Lawyer Renunciation of inheritance

Areas of law

Renunciation of Inheritance Greece is a legal procedure through which a person called to an inheritance can formally renounce their status as heir, provided that the applicable legal requirements and deadlines are met.

The decision can be particularly important when an estate contains debts, tax liabilities or other obligations, or when an heir simply does not wish to retain the inheritance.

Greek inheritance law imposes specific deadlines for renunciation. Missing the applicable deadline can have significant legal consequences, which is why an heir who is considering renunciation should examine their position without unnecessary delay.

The Law Office of Anna Deftereou, based in Athens, provides legal assistance with renunciation of inheritance in Greece for heirs residing both in Greece and abroad.

We can assist with determining the applicable deadline, reviewing the circumstances of the succession, preparing the necessary documentation and completing the relevant legal procedure.

Renunciation of Inheritance Greece – How Does It Work?

Under Greek inheritance law, succession occurs automatically when an inheritance devolves upon an heir. An heir who does not wish to retain the inheritance may, however, exercise the right to renounce it within the applicable statutory period.

The decision may arise for several reasons.

For example, an estate may contain:

• bank debts;
• tax liabilities;
• private debts;
• mortgages or other obligations;
• property with financial burdens;
• unknown liabilities;
• ongoing legal disputes.

An heir may also choose to renounce for personal or family reasons even where the estate is not known to contain debts.

Renunciation concerns the inheritance as a legal position and should therefore be considered carefully before the declaration is made.

What Is Renunciation of Inheritance?

Renunciation is a formal declaration by which the person called to an inheritance declares that they do not wish to remain an heir.

It is not the same as transferring an inherited asset to another person or deciding not to use inherited property.

The procedure concerns the heir’s legal position in relation to the succession itself.

This distinction is important because a person should not assume that simply ignoring an inheritance is equivalent to legally renouncing it.

Greek succession rules provide specific procedures and deadlines that must be observed.

Deadline for Renunciation of Inheritance in Greece

One of the most important issues in Renunciation of Inheritance Greece is the statutory deadline.

Under the applicable Greek rules, the ordinary period for renunciation is generally four months.

The period begins when the heir becomes aware of:

1. the devolution of the inheritance; and
2. the reason for which they have been called to the inheritance.

Where succession arises under a testamentary disposition, the renunciation period does not begin before the relevant will has been published.

Greek law also provides a longer period in certain circumstances involving residence abroad.

The current Article 1845 introduced by Law 5303/2026 similarly provides for a four-month period and a one-year period where the deceased had their last residence abroad or the heir was residing abroad when the period began.

Because the starting point of the deadline can depend on the circumstances of the individual succession, heirs should not calculate the deadline solely from the date of death without legal review.

Four-Month Renunciation Period

The ordinary deadline is generally four months from the point at which the heir learns of the devolution of the inheritance and the reason for it.

This distinction is important.

The deadline is not correctly described in every case simply as “four months after the death.”

The relevant facts can include:

• when the person learned of the death;
• when they learned that they were called as an heir;
• whether succession is intestate or based on a will;
• when a relevant will was published;
• whether another heir previously renounced;
• where the deceased and heir were residing.

The Greek tax authority also explains that the ordinary four-month period begins when the heir learns of the devolution and its basis.

One-Year Deadline for Heirs Abroad

A one-year renunciation period can apply in circumstances involving residence abroad.

Under the applicable rules, the longer period may apply where the deceased had their last residence abroad or where the heir was residing abroad when the relevant period began.

This can be particularly important for:

• Greeks permanently living abroad;
• foreign nationals called to an inheritance in Greece;
• families divided between Greece and another country;
• international estates;
• heirs who discover Greek inheritance rights while residing abroad.

The existence of an international element should therefore be examined before calculating the deadline.

Renunciation Where There Is a Will

Where inheritance rights arise from a will, additional considerations apply.

The renunciation period does not begin before publication of the testamentary disposition.

The heir may therefore need to determine:

• whether a will exists;
• when it was published;
• whether they are named in the will;
• whether another testamentary document exists;
• whether the will affects the order in which persons are called to inherit.

