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 cremating the deceased once at least **24 hours** have passed since the time of death.

Once the process has been completed, the ashes are placed directly into an urn. This type of service is carried out without a wake or ceremony (a ceremony may be held afterwards 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 chosen, for example. With direct cremation, funeral costs are significantly reduced because certain services, such as the funeral home or ceremony, are not required. The (average price is around €2,100) among companies offering this type of service.

Yes, direct cremation is the most affordable funeral service available today, even compared to other cremation types such as traditional cremation with funeral service or cremation with a memorial service afterwards.

The reason is that direct cremation does not involve additional services (wake, flowers, ceremony, etc.).

Direct cremation is the most economical option when dealing with 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 — especially those with tighter budgets — choose this option.

Our direct cremation prices are transparent and include (no hidden costs). However, some additional services — such as personalized urns or the organization of memorial ceremonies — may involve extra charges.

When families choose direct cremation, they often think about the economic aspect. Although it is the most affordable funeral service, not all related expenses are always taken into account.

Direct cremation includes:

• collection of the deceased
• transfer to the crematorium,
• cremation,
• delivery of the ashes at the chosen center,
• administrative procedures.

A coffin and, of course, an urn for the ashes are also required.

There are also details that need consideration. For example, if the deceased had a **pacemaker**, its removal is mandatory before the cremation process begins, which may increase the cost. With Stelae, **this cost is included** in the service price.
 

The price of direct cremation can vary depending on several factors, including:

• geographical location,
• additional services requested,
• type of urn selected.

At Stelae, we strive to offer fair and competitive prices at all times.  
Stelae maintains the same price in all cities where it operates in Catalonia and the Balearic Islands.
 

In Spain, there are several legal requirements for carrying out a direct cremation when a family member passes away:

1. Judicial authorization is required in cases of judicial death. If the judge denies cremation for any legal reason, it cannot be carried out.
2. Cremation cannot take place if the deceased received **internal radiation therapy for prostate cancer (within the last 8 months).
3. If the deceased had a **pacemaker**, its removal must be reported and carried out before cremation.

To begin the procedures following a death, the following documents are required:

Required documentation

• The medical death certificate.
• The ID card or identifying document of the deceased.
• The ID card or identifying document of the 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, the presence of a family member before the direct cremation is only possible if the ELITE Pack option is chosen.

At Stelae, if you have chosen home delivery of the ashes, we coordinate the delivery to ensure that you —or an authorized representative— are present to receive them.
If this situation arises, you can call us and our advisors will inform you how to proceed.

Yes, Stelae’s direct cremation service generates the lowest possible environmental impact.
We offer eco-friendly coffins and urns, and we carry out the cremation process using cremation chambers equipped with low emission filters, thus protecting the environment.