When someone dies far away from their nearest and dearest, the arrangements for the transfer of ashes may be complicated and can have an impact on our grieving process. At Stelae we offer this service to give families peace of mind at this difficult time.
Transfer contact
Requirements for the transfer of ashes
What are the requirements for the transfer of ashes of a loved one? Although this will depend on whether the transfer is domestic or international, as well as other factors, legislation establishes how the transfer must be carried out and what documents are required.
Death certificates
For national and international transfer of ashes, it is necessary to provide the national and multilingual death certificate issued by the Civil Registry.
Cremation certificate
The cremation certificate is another document required when making any kind of arrangements with the ashes and/or their transfer. It is issued by the funeral company that carried out the cremation.
Identification documents
Legislation on the transportation of human ashes by air indicates that they must be clearly identified. Therefore, in addition to having the appropriate documentation, it is advisable to check whether there are any special requirements regarding the transfer of ashes by air with the specific airline company you are using.
Special urns
Urns made of metal or those containing metal embellishments are not permitted when transferring ashes by air.
Additionally, due to their limited strength, urns made of biodegradable materials are not recommended, as they may be damaged during transport.
Transport permit
Generally, no health permit is required for the transfer of ashes, but this will depend on the destination country, as well as the policies of each airline.
For example, with Air Europa, the transfer of ashes is permitted, as long as the urn fits under the seat or in the luggage compartment. With Iberia, on the other hand, it is allowed as hand luggage, as long as an appropriate funeral urn is used, which is properly covered and concealed with secure, break-proof packaging.
Destination-specific regulations
In some countries, an ashes transfer permit may be required. This and other requirements are determined by the country of destination.
Consulate or embassy
When a loved one dies outside Spain, it is advisable to contact the embassy or consulate to facilitate the arrangements with the funeral company. However, the cost of transferring the ashes must be covered by the family, unless there is a death insurance policy or similar.
At Stelae we offer the best quality-price related service for the transfer of ashes, taking care of all the necessary arrangements, regardless of the origin and destination.