The publication date can be particularly important when determining the applicable deadline.

Renunciation When There Is No Will

Where no applicable will exists, succession occurs according to the rules of intestate inheritance.

Depending on the family structure, relatives may be called to inherit according to the legally prescribed order.

This means that a person who initially had no immediate inheritance rights may later become an heir after another person renounces.

For example, the renunciation of one heir can result in the inheritance passing to another person according to the applicable succession rules.

For this reason, inheritance renunciation should be examined not only from the perspective of the person making the declaration but also in relation to the persons who may subsequently be called to the estate.

What Happens After an Heir Renounces?

A valid renunciation changes the succession position.

The person renouncing is treated according to the applicable inheritance rules as not retaining the inheritance, and the succession then proceeds to the person or persons next entitled under the relevant legal framework.

This can result in another family member becoming an heir.

Consequently, renunciation by one person can trigger a new inheritance issue for:

• children;
• other descendants;
• siblings;
• parents;
• other relatives.

The precise result depends on the family relationships, the existence of a will and the applicable succession rules.

This is one reason why a sequence of renunciations within a family should be legally coordinated rather than handled independently by each person.

Inheritance Debts and Renunciation

Estate debts are among the most common reasons an heir considers Renunciation of Inheritance Greece.

An estate may contain valuable assets but also significant liabilities.

Potential obligations can include:

• bank loans;
• tax debts;
• private debts;
• debts connected with real estate;
• mortgages;
• other financial liabilities.

An heir should therefore avoid assessing the inheritance only by looking at visible assets such as an apartment, house or land.

Under Greek succession principles, an heir can potentially become responsible for estate obligations. The European e-Justice Portal notes that an heir, as universal successor, may be liable for estate obligations, including with personal property, subject to mechanisms such as acceptance with the benefit of inventory.

Where the financial position of the estate is uncertain, legal advice should be sought promptly because the renunciation period continues to be relevant.

Should I Renounce an Inheritance With Debts?

The existence of debt does not automatically mean that renunciation is always the correct option.

Before deciding, it can be necessary to examine:

• known estate assets;
• known liabilities;
• real estate owned by the deceased;
• mortgages and encumbrances;
• tax obligations;
• possible unknown debts;
• the value of the estate;
• alternative inheritance mechanisms available under Greek law.

A legal assessment can help the heir understand the available options before making a decision that may have permanent consequences.

Acceptance With the Benefit of Inventory

Renunciation is not the only mechanism that may be relevant where an estate has uncertain liabilities.

Greek inheritance law also provides for acceptance with the benefit of inventory, subject to the applicable statutory requirements.

Under this mechanism, the inherited estate is treated separately from the heir’s personal property for purposes of liability under the relevant rules.

The European e-Justice Portal explains that an heir accepting with the benefit of inventory is liable for estate obligations up to the estate’s assets, subject to the applicable procedure and inventory requirements.

Whether this mechanism is appropriate instead of renunciation depends on the circumstances of the particular inheritance.

What Happens If the Renunciation Deadline Expires?

This is one of the most important issues for an heir.

Under Greek inheritance law, failure to renounce within the applicable statutory period can result in the inheritance being treated as accepted.

The European e-Justice Portal describes this as notional acceptance where the heir does not exercise the right to renounce within the applicable deadline.

The Greek tax authority similarly states that where the applicable renunciation period expires without renunciation, the inheritance is considered tacitly accepted.

For this reason, an heir who suspects that an estate may contain debts should not postpone obtaining legal advice until the financial position has been completely clarified.

Can I Simply Ignore an Inheritance?

No. Ignoring an inheritance should not be treated as equivalent to renunciation.

Renunciation requires the legally prescribed declaration within the applicable period.

Doing nothing while the statutory period expires can have the opposite effect from what the heir intended.

This is especially dangerous where a person believes that because they have not signed an acceptance document, they cannot become responsible for the inheritance.

Greek succession law does not operate on that assumption.

Where Is Renunciation of Inheritance Made?

The declaration is made before the competent authority for the succession according to the applicable procedural rules.

