Guides · 2026
Bank accounts after a death in Spain: frozen accounts, joint holders and how the money is released
One of the first surprises after a death in Spain: the bank freezes the accounts and nobody can withdraw money, even with bills to pay. It is normal and it can be solved. Here is what happens to the accounts, what if there was a joint holder and what the bank needs to release the money to the heirs.
Why the bank freezes the accounts
As soon as the bank learns of the death, it freezes the accounts to protect the estate until the heirs are known. Direct debits may stop being paid, so check which ones to keep (community fees, property tax, insurance, utilities) and which to cancel.
Joint accounts
A joint account does not mean all the money belongs to the other holder. Each holder is usually presumed to own an equal share unless it can be shown whose money it was. The bank will normally freeze at least the deceased's share.
What the bank asks for
- Death certificate and certificate of last wills
- The will or the declaration of heirs
- The deed of acceptance and distribution, or an agreement signed by all heirs
- Proof that inheritance tax has been filed: by law the bank cannot release the money without it
- ID or NIE of each heir
First step: the balance certificate
Ask the bank for a certificate of balances and positions at the date of death: accounts, deposits, funds, shares, safe-deposit boxes, loans and linked insurance. It is needed for the inventory and the inheritance tax return. We request it and handle the banks for you, in English, as part of the whole inheritance for 1% of the estate.
FAQ
Can I withdraw money if I had authorisation on the account?
No. The authorisation ends with the death, and using that money can count as accepting the inheritance, debts included.
How long does it take to release the money?
With complete paperwork, usually from a few days to a few weeks. Incomplete documents and unfiled inheritance tax are the usual causes of delay.
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