Inheritance law · Greece
Inheritance lawyers in Greece you can rely on
Greek succession law blends strict forced heirship, notarial formalities and EU cross-border rules. We match you with a local lawyer who understands these rules and can guide you step by step.
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Your inheritance questions answered
Navigating Greek succession law with confidence
Dealing with an inheritance in Greece can raise difficult questions: who is entitled to a reserved share, how are foreign wills handled, and what must be filed with the tax office and land registry. Our service connects you with experienced inheritance lawyers in Greece who understand the Greek Civil Code, forced-heirship rules and EU cross-border successions. We do not give legal advice ourselves; instead, we match you with a vetted local practitioner in Athens, Thessaloniki or another Greek city. You receive clear, practical guidance and can move forward with confidence, usually within 24–48 hours. Whether you are an heir, executor or beneficiary, the right lawyer will help you prepare a will, accept or renounce an inheritance, and resolve disputes.
Local legal framework
How inheritance law works in Greece
Greece applies the continental civil-law tradition: the Greek Civil Code and the Constitution are primary sources, and the Court of Cassation (Areios Pagos) ensures uniform interpretation without binding precedent. Inheritance matters often involve forced heirship (nómimi moíra), strict notarial and registration requirements for immovable property, and EU Regulation 650/2012 for cross-border estates. The deadlines below are taken from official Greek sources and should always be checked with a qualified inheritance lawyer in Greece.
Civil-law court structure
Ordinary civil cases start in the Magistrates’ Courts or Courts of First Instance, with appeals to the Courts of Appeal. The Areios Pagos reviews only legal correctness, not facts. Its civil chambers include a dedicated inheritance section, so disputes over wills, forced heirship and estate administration are handled by judges familiar with succession matters.
Regulated legal profession
Only a lawyer (dikigóros) admitted to a Greek Bar Association may represent clients before Greek courts and authorities. Admission requires passing the nationwide bar examinations, ministerial appointment, oath and registration under Law 4194/2013. The Athens Bar Association alone has around 22,000 members, providing a broad pool of specialised inheritance practitioners.
Forced heirship (nómimi moíra)
Greek law restricts freedom of testation. Descendants and the surviving spouse (and parents if no descendants) are entitled to a reserved portion equal to one half of their intestate share. The forced heir automatically becomes a co-heir, and gifts made in the last ten years are added back when calculating the reserved portion.
Notarial deeds and registration
Immovable property in Greece can only be transferred or encumbered by a notarial deed, and ownership passes only upon registration with the Land Registry or Cadastral Office. The registration is constitutive, not merely declarative. A 3% Real Estate Transfer Tax must be paid before signing, and only lawyers, bailiffs and notaries may search the registries.
Cross-border successions
Greece applies EU Regulation 650/2012: the law of the deceased’s habitual residence generally governs the succession. A testator may elect the law of their nationality, which can help non-Greek nationals owning Greek property. Greece recognises the European Certificate of Succession, simplifying administration across participating Member States.
Key time limits — Inheritance, Probate & Wills
| Legal matter | Deadline | Practical note |
|---|---|---|
| Inheritance tax return filing | 9 months (death in Greece) / 1 year (death abroad) | The return must be submitted to the Greek tax authorities within these periods to avoid late-filing consequences. |
| Renunciation (disclaimer) of inheritance | 4 months (extendable to 1 year if abroad) | An heir may renounce within four months of learning of the inheritance, extended if the heir resides abroad. |
All legal and procedural details are taken from official Greek government, Bar Association and European e-Justice sources, accessed April 2025.
- European e-Justice Portal – National justice systems: Greece
- Athens Bar Association – Identity and organisation
- Greek Civil Code – Ministry of Justice (PDF)
- Greek Independent Authority for Public Revenue – Inheritance tax
- Greek Independent Authority for Public Revenue – Tax obligations arising from loss of life
- European e-Justice Portal – Successions
Common inheritance worries
Feeling stuck with a Greek inheritance?
These are the situations our clients often face before contacting us.
Unsure who inherits what
Greek forced heirship rules can override a will or lifetime gift. You need clarity on reserved shares and how they affect your estate plan, but piecing together the law alone feels overwhelming.
Missed tax or renunciation deadlines
Inheritance tax returns and renunciations have strict filing windows in Greece. If you miss one, you may face penalties or lose rights. A lawyer helps you act within the correct time limits.
Cross-border complications
You own property in Greece but live abroad, or a relative left assets in several countries. EU succession rules interact with Greek forced heirship and registration requirements, making professional guidance essential.
Why use our service
What you gain by matching with us
We connect you with the right legal expertise, without the guesswork.
Local expertise you can trust
Work with a lawyer who knows the Greek Civil Code, Areios Pagos practice and local registries. You get advice grounded in current Greek law, not generic templates.
Fast, free matching
Tell us about your inheritance matter. We match you with a suitable lawyer within 24–48 hours, at no cost to you, so you can stop searching and start planning.
Clear, predictable process
You receive practical next steps on forced heirship, notarial deeds, tax returns and EU certificates. A structured approach reduces uncertainty and helps you avoid costly mistakes.
Peace of mind
Inheritance disputes are stressful. Having a specialised lawyer on your side gives you confidence that deadlines are met, documents are correct and your interests are protected.
Where Greek inheritances often arise
We can help from across Europe
Many clients who need inheritance guidance in Greece live in neighbouring or connected European countries. Our network includes lawyers familiar with cross-border estates involving these jurisdictions.
Frequently asked questions
Answers on Greek inheritance law
What do inheritance lawyers in Greece do?
An inheritance lawyer in Greece reviews wills and gifts, advises on forced heirship (nómimi moíra), prepares or challenges notarial deeds, handles inheritance tax returns, renunciations and estate disputes, and represents clients before Greek civil courts. They do not act as mere form-fillers; they give legal advice and manage procedural steps.
How does Greek forced heirship affect my will?
Under the Greek Civil Code, descendants and a surviving spouse (or parents where there are no descendants) are entitled to a reserved share equal to half their intestate share. Gifts made in the last ten years are added back. A lawyer can explain whether your estate plan conflicts with these rules and suggest lawful structures.
Can I choose the law that governs my Greek inheritance?
Yes, under EU Regulation 650/2012 you may elect the law of your nationality to govern the succession as a whole. This professio juris can be especially useful for non-Greek nationals owning Greek property, because it may alter the application of Greek forced heirship. The choice must be made in a valid will.
Do I need a notarial deed to inherit Greek real estate?
Inheritance itself passes automatically, but to transfer or register immovable property in Greece you need a notarial deed and registration with the Land Registry or Cadastral Office. The registration is constitutive. A lawyer can coordinate the notary, tax payment and registry filing.
What are the inheritance tax filing deadlines in Greece?
If the death occurred in Greece, the inheritance tax return must generally be filed within nine months; if the death occurred abroad, the deadline is one year. An heir may renounce within four months, extendable to one year if abroad. These periods are strict and should be checked with a lawyer.
How much do inheritance lawyers in Greece charge?
Fees are not fixed by statute. A lawyer’s fee is freely agreed in writing for the whole case or specific acts, otherwise the statutory scale applies. Fees attract 24% VAT. You should request a written fee agreement before work begins and ask about court fees and notarial costs.
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