Spain funeral services study reveals high perceived importance and tax dissatisfaction

A study conducted by Sigma Dos for the Observatorio de los Servicios Funerarios (OSF) reveals significant trends in how citizens in Spain perceive and approach funeral services. Approximately 83% of respondents consider funeral services essential, and 85.5% believe they fulfill an important social function. Notably, 84% of those surveyed view the current 21% VAT rate applied to these services as unfair.

Regarding personal preferences, the study shows a near split between secular and religious preferences, with 39% favoring civil funerals compared to 38% for religious ones. There is a strong leaning toward cremation (59%) over burial (19%). Additionally, there is growing interest in personalized farewells, such as custom music or video tributes, and a demand for digital services including the management of digital legacies and the erasure of digital footprints.

Sustainability is also a key factor, with 60.5% of respondents expressing interest in ecological funeral options. While 76% of citizens hold a positive view of funeral professionals, the report highlights a need for increased transparency in information and better support for services in rural areas.