Greek Inheritance Lawyer – Inheritance & Estate Legal Services

A Greek Inheritance Lawyer can assist heirs, beneficiaries and families with the legal procedures arising after the death of a person who owned property, financial assets or other rights in Greece.

Greek inheritance matters may involve wills, intestate succession, acceptance or renunciation of inheritance, inheritance certificates, tax procedures, inherited real estate, estate liabilities and disputes between heirs. The process can become considerably more complex when an heir lives abroad, when the deceased lived outside Greece, when foreign documents are involved or when several heirs acquire rights over the same estate.

The Law Office of Anna Deftereou, based in central Athens, provides legal assistance with inheritance and estate matters in Greece for Greek and international clients.

We assist heirs residing in Greece and abroad with identifying their inheritance rights, preparing the necessary documentation and coordinating the legal procedures required for estates and inherited property in Greece.

Greek Inheritance Lawyer – Legal Assistance

Every inheritance is different. The appropriate procedure depends on whether a will exists, the relationship between the deceased and the heirs, the nature and location of the assets, possible debts and whether the succession has an international element.

Our legal assistance may include:

• examination of inheritance rights;
• inheritance under a will;
• intestate succession;
• review of wills;
• acceptance of inheritance;
• renunciation of inheritance;
• inheritance certificates and supporting documentation;
• inherited real estate in Greece;
• inheritance tax procedures;
• representation of heirs living abroad;
• preparation and use of powers of attorney;
• estate debts and liabilities;
• disputes between heirs;
• co-owned inherited property;
• registration of inherited real estate;
• coordination with notaries and other professionals;
• court proceedings where required.

A Greek Inheritance Lawyer can examine the estate and determine the appropriate sequence of legal actions before the heir makes decisions that may have significant legal or financial consequences.

How Does Inheritance Work in Greece?

When a person dies, their estate passes according to the applicable rules of succession.

Where a valid will exists, inheritance rights may be determined according to the testamentary provisions, subject to the applicable legal framework. Where there is no applicable will, the rules of intestate succession determine who is called to the inheritance.

An estate may include:

• houses and apartments;
• land;
• bank assets;
• movable property;
• company interests;
• receivables;
• contractual rights;
• other assets;
• debts and liabilities.

For this reason, an inheritance should not automatically be considered only as a financial benefit.

Before deciding how to proceed, an heir may need to investigate both the assets and liabilities forming part of the estate.

Inheritance With a Will in Greece

Where the deceased left a will, one of the first steps is to establish its existence and legal effect.

Depending on the circumstances, it may be necessary to examine:

• whether a will exists;
• whether it has been published or processed according to the applicable procedure;
• who is named as an heir or beneficiary;
• which assets are covered;
• whether more than one testamentary document exists;
• whether the will is disputed;
• whether a foreign will is involved;
• which law applies to an international succession.

The existence of a will does not necessarily make an inheritance straightforward.

The document must be examined in the context of the estate, the applicable inheritance law and the rights of the persons involved.

Inheritance Without a Will in Greece

Where no applicable will determines succession, the estate passes according to the rules of intestate succession.

Depending on the family situation and applicable legal framework, potential heirs may include:

• descendants;
• surviving spouse;
• parents;
• siblings;
• other relatives recognised by inheritance law.

The precise identity and share of each heir should be established legally rather than estimated informally between family members.

This is particularly important where several relatives may potentially have inheritance rights or where family members live in different countries.

Acceptance of Inheritance in Greece

Where an heir intends to retain inherited assets, formal legal procedures may be required, particularly where the estate includes real property.

Acceptance of inheritance can involve documents concerning:

• the deceased;
• the heir;
• family relationships;
• the legal basis of succession;
• the will, where applicable;
• inheritance certificates;
• inheritance tax;
• property titles;
• cadastral information.

The exact procedure depends on the nature of the estate.

Where real estate is involved, coordination with a notary and registration of the resulting property rights may also be required.

Renunciation of Inheritance in Greece

An heir who does not wish to retain an inheritance may need to consider renunciation of inheritance.

This can be particularly important where the estate contains debts or where the heir has another reason for not wishing to inherit.

Renunciation is subject to legal requirements and deadlines. The applicable deadline depends on the circumstances and the legal framework governing the particular succession.

For inheritance relationships governed by the pre-reform rules, the ordinary renunciation period has generally been four months from the point at which the heir becomes aware of the succession and the reason for it. Different rules can apply in specified circumstances involving residence abroad.