Current Greek government information states that a declaration of renunciation is made before the secretariat of the competent court of succession.

This is one area where older English-language information on Greek websites can be misleading because it may still refer to the former Magistrates’ Courts or Justices of the Peace without reflecting subsequent changes to the judicial structure.

The competent court should therefore be identified according to the current procedural framework and the particular succession.

Documents for Renunciation of Inheritance

The documents required depend on the individual case.

Relevant documentation may include information or certificates concerning:

• the deceased;
• death certificate;
• identity of the heir;
• family relationship;
• last residence of the deceased;
• will, where applicable;
• publication of the will;
• previous renunciations;
• power of attorney where representation is permitted;
• other documents required by the competent court.

An heir should not assume that every case requires exactly the same documents.

The file should be prepared according to the circumstances of the succession and the requirements of the competent authority.

Renunciation of Inheritance by Power of Attorney

An heir who cannot personally complete the procedure in Greece may need to examine whether the declaration can be made through an authorised representative.

This is particularly relevant for heirs residing abroad.

Where representation is legally available, the power of attorney must contain the authority required for the specific inheritance procedure and comply with the applicable formal requirements.

For documents executed abroad, additional requirements may include:

• notarisation;
• Apostille;
• consular legalisation;
• official Greek translation.

A general power of attorney should not automatically be assumed sufficient for renunciation.

The document should be prepared specifically for the acts that need to be performed.

Renunciation of Inheritance Greece for Heirs Living Abroad

Our office assists heirs living outside Greece who need to address a Greek inheritance.

International cases can involve additional issues concerning:

• calculation of the applicable deadline;
• foreign residence;
• Greek and foreign civil-status documents;
• powers of attorney;
• Apostille or legalisation;
• official translations;
• communication with Greek authorities;
• subsequent heirs.

The possible one-year period makes the residence circumstances particularly important, but an heir should not assume that the longer period automatically applies merely because they currently spend time outside Greece.

The specific legal conditions should be examined.

Greek Citizens Living Abroad

Greek citizens who permanently reside outside Greece can still become heirs under a Greek succession.

They may need assistance with:

• identifying the applicable deadline;
• obtaining Greek certificates;
• preparing a power of attorney;
• coordinating the declaration in Greece;
• determining whether their own children or other relatives may subsequently become heirs.

The person’s citizenship alone does not determine every aspect of the renunciation period. Residence and the circumstances in which the succession became known can be legally relevant.

Foreign Nationals and Greek Inheritance

Foreign nationals can also become involved in Greek inheritance matters, particularly where:

• the deceased was Greek;
• property is located in Greece;
• the deceased lived in Greece;
• family members have different nationalities;
• an international will exists.

Cross-border successions can raise additional questions concerning applicable law and jurisdiction.

Where necessary, the inheritance should therefore be examined together with the relevant European or private international law rules.

European Succession Regulation

Cross-border inheritance matters may fall within the framework of Regulation (EU) No 650/2012.

The Regulation addresses issues including:

• jurisdiction;
• applicable law;
• recognition and enforcement;
• cross-border succession;
• European Certificate of Succession.

Where the deceased lived outside Greece or owned assets in more than one country, the applicable succession law should be determined before assumptions are made solely on the basis of nationality or the location of one asset.

Renunciation and Children of the Heir

An important consequence of renunciation is that another person may subsequently be called to the inheritance.

Depending on the family structure and applicable succession rules, this can include the children or other descendants of the person who renounced.

This issue becomes particularly important where the next person called to the inheritance is a minor.

Parents should therefore not consider their own renunciation in isolation without examining what happens to the succession immediately afterwards.

Renunciation of Inheritance for a Minor

Inheritance matters involving minors require particular care.

Where a minor becomes an heir following a death or the renunciation of another heir, special protective rules may apply.

The procedure should not be treated as identical to an ordinary adult renunciation.

Depending on the circumstances and the applicable legal framework, judicial involvement or additional formalities may be necessary for acts affecting the minor’s inheritance rights.

Because deadlines and protective rules concerning minors can have substantial consequences, legal advice should be obtained promptly.

