Inheritance law · Romania
Expert inheritance lawyers in Romania for your succession matters.
Romania’s succession system follows strict civil-law rules on forced heirship, community property and notarial formalities. Our free matching service connects you with a specialist who understands local court practice, deadlines and tax obligations. Describe your case once and receive tailored proposals within 24–48 hours.
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Clear guidance for Romanian succession
When a relative dies in Romania, the legal path is shaped by rules that often surprise foreign heirs: a one-year option deadline, a reserved share for close family, and mandatory notarial deeds for real property. Inheritance lawyers in Romania help you navigate these requirements, whether you are accepting an estate, challenging a will or planning your own succession. They confirm the applicable law, identify forced heirs and disposable portions, and manage the notarial procedure or court representation when disputes arise. Our platform matches you with trusted legal professionals who know local Land Book formalities, tax registration for non-residents and the practical steps to secure your rights. You receive free, non-binding proposals based on your situation, with no charge for the introduction. A short description is all we need to connect you with a specialist who can explain your options in plain English and act on your behalf.
Romanian specifics
Inheritance rules you should know in Romania
Romanian succession follows the Civil Code of 2011, which introduces strict rules on forced heirship, notarial formalities and deadlines. If you are named as an heir or plan your estate, these rules determine who receives what and how. Below we summarise the key points verified from official Romanian sources.
Forced heirship limits testamentary freedom
Under Articles 1087–1088 of the Civil Code, the surviving spouse, descendants and privileged ascendants are forced heirs entitled to a reserved share equal to half of their legal share. The testator can only freely dispose of the remaining disposable portion. Gifts exceeding this are subject to reduction at the request of forced heirs. This materially affects estate planning and cross-border successions.
Notarial deed required for real property
Article 1244 of the Civil Code requires transfers of real property to be concluded in authentic notarial form before a Romanian notary public, under sanction of absolute nullity. The notary verifies identity, capacity and legality, and is responsible for validity. The same notarial procedure applies to succession of immovables and for issuing European Certificates of Succession.
Double liquidation after death of a spouse
Romania’s default matrimonial regime is legal community of property: acquisitions during marriage are presumed common regardless of which spouse is named. On death, the community must first be liquidated to separate the deceased’s share, and only then does succession apply. A matrimonial agreement before a notary can choose separation of property or conventional community.
Land acquisition rules for non-EU heirs
EU/EEA citizens may acquire land on the same terms as Romanians, but non-EU citizens can only acquire land under international treaties or reciprocity, and often use a Romanian company. Buildings (apartments, houses) have no nationality restrictions. Acquisition by intestate succession is exempted from these restrictions. Non-resident heirs should also obtain a Romanian tax registration number for income from Romanian sources.
Court representation and lawyer requirements
In civil and commercial cases, representation by a qualified lawyer is required before the courts of appeal and the High Court of Cassation and Justice. Only lawyers registered with a Romanian Bar may practise before Romanian courts. Admission is by examination through the National Association of Romanian Bars; lawyers undergo a compulsory traineeship before full qualification.
Key time limit — Inheritance, Probate & Wills
Succession option (accepting or renouncing an inheritance) — 1 year from the opening of the succession. The right of a successor to opt (accept or renounce the inheritance) must be exercised within 1 year from the opening of the succession, i.e. from the date of death (Article 1103 of the Civil Code); the option is indivisible and, once exercised, is final.
Data verified against official Romanian legislation and European e-Justice sources as of March 2025.
Common challenges
Why succession in Romania can be difficult
Heirs often face unexpected legal hurdles. Here are three of the most frequent.
Missed one-year option
You have only one year from the opening of the succession to accept or renounce. Missing it can result in automatic acceptance, including debts, or loss of rights.
Forced heirship reduces your freedom
Even with a will, Romanian law reserves a portion for close relatives. You cannot disinherit a forced heir without specific legal grounds, and excess gifts may be reduced.
Notarial and Land Book formalities
Transferring real property requires a notarial deed and Land Book registration. Errors can lead to nullity, especially for foreign heirs unfamiliar with the system.
What you gain
Why use our matching service
We connect you with a specialist who can handle your Romanian inheritance matter end to end.
Free, non-binding proposals
You pay nothing for the introduction. Receive up to three lawyer proposals and compare their approach and fee estimate before deciding.
Specialists in Romanian law
All matched lawyers are verified members of a Romanian Bar and have experience with succession, forced heirship and notarial procedures.
Clear explanations in English
Your lawyer will explain the Civil Code rules, deadlines and tax implications clearly, so you understand each step before acting.
Support for cross-border cases
If you live abroad or the estate includes assets in multiple countries, your lawyer can coordinate with local notaries and tax authorities.
Other European destinations
Where clients also seek advice
Our network covers many European jurisdictions. If you have cross-border interests, we can help you find a specialist in these countries as well.
Frequently asked questions
Inheritance in Romania: FAQs
What is the deadline to accept or renounce an inheritance in Romania?
You have one year from the opening of the succession to exercise the option. If you do nothing, you are deemed to have accepted the inheritance, including its debts. Inheritance lawyers in Romania can help you file the option before a notary within this period.
Can I disinherit my children under Romanian law?
Not completely. Romanian law protects forced heirs—spouse, descendants and privileged ascendants—who are entitled to a reserved share equal to half of their legal share. You can only freely dispose of the remaining disposable portion. Grounds for disinheritance are strictly limited.
Do I need a Romanian notary for real estate inheritance?
Yes. Transfers of real property must be concluded in authentic form before a Romanian notary public, otherwise the act is null. The notary verifies the succession, issues the certificate and ensures registration in the Land Book.
How is the matrimonial property regime handled if a spouse dies?
Romania’s default regime is legal community of property. On death, the community must first be liquidated to determine the deceased’s share, which then enters the succession. A matrimonial agreement choosing separation of property can change this.
Can non-EU citizens inherit land in Romania?
Yes, acquisition by intestate succession is generally allowed regardless of nationality. However, non-EU citizens acquiring land through other means face reciprocity restrictions and often need to use a Romanian company. Buildings have no nationality restrictions.
How can inheritance lawyers in Romania help me if I live abroad?
They can handle the entire procedure by power of attorney, liaise with the notary, obtain Land Book extracts, and ensure you meet tax obligations. They also explain forced heirship rules and represent you in court if needed.
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