Because inheritance deadlines can have serious consequences, a potential heir should seek legal advice promptly rather than waiting until the estate has been fully investigated.

For detailed assistance with this specific procedure, see our Lawyer Renunciation of Inheritance service.

Why Inheritance Deadlines Matter

Inheritance law contains deadlines that can materially affect an heir’s position.

This is particularly important where:

• the estate may contain debts;
• the heir is considering renunciation;
• the heir lives abroad;
• a will has recently been discovered or published;
• tax declarations must be filed.

A person who learns that they may be an heir should therefore avoid unnecessary delay.

The correct deadline should always be determined according to the facts of the individual succession rather than relying solely on general information found online.

Certificate of Non-Renunciation of Inheritance

Greek inheritance procedures may require official confirmation regarding whether an heir has renounced an inheritance.

A certificate concerning renunciation or non-renunciation may therefore form part of the documentation required in an inheritance case.

The competent authority and procedure can depend on the particular succession and applicable procedural framework.

Official information is available through Gov.gr – Certificate of Non-Renunciation of Inheritance.

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Inheritance Certificates and Supporting Documents

A Greek inheritance case may require several certificates and supporting documents.

Depending on the circumstances, these may establish:

• the death of the deceased;
• the identity of the closest relatives;
• the existence or absence of a will;
• publication of a will;
• whether an heir has renounced;
• inheritance rights;
• tax obligations;
• ownership of inherited property.

Not every estate requires exactly the same documents.

A Greek Inheritance Lawyer can identify which certificates are relevant to the particular case so that unnecessary documents are not collected and important ones are not omitted.

Inheritance Tax in Greece

Inheritance can also give rise to Greek tax obligations.

The applicable tax treatment can depend on factors such as:

• relationship between the deceased and heir;
• nature of the inherited assets;
• value of the estate;
• applicable exemptions or allowances;
• circumstances of the succession.

The inheritance tax procedure is distinct from the legal determination of who is an heir.

According to the Greek Independent Authority for Public Revenue (AADE), inheritance tax declarations are subject to specific filing periods depending on circumstances such as where the death occurred and whether relevant persons were residing abroad.

Official information is available through AADE – Inheritance Tax.

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Inheritance Tax Declaration

The inheritance tax declaration may require information concerning:

• the deceased;
• the heir or beneficiary;
• family relationship;
• inherited real estate;
• other estate assets;
• relevant liabilities;
• value of the inheritance.

The appropriate tax procedure should be identified according to the individual estate.

Tax formalities should also be coordinated with the legal steps required for acceptance and registration of inherited assets.

Inherited Property in Greece

Real estate is one of the most common reasons international clients contact a Greek Inheritance Lawyer.

An heir may inherit:

• an apartment in Greece;
• a house;
• land;
• agricultural property;
• commercial property;
• an undivided percentage of real estate;
• several properties.

Inheriting the property does not necessarily mean that all legal and registration procedures have already been completed.

The heir may need to establish the inheritance right formally, address tax requirements and ensure that the resulting ownership is properly reflected in the competent property records.

Legal Check of Inherited Property

Before an heir decides to retain, sell or otherwise deal with inherited real estate, it can be useful to examine its legal status.

Relevant issues may include:

• ownership history;
• title deeds;
• ownership percentage;
• mortgages;
• prenotations of mortgage;
• seizures;
• registered claims;
• third-party rights;
• cadastral registration;
• discrepancies in property records.

This becomes particularly important where the deceased acquired the property many years ago or where the property has passed through several generations.

For a dedicated title and encumbrance review, see our Property Legal Check Greece – Legal Due Diligence service.

Registration of Inherited Real Estate

Where the inheritance includes real estate, the succession process may require registration of the heir’s resulting ownership rights with the competent property-registration system.

The exact documentation depends on the property and the legal basis of succession.

Completing the appropriate registration is important if the heir subsequently intends to:

• sell the property;
• transfer it;
• divide it with other heirs;
• use it in another transaction.

For broader property-related legal assistance, see our Real Estate Lawyer Greece – Property Legal Services page.

Greek Inheritance Lawyer for Foreigners

A person does not need to live permanently in Greece in order to inherit assets located in Greece.

International inheritance matters frequently involve heirs living in:

• another EU Member State;
• the United Kingdom;
• the United States;
• Canada;
• Australia;
• other countries.

However, living abroad can make the practical administration of a Greek inheritance more complicated.

Foreign civil-status documents, powers of attorney, translations, authentication requirements and cross-border succession rules may all need to be considered.