Successive Renunciations Within a Family

A common situation occurs when several relatives wish to renounce the same debt-burdened estate.

One person renounces and another relative then becomes the person called to inherit.

The process can therefore continue through the applicable order of succession.

Each person’s legal position and deadline should be considered separately.

A family should not assume that one declaration automatically renounces the inheritance on behalf of everyone else.

Coordinating the sequence can be especially important where:

• several siblings are involved;
• heirs have children;
• some heirs live abroad;
• minors are involved;
• a will exists;
• relatives learned of the succession at different times.

Renunciation After Another Heir Has Renounced

A person may become an heir only after a previous heir renounces.

This raises an important deadline question because the later heir’s position must be assessed according to when that person became aware that the inheritance had devolved upon them and why.

Therefore, simply counting four months from the original death can produce an incorrect result in a chain of successive renunciations.

The facts of each heir’s case should be reviewed separately.

Can Renunciation Be Partial?

An heir should not assume that they can simply choose the desirable assets and reject the liabilities.

Inheritance concerns the succession position as a whole under the applicable legal framework.

For example, an heir cannot approach the matter on the assumption that they will keep an apartment but renounce only the deceased’s debts.

Where an estate contains both valuable assets and significant liabilities, the overall legal and financial position should be assessed before deciding whether to renounce.

Actions Before Renunciation

A person considering renunciation should be cautious about actions that could potentially be interpreted as acceptance of the inheritance.

Greek succession law recognises circumstances in which conduct may be relevant to whether an inheritance has been accepted. The European e-Justice Portal notes that conduct demonstrating an intention to become an heir may constitute tacit acceptance.

For this reason, an heir considering renunciation should obtain advice before taking significant actions involving estate assets.

Renunciation and Inherited Real Estate

An estate containing real estate may still be financially problematic.

The property could be affected by:

• mortgages;
• prenotations of mortgage;
• seizures;
• registered claims;
• co-ownership;
• tax obligations;
• other legal encumbrances.

Before deciding whether to retain an inheritance, it may therefore be useful to investigate the legal status of inherited real estate.

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

Investigating an Estate Before Renunciation

Where time permits, an heir may need to obtain information concerning the estate before making a decision.

The investigation can involve:

• known real estate;
• property ownership;
• registered encumbrances;
• available information concerning debts;
• tax matters;
• other estate assets.

However, an heir should always remain aware that investigation of the estate does not automatically suspend the statutory renunciation deadline.

This makes timing particularly important.

Certificate of Renunciation or Non-Renunciation

Greek administrative procedures provide for a certificate concerning whether an inheritance has been renounced.

Current government information allows qualifying applicants to request a certificate of waiver or non-waiver of inheritance, with electronic procedures available for specified courts and circumstances.

Official information is available through:

Gov.gr – Certificate of Non-Renunciation of Inheritance

Renunciation and Inheritance Tax

Renunciation can also affect the tax position of the persons involved because the identity of the person ultimately inheriting the estate may change.

Inheritance taxation should therefore be coordinated with the succession procedure rather than considered in isolation.

Where several people renounce successively, the final person or persons who remain heirs may have different family relationships with the deceased, which can be relevant to the tax treatment.

Official inheritance-tax information is available from the Independent Authority for Public Revenue – AADE.

Renunciation Versus Acceptance of Inheritance

Before proceeding, an heir may effectively need to compare the available legal options.

Depending on the circumstances, these may include:

• retaining the inheritance;
• formalising acceptance where required;
• considering acceptance with the benefit of inventory;
• renouncing the inheritance.

The correct decision depends on factors such as:

• value of assets;
• amount of debt;
• uncertainty concerning liabilities;
• inherited property;
• family circumstances;
• deadlines.

Legal advice should therefore focus on the individual estate rather than automatically recommending acceptance or renunciation.

Greek Inheritance Law Reform in 2026

Greek inheritance law has undergone a significant reform with Law 5303/2026, published in May 2026. The reform amended important provisions of Greek succession law, including rules concerning acceptance and renunciation. The Hellenic Parliament records Law 5303/2026 as the reform of inheritance law published in Government Gazette 81 A/22.5.2026.

