For families who need to transfer the ashes of their loved one, at Stelae we have expanded our direct cremation services to take care of all the necessary arrangements. It doesn't matter if it's a national, EU or international destination, we will take care of everything, providing you with the quality service you are looking for.
Cremation and transfer of ashes options
When a loved one passes away and you or your family wish to bid them farewell in a different place, their ashes need to be transferred. To do this, a series of administrative and logistical steps must be taken.
At Stelae, we also offer the possibility of transporting the ashes to a chosen location as part of our direct cremation service. Depending on the destination, we offer different options that include handling the relevant legal documentation and, if necessary, the transfer of your loved one by plane, complying with all mandatory requirements.
Stelae GO
This includes the Stelae Elite cremation service (only available for deaths in Catalonia and the Balearic Islands), as well as arranging the necessary documentation for the transfer of ashes.
- Collection from the place of death
- Coffin suitable for cremation
- Arrangement and processing of legal documentation
- Transfer to the crematorium
- Attendance at crematorium
- Cremation in one of our funeral facilities
- Urn
- Custody of the urn
- Delivery of the urn at home
- Telephone bereavement counselling
- Legal assistance
- Delivery of the documentation for the transfer of the ashes by plane
Stelae EUROPA
The Stelae Elite cremation service (only available for deaths in Catalonia and the Balearic Islands) is included, as well as the transfer of the ashes by plane to a European destination.
- Collection from the place of death
- Coffin suitable for cremation
- Arrangement and processing of legal documentation
- Transfer to the crematorium
- Cremation in one of our funeral facilities
- Urn
- Custody of the urn
- Shipment by plane of the ashes and documentation to the destination airport
- Telephone bereavement counselling
- Legal assistance
Stelae GLOBAL
The Stelae Elite cremation service (only available for deaths in Catalonia and the Balearic Islands) is included, as well as the transfer of the ashes by plane to a destination outside Europe.
- Collection from the place of death
- Coffin suitable for cremation
- Arrangement and processing of legal documentation
- Transfer to the crematorium
- Attendance at crematorium
- Cremation in one of our funeral facilities
- Urn
- Custody of the urn
- Shipment by plane of the ashes and documentation to the destination airport
- Telephone bereavement counselling
- Legal assistance
Frequently asked questions about the cremation and transfer of ashes service
Can I be present at the burial of my loved one's ashes?
Can I throw my loved one’s ashes into the sea?
In Spain it is possible to scatter the ashes of a loved one at sea, provided that you have the relevant permits and meet certain requirements. Otherwise, it is an environmental offence and carries heavy fines.
- A permit must be granted by the Directorate General of the Merchant Navy (DGMM), which is part of the Ministry of Transport and Sustainable Mobility, or by the corresponding body in the corresponding autonomous community.
- An approved biodegradable urn must be used (do not scatter the ashes directly into the water or in a conventional urn).
The process must be carried out by an authorised funeral company, as it is very difficult to obtain permits if you do it yourself.
Why can the price of burials vary?
The space required for a cemetery grave is not the same as for a grave for ashes. Therefore, the price of the burial can change. Other factors also have an influence, such as municipal taxes, the length of the concession of the space, the additional funeral services that are contracted (maintenance, for example) or the rates of each funeral company.
At Stelae, not only can you take out a direct cremation service, but we can also take care of other matters such as the transfer of ashes inside and outside Spain.
What is included in Stelae's burial of ashes service?
Depending on the type of direct cremation service plus final ash destination you choose at Stelae, the services included may vary. All options include:
- Collection from the place of death
- Coffin suitable for cremation (basic-range)
- Arrangement and processing of legal documentation
- Transfer to the crematorium
- Cremation in one of our funeral facilities in Catalonia (with or without attendance)
- Urn (there are different options)
- Custody of the urn
- Delivery at home or to the Roques Blanques Reginal Cemetery
- Telephone bereavement counselling
- Legal assistance
The additional services may vary for each type of service, as it depends on whether it is a burial in the cemetery itself, whether it is a special burial or whether the ashes are scattered elsewhere. At Stelae you can also hire the cremation and transfer service.
How do I choose the right location for the final destination of the ashes?
Personal and family wishes, geographical location and your budget are factors to take into account when choosing the destination for the ashes of a loved one.
What documentation do I need to arrange a direct cremation service including a final destination for the ashes?
Each autonomous community has its own regulations regarding the handling of ashes after the death of a loved one. It must also be taken into account what is stated by the municipal ordinances regarding the environment and cemeteries.
In general, however, the following documents must be provided in order to arrange a service for the burial of ashes:
- Cremation certificate
- DNI (identity card) of the person requesting the service.
At Stelae we take care of the management and processing legal paperwork.