A Greek Inheritance Lawyer can coordinate the Greek legal aspects of the succession while the heir remains abroad where the relevant procedures permit representation.

Greek Inheritance Lawyer for Clients Living Abroad

Our office assists heirs residing outside Greece with Greek inheritance matters.

Depending on the case, legal assistance may include:

• preliminary assessment of inheritance rights;
• obtaining or reviewing Greek documents;
• coordination of inheritance certificates;
• communication with competent authorities;
• coordination with a notary;
• inherited-property matters;
• powers of attorney;
• representation where legally permitted;
• coordination of the legal stages required in Greece.

This can be particularly useful where an heir has inherited Greek property but has no permanent presence in the country.

Power of Attorney for Inheritance Matters in Greece

An heir living abroad may be able to authorise a representative to carry out specific inheritance-related actions in Greece.

The power of attorney should be drafted according to the acts that need to be performed.

Depending on the country where it is executed, it may require:

• notarisation or another prescribed form;
• Apostille;
• consular legalisation;
• official translation;
• specific authorisation for particular legal acts.

A generic power of attorney should not automatically be assumed sufficient.

The document should be prepared after the necessary inheritance procedures have been identified.

Foreign Death Certificate

Where the deceased died outside Greece, a foreign death certificate may be necessary for the Greek inheritance procedure.

Issues may arise concerning:

• authenticity;
• Apostille;
• legalisation;
• official translation;
• Greek civil-status registration where applicable.

If the deceased was a Greek citizen who died abroad, civil-status procedures may therefore need to be addressed before or alongside the inheritance matter.

For this specific service, see our Register Foreign Death in Greece – Legal Assistance page.

Foreign Documents in Greek Inheritance Cases

Cross-border estates frequently involve documents issued outside Greece.

These may include:

• death certificates;
• birth certificates;
• marriage certificates;
• wills;
• court decisions;
• family-status certificates;
• powers of attorney.

Depending on the issuing country and document, authentication may be required through:

• Apostille;
• consular legalisation;
• another applicable authentication procedure.

Official Greek translation may also be necessary.

The requirements should ideally be established before documents are sent to Greece so that unnecessary duplication and delays can be avoided.

International Inheritance and Applicable Law

Cross-border inheritance can involve more than one legal system.

For example:

• the deceased may have lived abroad;
• heirs may live in several countries;
• assets may be located in Greece and abroad;
• a foreign will may exist;
• the deceased may have had a nationality different from their country of residence.

In such cases, identifying the law applicable to the succession can be an important preliminary issue.

The fact that real estate is located in Greece does not necessarily answer every question concerning the law governing the entire succession.

The particular cross-border circumstances must therefore be examined carefully.

European Succession Regulation

International inheritance matters within the European framework may involve Regulation (EU) No 650/2012.

The Regulation establishes rules concerning matters including jurisdiction, applicable law, recognition and enforcement of decisions and the European Certificate of Succession.

It can be particularly relevant where the deceased was habitually resident in one country while owning assets in another.

The applicable legal framework should therefore be identified before conclusions are drawn solely from nationality or the location of one particular asset.

European Certificate of Succession

The European Certificate of Succession may be relevant in qualifying cross-border inheritance cases within participating EU Member States.

Its purpose is to facilitate proof of the status and rights of heirs, legatees and certain other persons in cross-border successions.

Whether such a certificate is appropriate or necessary depends on the individual estate and the procedures that must be completed in Greece.

Inheritance Debts in Greece

A critical issue in any inheritance is whether the estate contains debts.

Potential liabilities can include:

• bank debts;
• tax liabilities;
• private debts;
• obligations connected with property;
• other financial liabilities of the deceased.

An heir should therefore avoid assessing the inheritance only by looking at visible assets.

A property may have substantial value while the estate as a whole also contains significant obligations.

Where the financial position is uncertain, legal advice should be sought promptly because decisions concerning inheritance may be subject to deadlines.

Acceptance With the Benefit of Inventory

Greek inheritance law provides mechanisms that can be relevant where an heir is concerned about estate liabilities.

One such mechanism is acceptance with the benefit of inventory, subject to the applicable statutory requirements.

Because this is a formal legal procedure and its consequences can be significant, the suitability of this option should be assessed according to the individual estate and the inheritance framework applicable to the particular date of death.

Multiple Heirs

It is common for an estate to pass to more than one heir.

This may result in several people acquiring rights over the same property or other assets.

Questions can then arise regarding:

• inheritance shares;
• management of common assets;
• expenses;
• occupation or use of inherited property;
• sale;
• distribution;
• disagreements between heirs.