The amended provisions include a four-month ordinary renunciation period beginning from knowledge of the devolution and its basis, and a one-year period in the specified circumstances involving residence abroad. In succession based on a testamentary disposition, the period does not begin before publication.

Because inheritance cases can be affected by transitional provisions and the relevant date of death, the applicable legal framework should always be determined for the particular succession rather than applying generic online information automatically.

Renunciation of Inheritance Greece – Frequently Asked Questions

How long do I have to renounce an inheritance in Greece?

The ordinary period is generally four months from the point at which the heir becomes aware of the devolution of the inheritance and the reason for it. A one-year period can apply in specified circumstances involving residence abroad.

Does the four-month period always begin on the date of death?

No. The legal starting point is connected to knowledge of the devolution and the reason for it. In inheritance under a testamentary disposition, the period does not begin before publication.

What happens if I miss the deadline?

Failure to renounce within the applicable statutory period can result in the inheritance being treated as accepted.

Can I renounce an inheritance because it contains debts?

Yes, potential estate liabilities are a common reason for considering renunciation. However, the entire financial and legal position of the estate should be examined before a decision is made.

Can I keep the property and renounce only the debts?

An heir should not assume that inheritance law allows them simply to select desirable assets while rejecting estate liabilities. The succession position must be considered as a whole.

I live abroad. Do I have more time?

A one-year period can apply where the statutory conditions concerning residence abroad are met. The circumstances should be checked before relying on the longer deadline.

Can a lawyer handle the renunciation if I live abroad?

Representation may be possible where the legal requirements are satisfied and the appropriate power of attorney has been prepared. Foreign documents may also require authentication and official translation.

What happens to the inheritance after I renounce?

The succession proceeds according to the applicable inheritance rules, and another person may become the heir. This can include descendants or other relatives depending on the circumstances.

Do my children need to renounce if I renounce?

Your renunciation may result in another person, potentially including a descendant, being called to the inheritance depending on the applicable succession rules. Their legal position should therefore be checked separately.

What if my child is a minor?

Special rules protect minors in inheritance matters. Where a minor becomes an heir, additional formalities and potentially judicial involvement may be required. Legal advice should be obtained promptly.

Can I renounce only one property?

Renunciation should not be approached as a mechanism for selecting individual estate assets. The legal succession position must be considered as a whole.

Should I investigate debts before renouncing?

Where possible, understanding the estate’s assets and liabilities can help with the decision. However, the investigation itself does not mean that the renunciation deadline stops running.

Lawyer for Renunciation of Inheritance in Greece

A lawyer can assist with determining:

• whether the person has been called to the inheritance;
• when the applicable deadline began;
• whether the four-month or one-year period applies;
• which court is competent;
• which documents are required;
• whether representation through a power of attorney is possible;
• what happens to subsequent heirs;
• whether minors are affected;
• how the inheritance relates to property or debts.

This is particularly useful in complicated family successions where several relatives intend to renounce one after another.

Related Greek Inheritance Legal Services

Renunciation is only one part of Greek inheritance law.

For broader assistance concerning wills, intestate succession, inherited real estate, heirs living abroad and inheritance disputes, see our main:

Greek Inheritance Lawyer – Inheritance & Estate Legal Services

If the estate contains Greek real estate, you may also need:

Property Legal Check Greece – Legal Due Diligence

Real Estate Lawyer Greece – Property Legal Services

Where the deceased was a Greek citizen who died outside Greece and the foreign death must also be addressed in the Greek civil-status system:

Register Foreign Death in Greece – Legal Assistance

Renunciation of Inheritance Greece – Contact Our Law Office

If you are considering Renunciation of Inheritance Greece, it is important to establish the applicable deadline before taking further action concerning the estate.

The Law Office of Anna Deftereou can assist with the examination of your inheritance position, calculation of the applicable period, preparation of the required documentation and representation in Greece where legally permitted.

We assist both heirs residing in Greece and international clients who have become involved in a Greek inheritance while living abroad.

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