Inheritance Guide
Inheritance Planning in Greece: Protecting Family Ties Through Law
Greece has a deeply family-oriented inheritance system that guarantees your closest relatives a substantial share of your estate. The forced heirship rules reserve half of your estate for your spouse, children, and parents, and these rights are taken very seriously by Greek courts. Tax rates can climb to 40% for non-relatives, but close family members benefit from meaningful exemptions. If your family owns property on the islands or mainland, be aware that Greek property often involves complex title histories and multiple co-owners stretching back generations.
Inheritance Tax
Greece taxes inheritances on a progressive scale by category. Category A (spouse, children, parents, grandchildren) pay 1% to 10% after a EUR 150,000 exemption. Category B (other relatives to the third degree) pay 5% to 20% after a EUR 30,000 exemption. Category C (all others) pay 20% to 40% after a EUR 6,000 exemption. Real estate is valued at objective tax values which can differ from market values.
Forced Heirship
Greece has strict forced heirship (nomimi moira). Reserved heirs (children, parents, and the surviving spouse) are entitled to half of their intestate share. If a testator's will violates these rights, the reserved heirs can file a claim (agogi nomimis moiras) within two years of learning about the will.
Key facts about inheritance in Greece
The details that matter most when planning for your family's future in Greece.
- 1
Inheritance tax ranges from 1% to 10% for close family, up to 40% for non-relatives
- 2
Forced heirship (nomimi moira) reserves 50% of the estate for spouse, children, and parents
- 3
Close family (Category A) receives a EUR 150,000 tax-free allowance
- 4
Greece applies EU Succession Regulation 650/2012
- 5
Property inheritance requires formal acceptance before a notary and registration in the land registry
What makes Greece different
These are the considerations unique to Greece that most families don't discover until they need to.
Greek property title research is essential — many properties, especially on islands, have complex ownership histories with multiple co-owners
Parental donations (goniki parohi) of real estate to children are a popular planning tool with favorable tax treatment
The Greek land registry (Ktimatologio) modernization is still ongoing, making property documentation a critical step
Acceptance of inheritance in Greece comes with responsibility for the deceased's debts unless you accept with benefit of inventory
Documents commonly needed in Greece
The documents families typically need when dealing with inheritance matters in Greece.
Diathiki (will, public before a notary or holographic)
Pliexousio (power of attorney)
Dilosi Apodochis Klironomias (declaration of acceptance of inheritance)
Pistopoiitiko Egyteron Syngenon (certificate of next of kin)
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Important disclaimer
This content is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal, tax, or financial advice. It was created with the assistance of AI and may contain inaccuracies. Inheritance laws change frequently — always consult a qualified attorney or tax advisor in Greece before making decisions about inheritance or estate planning.