The conditions of decomposition of Y, La and lanthanide (from Ce(III) to Lu) salicylates have been studied. On heating, the hydrated salicylates of Y and lanthanides from Nd to Lu lose crystallization water in one step to yield the anhydrous salts. The anhydrous complexes of Y, La, Ce(III), Pr, Nd, Sm, Eu(III), Gd and Tb subsequently decompose in several steps to the oxides Ln2O3, CeO2, Pr6O11 and Tb4O7. The anhydrous complexes of the remaining lanthanides decompose directly to the oxides Ln2O3.