens to bank account when someone dies in Spain?
Not without a probate process being completed through a Notary and if there is property also through Land Registry and Tax Office. Similarly, bank accounts, cars and other assets also need to be in a probate deed. This is to transfer them into the name of the next of kin.
How much does it cost to fly a body home from Spain?
The response is: In addition, it must be taken into account that the repatriation of the body has an average cost of about 3.000 euros, and may amount to a figure higher than 6.000 euros.
What happens if a loved one dies in another country?
The answer is: Upon issuance of a local (foreign) death certificate, the nearest embassy or consulate may prepare a Consular Report of the Death of an American Abroad. Copies of that report are provided to the next-of-kin or legal representative and may be used in U.S. courts to settle estate matters.
What is the death culture in Spain?
Response will be: In Spain it is common for deaths to occur at home. This allows the family to prepare for the death of their loved. When death is near, communion or last rites are offered and usually a rosario is held nine days after the death of a loved one, typically involving flowers, candles, prayers, and the sharing of memories.
What happens when someone dies in Spain?
The response is: This article will outline some of the steps that need to be taken when someone dies in Spain. When an expat dies in Spain, their body must be taken to a funeral parlour (tanatorio) as soon as possible.
How to register a death in Spain?
The reply will be: Deaths must be registered in the country where the person died. In Spain, the funeral director will arrange for the registration of the death with the local Spanish civil registry, who will issue a death certificate. Local death certificates will be in Spanish and do not show the cause of death.
What happens if an ex-pat dies without a will?
As an answer to this: In case an ex-pat dies without leaving a will and owns any kind of property, there is a cumbersome, lengthy process that will be followed. The rule is that the inheritance in Spain process should be completed within six months. In that case, the best way to handle the situation is by contacting an experienced lawyer as soon as possible.
When is an autopsy required in Spain?
The response is: According to Spanish law, an autopsy is mandatory (1) in all cases of accidental death (2) in cases in which the deceased was not attended by a physician at the time of death, and (3) whenever ordered by a Judge. Registration of the death. The certificate of death must be taken to the Civil Registry to formally register the death.
What happens when someone dies in Spain?
The response is: This article will outline some of the steps that need to be taken when someone dies in Spain. When an expat dies in Spain, their body must be taken to a funeral parlour (tanatorio) as soon as possible.
How to register a death in Spain?
Answer will be: Deaths must be registered in the country where the person died. In Spain, the funeral director will arrange for the registration of the death with the local Spanish civil registry, who will issue a death certificate. Local death certificates will be in Spanish and do not show the cause of death.
What happens if an ex-pat dies without a will?
In reply to that: In case an ex-pat dies without leaving a will and owns any kind of property, there is a cumbersome, lengthy process that will be followed. The rule is that the inheritance in Spain process should be completed within six months. In that case, the best way to handle the situation is by contacting an experienced lawyer as soon as possible.
When is an autopsy required in Spain?
As an answer to this: According to Spanish law, an autopsy is mandatory (1) in all cases of accidental death (2) in cases in which the deceased was not attended by a physician at the time of death, and (3) whenever ordered by a Judge. Registration of the death. The certificate of death must be taken to the Civil Registry to formally register the death.
