Frequently Asked Questions

When a loved one passes away and cremation is chosen, there are different types of services available. One of them is direct cremation, which consists of the cremation of the deceased once a minimum of 24 hours has since the time of death.

Once this process is completed, the ashes are placed directly into an urn. This type of service is carried out without a wake or ceremony (which may be held later with the ashes). Therefore, it is a quick and simple option.

It is a more affordable alternative to a traditional funeral and one that more and more families are choosing.

The basic direct cremation service includes:

• Administrative procedures
• Collection of the deceased from the place of death
• Transfer to the cremation facility
• Eco-friendly coffin
• Different urn options, including ecological urns
• Cremation
• Collection of the ashes at the crematorium

The price of direct cremation may vary depending on the municipal fees of each locality, as well as the type of urn selected, for example. 
In direct cremation, funeral costs are significantly reduced by eliminating certain services such as the funeral home or ceremony. The average price may be around 2.100 euros among companies that offer this type of service. 

Yes, direct cremation is currently the most affordable funeral service, even compared to other types of cremation such as cremation with a traditional funeral service or cremation with a later memorial service. 
The reason is that direct cremation does not include any additional services (wake, flowers, ceremony, etc.). 
Direct cremation is the most economical option when facing the loss of a loved one. A cremation can cost between 30% and 50% less than a traditional funeral with burial, which is why more and more families — with limited budgets — choose this type of cremation. 

Our direct cremation prices are transparent and do not include hidden fees. However, some additional services, such as selecting personalized urns or organizing memorial ceremonies, may incur extra charges. When choosing direct cremation after the passing of a loved one, families often consider the financial aspect. As a simplified funeral service, it is more affordable than any other, but not all cremation related fees are always taken into account. Direct cremation includes the collection of the deceased, transfer to the crematorium, cremation, and delivery of the ashes at the location chosen by the family, as well as administrative procedures and paperwork. A coffin is also required, and of course, the urn for the ashes. But there are other details to consider during the cremation process. For example, if the deceased had a pacemaker at the time of death, its removal is mandatory before the cremation process begins, and this may increase the service cost. With Stelae, this cost is included in the service price.

The price of direct cremation may vary depending on several factors, including geographic location, additional services requested, and the type of urn selected. At Stelae, we strive to offer fair and competitive prices at all times. Stelae maintains the same price in all the cities where it operates in Catalonia and the Balearic Islands.

There are several legal requirements in Spain for carrying out a direct cremation when a family member passes away.

1. If a judge does not authorize cremation in the case of a judicial death. This may occur when, for judicial reasons, the judge denies authorization for cremation.
2. Cremation cannot be performed if the deceased received internal radiation therapy for prostate cancer within the last 8 months.
3. If the deceased had a pacemaker, it must be reported so it can be removed. Removing this device is mandatory before beginning the cremation process.

To begin the procedures following a death, the following documentation is required: 

• The medical death certificate.
• The ID card or identification document of the deceased.
• The ID card or identification document of a declarant, who will be the person reporting the death, providing the documentation, and signing all necessary authorizations to carry out the entire process. 

Among the funeral services offered by Stelae, it is only possible to have a family member present prior to the direct cremation if the ELITE Pack option is selected.

At Stelae, if you have contracted home delivery of the ashes, we coordinate the delivery to ensure that you or an authorized representative is present to receive them. However, if this situation arises, you may call us and our advisors will inform you accordingly on how to proceed.

Yes, Stelae’s direct cremation service generates the lowest possible environmental impact. We offer ecofriendly coffins and urns, and we carry out the cremation process in cremation ovens equipped with lowemission filters, thus respecting the environment.