INHERITANCE OF REAL ESTATE BY FOREIGNERS IN GREECE: WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW

Law office ANNA IGNATENKO & Associates
6 days ago
2 min read

Updated: 14 hours ago

Inheritance of real estate in Greece by foreigners is a process that involves Greek inheritance law, tax obligations, and the formal transfer of property rights. Professional legal support at every stage is crucial to prevent issues and delays.

1. Legal Framework

According to Greek legislation, inheritance of real estate is governed by the Greek Civil Code. Even if the deceased is a foreigner, real estate located in Greece is inherited under Greek law regarding:

Transfer of ownership;
Procedures for accepting the inheritance;
Tax obligations.

This means that foreign heirs must comply with Greek law, even if the inheritance law of another country may apply to property located outside Greece.

2. Procedure for Accepting the Inheritance

Heirs must officially accept the inheritance through a notarial deed or other legally recognized procedures.

3. Tax Obligations

Foreign heirs of real estate in Greece are required to pay inheritance tax. The amount of tax depends on:

The degree of kinship with the deceased;
The value of the inherited property;
Any applicable legal exemptions.

Proper property valuation and timely fulfillment of tax obligations are crucial for a smooth inheritance process.

4. Transfer of Ownership and Registration

After accepting the inheritance and paying taxes, ownership rights of the property are transferred to the heirs. All real estate must be registered with the Greek Cadastre, ensuring the protection of the new owners’ rights and the legality of the transaction.

5. International Aspects

If the deceased or heirs are citizens of other countries, international treaties on recognition and enforcement of court decisions, as well as foreign legal systems, may apply. This is especially relevant if the inheritance includes property in multiple countries.

To avoid legal and tax risks when inheriting real estate in Greece, as well as to properly formalize the inheritance acceptance and register ownership, contact our law firm IGNATENKO ANNA & Associates. We will assist you at every stage, ensure compliance with Greek law, and help you avoid delays and additional expenses.

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