The existence of several heirs does not necessarily mean that the estate must remain jointly owned indefinitely.

Depending on the circumstances, the heirs may reach an agreement or use the legal procedures available to resolve their common ownership.

Co-Ownership of Inherited Property

Where several heirs acquire the same property, they may each hold an undivided share.

Practical difficulties can arise where:

• one heir wants to sell;
• another wants to keep the property;
• one heir occupies the property;
• expenses are not shared;
• the heirs disagree about management;
• an outside purchaser wishes to acquire the property.

In these cases, inheritance and property law issues often need to be considered together.

Selling Inherited Property in Greece

An heir who wishes to sell inherited real estate should first ensure that the necessary inheritance, tax and property procedures have been completed.

Depending on the case, this can involve:

1. establishing the inheritance right;
2. completing applicable inheritance tax procedures;
3. formalising the inheritance in relation to the property;
4. registering the resulting ownership right;
5. preparing the property for sale.

A prospective purchaser will normally expect the seller’s ownership and the legal status of the property to be capable of verification.

For legal assistance with the subsequent property transaction, see our Real Estate Lawyer Greece service.

Inheritance Disputes in Greece

Not every inheritance is completed without disagreement.

Disputes may concern:

• validity of a will;
• interpretation of a will;
• identity of heirs;
• inheritance shares;
• ownership of particular assets;
• management of inherited property;
• distribution of the estate;
• other inheritance rights.

The appropriate response depends on the nature of the dispute, the evidence available and the applicable inheritance law.

Where an agreement cannot be reached, court proceedings may become necessary.

Disputes Concerning a Will

A dispute over a will can involve formal and substantive legal issues.

Relevant evidence may include:

• the testamentary document;
• circumstances surrounding its preparation;
• publication records;
• other wills;
• witness evidence;
• medical or other evidence where legally relevant;
• documentation concerning the deceased and potential heirs.

A will should not be considered invalid merely because a relative disagrees with its provisions.

The relevant legal grounds and supporting evidence must be examined.

Inheritance Rights and Family Relationships

Establishing family relationships can be essential, particularly in intestate succession.

Civil-status documents may be required to demonstrate the relationship between the deceased and potential heirs.

International families may need documents from more than one country.

Where foreign births or marriages must also be dealt with in the Greek civil-status system, see our:

Register Foreign Birth in Greece
and
Register Foreign Marriage in Greece.

Surviving Spouse and Inheritance

A surviving spouse may have inheritance rights according to the applicable succession framework and the existence and contents of any will.

The precise legal position should be determined after examining:

• whether a will exists;
• other potential heirs;
• family relationships;
• applicable inheritance law;
• relevant date of death.

Generic inheritance calculators or percentage tables should therefore not replace examination of the actual estate.

Minor Heirs

Additional considerations arise where a minor is called to an inheritance.

Greek law contains protective rules governing acts affecting minors and their property.

Depending on the procedure and decision involved, additional formalities or judicial involvement may be required.

Legal advice should be sought promptly where a minor may inherit an estate containing debts or other significant obligations.

Bank Accounts and Other Estate Assets

Not every inheritance consists primarily of real estate.

An estate can also contain:

• bank accounts;
• deposits;
• securities;
• vehicles;
• company interests;
• receivables;
• movable property.

The documents required to establish an heir’s rights may differ depending on the type of asset and the institution involved.

A comprehensive inheritance assessment should therefore consider the estate as a whole.

Identifying Estate Assets

Sometimes heirs do not have complete information about the deceased’s assets.

They may know that the deceased owned one property but be uncertain about other property or financial interests.

The lawful methods available for investigating estate assets depend on the circumstances, the heir’s legal status and the records concerned.

Any investigation must respect the applicable rules governing access to property, financial and personal information.

Inherited Property With Encumbrances

An inherited property may be affected by:

• mortgages;
• prenotations of mortgage;
• seizures;
• claims;
• third-party rights;
• other registered encumbrances.

Inheritance does not automatically eliminate these issues.

A separate property title and encumbrance search may therefore be appropriate.

See our Property Legal Check Greece service for further information.

What Documents Should an Heir Collect?

The exact documents depend on the estate, but an initial inheritance file may involve information concerning:

• death of the deceased;
• identity of the heir;
• family relationship;
• will, if one exists;
• inherited property;
• tax information;
• previous inheritance procedures;
• foreign civil-status records.

An heir does not need to obtain every possible certificate before contacting a lawyer.

