Inheritance Law · Europe
Understand Your Inheritance Tax Position Before It Costs You
Inheriting assets can trigger tax obligations in more than one country — and the rules, rates and exemptions vary dramatically across Europe. We match you, free of charge, with a vetted lawyer who clarifies your inheritance tax exposure and the lawful steps available to manage it in the relevant jurisdiction.
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Who this is for
The tax on an inheritance can be the single largest cost — and the easiest to overlook
Inheritance or succession tax is the tax that may be payable when assets pass from a person who has died to their heirs, and it is one of the least harmonised areas of law in Europe. Some countries levy significant succession tax with rates that climb steeply with the value of the estate and the closeness of the relationship; others tax only certain assets, and some impose little or none. A single estate can also be exposed to tax in several countries at once, depending on where the deceased lived, where the heirs live and where the assets are situated. Reliefs, allowances and exemptions, for a family home, a spouse or charitable gifts, can reduce the bill substantially, but only if claimed correctly and on time. We match you with a lawyer who clarifies your actual tax position and the legitimate options for managing it in the relevant country.
Why heirs overpay or panic
Inheritance tax surprises are almost always avoidable.
But only with the right advice in time.
Heirs frequently discover a tax liability only after the estate is being settled — when planning options have already narrowed.
Double taxation across borders
An estate with assets or heirs in several countries can be taxed more than once on the same property. Relief may be available under domestic law or tax treaties, but claiming it requires knowing which rules apply and where.
Missed exemptions and reliefs
Allowances for a spouse, the family home or small estates can reduce or eliminate inheritance tax — but they are time-sensitive and must be claimed properly. Overlooking one can mean paying far more than the law requires.
Liquidity to pay the bill
Tax on an estate often falls due before inherited assets can be sold or released. Heirs can find themselves owing a substantial sum with no ready cash, and the rules for deferral or instalments differ from country to country.
What you get
A lawyer who clarifies your tax exposure and your options
We only match you with lawyers who handle succession tax and cross-border estate planning in the relevant country.
Your exposure clarified
Your lawyer identifies which countries can tax the estate and why, and calculates your likely liability before you commit to any action — so you understand the real position.
Reliefs and exemptions claimed
Allowances, spousal and family-home exemptions, and treaty relief are identified and applied correctly, so the amount you pay is reduced to what the law actually requires.
Cross-border planning
For estates spanning several countries, your lawyer coordinates the tax position in each jurisdiction and applies any double-taxation relief so the same assets are not taxed twice.
Payment options managed
Where tax falls due before assets can be sold, your lawyer advises on deferral, instalments or other lawful arrangements available in the relevant governing country.
Coverage
Inheritance tax lawyers across Europe
Succession and inheritance tax is set nationally, and cross-border estates may face claims from more than one country. We match inheritance tax cases across the following countries and beyond:
Frequently asked
Inheritance tax — common questions
Do I have to pay inheritance tax in Europe?
It depends on the country or countries involved. Some European countries levy significant succession tax, while others impose little or none. The liability can also depend on the value of the estate, your relationship to the deceased and where assets are located.
Which country can tax my inheritance?
More than one country may have a claim — for example the country where the deceased lived, where you live, or where assets such as property are situated. Treaties and domestic rules can prevent double taxation, but a lawyer is usually needed to determine the actual position.
Are spouses exempt from inheritance tax?
In many European countries a surviving spouse benefits from a full or substantial exemption, but this is not universal and the rules can differ for registered partners. The exact treatment depends on the jurisdiction that governs the estate.
What reliefs or allowances can reduce inheritance tax?
Common reliefs include a tax-free allowance, an exemption or reduction for the family home, and reduced rates for close relatives. What is available, and whether it must be claimed within a deadline, varies by country — a lawyer can confirm what applies to your case.
Can I be taxed twice on the same inherited assets?
Yes, in principle, where several countries have a claim on the same estate. Double-taxation relief is often available through domestic rules or treaties, but it must be claimed correctly. Specialist cross-border advice is essential to avoid paying more than necessary.
What if I cannot pay the tax before the estate is settled?
Some countries allow payment by instalments or deferral in certain circumstances, but the options differ widely. Because interest and penalties can accrue, you should seek advice as soon as you learn a tax liability may arise, rather than after the deadline.
Free case review
Know your tax position before you inherit a problem
Tell us about the estate and we’ll connect you with an inheritance tax lawyer who handles succession tax in the relevant country every day — free of charge, with no obligation to hire.