Inheritance Planning in Greece: Protecting Family Ties Through Law

${jurName} advises that Greek law enforces strict forced heirship (nomimi moira), which reserves 50% of your estate for your spouse, children, and parents regardless of what your will states. You cannot fully disinherit your children or spouse; they are guaranteed their reserved share by law. If your will violates these rights, reserved heirs can file a claim (agogi nomimis moiras) within two years of learning about the will to recover their statutory entitlement.

${jurName} explains that children as Category A heirs pay inheritance tax on a progressive scale from 1% to 10% after a EUR 150,000 tax-free allowance per heir. However, real estate is taxed at the tax authority's objective values, not market price, which can sometimes be lower. The final tax burden depends on the total estate value and whether you own multiple properties across different Greek regions.

${jurName} notes that Greek intestate succession follows a strict legal order: your spouse and children inherit first, then parents, then more distant relatives. Your estate will be divided according to the Civil Code unless you have a valid will (diathiki) registered with a notary. All property transfers must be formally accepted before a notary and registered in the Ktimatologio (land registry) within specific timelines to avoid complications.

${jurName} advises that in Greece, you must formally declare acceptance of an inheritance (Dilosi Apodochis Klironomias) before a notary or court; silence does not constitute acceptance. You can accept with benefit of inventory, which limits your personal liability for the deceased's debts to the estate's assets—a critical protection if the deceased had significant liabilities. Refusing an inheritance can shift your share to other heirs and may trigger disputes with co-heirs.

${jurName} highlights that parental donations (goniki parohi) of real estate to children receive favorable tax treatment compared to inheritance transfers and can reduce your taxable estate. These gifts are subject to gift tax rather than inheritance tax and may qualify for reduced rates if structured properly through a notary. However, donors must be aware that gifts can still affect forced heirship calculations if other heirs contest the estate.

${jurName} explains that Greece's probate process typically takes 6–12 months depending on estate complexity and whether disputes arise over forced heirship claims. Property registration in the Ktimatologio (land registry) can add 2–6 months after probate concludes, especially for older properties with incomplete or unclear title histories. Starting documentation early—including obtaining a certificate of next of kin (Pistopoiitiko Egyteron Syngenon)—can accelerate the process significantly.

${jurName} recommends that Greek property owners have a notarized will (diathiki) registered with a notary, obtain clear title documentation from the Ktimatologio, and prepare a list of all assets with location and deed numbers. If your property has a complex ownership history (common on islands), investigate and resolve title issues before your death to prevent your heirs from facing disputes or inability to register transfers. You should also appoint a trusted executor in your will and discuss your intentions with family to minimize conflicts after your death.