A preliminary assessment can determine which documents are actually required.

How Long Does an Inheritance Case Take in Greece?

There is no universal timeframe.

The duration can depend on:

• whether a will exists;
• number of heirs;
• location of the heirs;
• foreign documents;
• nature of the assets;
• tax procedures;
• property records;
• disputes;
• availability of certificates;
• whether court proceedings are necessary.

A straightforward uncontested inheritance can be very different from a cross-border estate involving several heirs, disputed rights and multiple properties.

A realistic timeframe should therefore be provided after reviewing the individual case.

Can a Greek Inheritance Be Handled From Abroad?

Many aspects of an inheritance can be coordinated while the heir remains outside Greece.

Where legally permitted, certain actions may be carried out through an authorised representative using an appropriate power of attorney.

However, whether personal attendance is required depends on the particular procedure.

An international heir should therefore identify early which actions can be completed through representation and which require direct participation.

Why Appoint a Greek Inheritance Lawyer?

Inheritance matters can involve several areas of law and administration simultaneously:

• succession law;
• property law;
• inheritance taxation;
• civil-status documentation;
• cross-border documents;
• court procedures.

A Greek Inheritance Lawyer can coordinate these legal aspects and determine the appropriate sequence of actions.

This can be especially useful for international heirs who need to deal with several Greek authorities and professionals while living abroad.

Greek Inheritance Law Changes in 2026

Greek inheritance law is undergoing an important legislative transition in 2026.

For this reason, the date of death can be critical when determining which substantive inheritance provisions apply to an estate.

An inheritance opened before the application of new provisions may be governed by a different framework from an inheritance arising after those provisions take effect.

This is particularly important for online legal information: rules applicable to one succession should not automatically be assumed to apply to another without examining the relevant date and transitional provisions.

Our office therefore examines the applicable inheritance framework according to the circumstances of each individual estate.

Greek Inheritance Lawyer – Frequently Asked Questions

When should I contact a Greek Inheritance Lawyer?

You should consider seeking legal advice as soon as you learn that you may be an heir, particularly where the estate contains Greek property, debts, a will, several heirs or international elements.

Can a foreign citizen inherit property in Greece?

Yes. International heirs can inherit property and other assets in Greece. Additional documentation and cross-border formalities may be required depending on the circumstances.

What happens if there is no will?

Where no applicable will determines succession, the heirs and their respective rights are determined according to the applicable intestate succession rules.

Can I renounce an inheritance in Greece?

Yes, where the applicable legal requirements are satisfied. Renunciation is subject to formalities and deadlines, so advice should be obtained promptly.

What if the inheritance contains debts?

Potential liabilities should be investigated before important decisions are made. Depending on the circumstances, renunciation or other mechanisms provided by inheritance law may need to be considered.

Is inheritance tax payable in Greece?

An inheritance can give rise to Greek tax obligations. The tax treatment depends on the circumstances, including the relationship between deceased and heir and the assets involved.

Can I handle a Greek inheritance without travelling to Greece?

Many steps may be coordinated from abroad, and representation through a suitable power of attorney may be possible for certain procedures. Whether personal attendance is required depends on the specific action.

Can several heirs inherit the same property?

Yes. Several heirs may acquire undivided shares in the same property, resulting in co-ownership.

Can inherited property be sold?

Yes, but the necessary inheritance, tax and property-registration procedures should first be completed so that the heir’s ownership can be properly established for the sale.

What if there is a dispute between heirs?

The appropriate legal response depends on the nature of the disagreement. Negotiation may be possible in some cases, while others may require judicial proceedings.

Can you assist with inherited property in Greece?

Yes. Our office can assist with the inheritance aspects of the matter and with related property-law procedures. For detailed property due diligence, see our Property Legal Check Greece service.

Greek Inheritance Lawyer – Contact Our Law Office

If you require a Greek Inheritance Lawyer, the Law Office of Anna Deftereou can assist with inheritance procedures, wills, acceptance or renunciation of inheritance, inheritance documentation, inherited real estate, disputes and cross-border succession matters.

We provide legal assistance to clients in Greece as well as heirs living abroad who require assistance with an estate or property located in Greece.

Related legal services:

Lawyer Renunciation of Inheritance
Property Legal Check Greece
Real Estate Lawyer Greece
Register Foreign Death in Greece
Register Foreign Birth in Greece
Register Foreign Marriage in Greece

Law Office of Anna Deftereou
39 Stadiou Street, Athens, Greece
Tel.: +30 210 323 8062