Inheriting property in Greece can be a complex process, particularly for those living abroad who may not be familiar with the local bureaucracy. Whether it involves a family home on an island or an apartment in a city, the path to ownership is strictly regulated. Contrary to common belief, legal ownership of a property is not automatically acquired upon the death of a relative. To lawfully transfer real estate from the deceased to the heirs, a specific procedure must be followed.
Below is a step-by-step guide to navigating the Greek inheritance process.
- Issuance of the Death Certificate
The process formally begins with the Death Certificate. This is the foundational document for all subsequent legal actions. Without an official copy of this certificate, no banking, tax, or legal procedures can be initiated. - The Will Search & Certificates
Before a claim on any assets can be made, it must be confirmed the way of inheritance. A search will be conducted to determine if the deceased left a Will.
Official certificates will confirm either that a Will exists or that there is no Will (intestate succession). If there is no Will, the law dictates who the heirs are based on kinship. - Compilation of Estate Information
Once the heir’s status is confirmed, exactly what is being inherited must be defined. During this stage, the ‘paper trail’ of the assets is gathered through title deeds, the tax office and the land registry. - Tax Identification Number
In order to inherit property in Greece, you need to obtain a Greek Tax Identification Number - Filing the Inheritance Tax Declaration
The deadline for filing the Inheritance Tax Declaration is nine (9) months from the date of death if the death occurred in Greece, and twelve (12) months if the death occurred abroad. If the declaration is submitted after the statutory deadline, monetary penalties are imposed in accordance with the applicable legislation. Any inheritance tax assessed must be paid before the transfer of ownership of the property can be completed. - The Deed of Acceptance of Inheritance
This constitutes the most critical legal milestone in the process. The name cannot simply be amended on the existing deed; a new deed must be executed (Deed of Acceptance of Inheritance). - Registration at the Land Registry
The Deed of Acceptance of Inheritance must be duly recorded in the public records of the Land Registry in order to legally complete the transfer of ownership.
Inheriting property in Greece can be complicated, especially for those living abroad or dealing with cross-border issues. Every case has its own legal and tax requirements that need careful attention. Law Office Stathaki has experience in Greek property and inheritance law and helps clients through every step, making sure the process is handled correctly and the property is securely transferred.
Contact us here
