Inheritance, Probate & Wills · Greece
Your guide to Inheritance, Probate & Wills lawyers in Greece
Dealing with a Greek estate involves forced heirship rules, notarial formalities and strict filing deadlines. We match you with a lawyer who handles inheritance, probate and wills across Greece, so you can move forward with clarity.
- Free, no-obligation matching with verified Greek lawyers
- Specialists in forced heirship, notarial deeds and cross-border successions
- Clear guidance on filing deadlines and estate administration
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Expert guidance on Greek succession law
Inheritance, Probate & Wills in Greece: what you need to know
Settling an inheritance in Greece involves far more than reading a will. The Greek Civil Code reserves a forced share for close relatives, requires notarial deeds and registration for real property, and sets short deadlines for tax returns and renunciations. That is why it pays to work with Inheritance, Probate & Wills lawyers in Greece who understand the local courts, the Cadastre system and the interplay with EU Regulation 650/2012. Through our free matching service, you are connected with a specialised Greek lawyer who can explain your position, prepare documents and represent you. Whether you are a beneficiary, executor, forced heir or non-resident owner of Greek property, the right legal support helps you avoid invalid formalities and unnecessary tax exposure.
Local legal framework
How inheritance, probate and wills work in Greece
Greece applies civil-law rules rooted in the Greek Civil Code, with forced heirship and formality requirements that differ from common-law systems. Below we summarise the key legal features you should understand before acting; a matched lawyer will apply them to your case.
Forced heirship limits freedom of testation
Under Articles 1825-1846 of the Greek Civil Code, descendants and the surviving spouse (and parents where there are no descendants) are entitled to a reserved portion (nómimi moíra) equal to one half of their intestate share. Gifts made in the last ten years are added back to the estate when calculating this reserved portion, so lifetime transfers can be reduced if they infringe it.
Notarial deed and registration for immovable property
A transfer or encumbrance of Greek real property must be effected by notarial deed, and ownership passes only upon registration with the competent Land Registry or Cadastral Office — registration is constitutive, not merely declarative. A 3% Real Estate Transfer Tax must be paid before the deed is signed; failure to observe the notarial form renders the transfer incurably void.
Cross-border successions and choice of law
Greece applies EU Regulation (EU) No 650/2012, so the law of the deceased’s habitual residence generally governs the succession as a whole. A testator may elect the law of their nationality (professio juris), which is especially relevant for non-Greek nationals owning Greek property, given Greek forced-heirship rules. Greece also recognises the European Certificate of Succession.
Strict deadlines for tax and renunciation
The inheritance tax return must be filed within 9 months if the death occurs in Greece, or 1 year if abroad. A beneficiary who wishes to renounce the inheritance must do so within 4 months, extendable to 1 year if the renouncing party resides abroad. Missing these deadlines can affect tax position and acceptance of the estate.
Who may advise you and represent you
Greek lawyers must be members of a Bar Association and are admitted after national exams, a ministerial appointment, oath and registration. Under Article 1 of the Code of Lawyers (Law 4194/2013), a lawyer is a public functionary and co-operator of the administration of justice. Only lawyers, bailiffs and notaries may conduct searches at the land registries and cadastral offices.
Court structure for inheritance disputes
Inheritance matters fall under the civil jurisdiction. The Magistrates’ Courts and Courts of First Instance hear cases at first instance, with appeals to the Courts of Appeal and cassation review limited to legal correctness by the Supreme Court (Areios Pagos), which has a dedicated inheritance chamber. Court fees include a proportional judicial stamp duty based on the claim value.
Key time limits — Inheritance, Probate & Wills
| Matter | Deadline | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Inheritance tax return filing | 9 months (death in Greece) / 1 year (death abroad) | The filing deadline depends on where the deceased died. |
| Renunciation (disclaimer) of inheritance | 4 months (extendable to 1 year if abroad) | Heirs may renounce within four months; extension applies when the renouncing party resides abroad. |
Data compiled from official Greek sources and EU e-Justice resources, reflecting the legal framework as published by Greek and European institutions.
Common challenges
Inheritance issues that can go wrong without local help
A short overview of the problems clients face before being matched.
Forced heirship surprises
Many non-Greek clients are surprised to learn that descendants and spouses have a reserved share of the estate, even if a will says otherwise. Gifts made in the past ten years may be clawed back to calculate that forced share.
Strict formalities and deadlines
Missing the nine-month inheritance tax return or the four-month renunciation period can bind you to an estate you did not want or trigger tax penalties. Notarial deeds and Cadastre registration must be exact.
Cross-border complexity
If the deceased lived abroad or owned property in several countries, EU Regulation 650/2012 and choice-of-law issues determine which law governs the succession, and Greek forced heirship can still affect Greek assets.
Why use our matching service
Clear, local guidance for Greek estates
What changes when you are matched with a specialised Greek inheritance lawyer.
Verified local expertise
You are matched only with lawyers admitted to a Greek Bar Association who handle inheritance, probate and wills. They know the courts, the Cadastre and the tax office procedures.
Practical deadline management
Your lawyer will track the inheritance tax return, renunciation and any court limitation periods, helping you avoid missed deadlines that could affect your legal position.
Cross-border coordination
For estates involving another EU country or non-Greek property, your lawyer will apply EU Regulation 650/2012 and coordinate with advisers abroad as needed.
Cost transparency
You receive a free match and can agree fees in writing with your lawyer under Greek rules. No hidden costs from the platform.
Neighbouring and related legal markets
Inheritance, Probate & Wills across Europe
If your Greek estate also touches other countries, you may need coordinated advice. We cover these jurisdictions as well.
Frequently asked questions
Inheritance, Probate & Wills in Greece: key answers
Why should I hire Inheritance, Probate & Wills lawyers in Greece instead of handling the estate myself?
Greek succession law involves forced heirship, notarial deeds, Cadastre registration and strict deadlines. A specialist Greek lawyer can interpret the Civil Code, prepare the correct documents and represent you before the tax office, land registry or courts, reducing the risk of invalid formalities and unnecessary tax exposure.
What is the reserved portion (nómimi moíra) in Greek inheritance law?
Under Articles 1825-1846 of the Greek Civil Code, descendants and the surviving spouse (and parents where there are no descendants) are entitled to one half of the share they would receive on intestacy. Gifts made in the last ten years can be added back to the estate when calculating this forced share.
How long do I have to file the inheritance tax return in Greece?
The return must be filed within nine months if the death occurred in Greece, or within one year if the death occurred abroad. The deadline is strict, and your matched lawyer will help you gather the necessary valuations and submit on time.
Can a non-Greek national make a will that disposes of Greek property freely?
Not entirely. Greece applies EU Regulation 650/2012, allowing a choice of national law, but Greek forced heirship rules still protect reserved shares in Greek assets. A lawyer can advise whether a professio juris election in your will would help or whether Greek forced heirship prevails.
Do I need a notary for Greek real estate inheritance?
Yes. Ownership of Greek real property passes only upon a notarial deed and its registration with the competent Land Registry or Cadastral Office; registration is constitutive. A Real Estate Transfer Tax of 3% must be paid before the deed is signed.
What happens if I want to renounce a Greek inheritance?
You must renounce within four months from learning of the inheritance, and this period extends to one year if you reside abroad. Renunciation must be formal and is recorded; missing it can result in being treated as accepting the estate.
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