Inheritance, Probate & Wills · Switzerland
Trusted guidance from Inheritance, Probate & Wills lawyers in Switzerland
Swiss succession law combines federal rules on forced heirship with 26 cantonal court systems. We match you with a specialised lawyer who understands the cantonal deadlines, languages and tax consequences, so you can move forward with confidence.
- Nationwide lawyer matching across all 26 cantons
- Clear explanations of forced heirship and deadlines
- Free, no-obligation introduction to a specialist
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Why Switzerland matters
Swiss inheritance law, explained calmly
Inheritance, Probate & Wills lawyers in Switzerland advise on estates governed by the Swiss Civil Code, including forced heirship, wills, probate, renunciation and cross-border succession. Switzerland is not an EU member and has no federal inheritance tax, but the 26 cantons administer their own courts, languages and inheritance tax rules. Since 1 January 2023, descendants and a surviving spouse or registered partner retain a compulsory portion of half of the statutory entitlement, while parents have no protected share. Heirs generally have three months to renounce an inheritance. We match you with a specialist who can explain your position under the applicable canton’s rules, handle estate formalities and, if needed, represent you before cantonal courts or the Federal Supreme Court. Every match is free and without obligation.
Verified Switzerland facts
The Swiss legal landscape
Inheritance and probate matters in Switzerland combine federal Civil Code rules with cantonal court administration. The paragraphs below summarise the legal framework that a matched lawyer will apply to your case. They are not legal advice.
Forced heirship after 2023
Since 1 January 2023, Swiss law limits testamentary freedom through a compulsory portion. Descendants and the surviving spouse or registered partner are entitled to half of their statutory share; the compulsory portion of parents has been abolished. A testator may therefore freely dispose of at least half of their estate, regardless of the heirs left behind. This rule is set out in the Swiss Civil Code.
Three-month renunciation period
If you are an heir, you must decide whether to accept or renounce within three months of learning of the inheritance. The competent authority may extend this period in justified cases. Failing to act generally means accepting the estate, including its debts. A lawyer can prepare the disclaimer and confirm the cantonal formalities.
Cantonal courts and languages
Switzerland has 26 cantonal court systems. Civil and criminal cases are heard at first instance by district and cantonal courts, with appeals to cantonal courts of appeal and finally the Federal Supreme Court in Lausanne. Proceedings are conducted in German, French or Italian depending on the canton, so local language and court knowledge matter.
Lawyer admission and representation
A lawyer must hold a cantonal practising certificate and be entered on the cantonal lawyers’ roll under the Federal Act on the Free Movement of Lawyers. Admission in one canton allows representation before judicial authorities throughout Switzerland. There is no general obligation to have a lawyer in civil proceedings, but before the Federal Supreme Court representation by an admitted lawyer is required in civil matters.
Costs, advances and legal aid
Court costs in cantonal civil proceedings are set by cantonal tariff schedules, and as a rule the claimant must pay an advance on costs. The unsuccessful party bears the costs. Lawyers’ fees are freely agreed or, absent agreement, set according to cantonal fee schedules. Free legal aid is available to natural persons who lack sufficient resources and whose case is not devoid of success.
No federal inheritance tax
Switzerland levies no inheritance or gift tax at federal level. Inheritance taxation is exclusively a cantonal and partly communal matter. The surviving spouse or registered partner is exempt in all cantons, and most cantons also exempt direct descendants. Rates and exemptions for other heirs vary significantly, so the burden depends on the deceased’s canton of residence.
Key time limit — Inheritance, Probate & Wills
Disclaimer / renunciation of an inheritance — 3 months. Heirs must renounce within three months of learning of the inheritance unless the authority extends.
The country-specific statements on this page are drawn from official Swiss federal sources and ch.ch, as listed, and reflect the legal texts linked above.
Common concerns
What makes Swiss inheritance matters difficult
Three issues clients often face when dealing with succession in Switzerland.
Forced heirship uncertainty
Compulsory portions and the 2023 reforms can leave you unsure what you may freely dispose of. A Swiss inheritance lawyer can map out your protected shares and testamentary options.
Cantonal differences
Each of Switzerland’s 26 cantons runs its own courts, procedural languages and fee schedules. Without local insight, you risk delays or mistakes when administering an estate.
Short renunciation window
You have only three months to renounce an inheritance in Switzerland. Missing the deadline can mean accepting the estate and its debts automatically.
How we help
A calmer path to the right lawyer
We match you with a specialist who understands Swiss succession law and your canton.
Nationwide lawyer matching
We connect you with admitted lawyers who can represent you in every Swiss canton, so you are not limited to counsel near your home.
Free, no-obligation introduction
Tell us about your matter and we will match you with a specialist at no cost. There is no obligation to instruct the lawyer.
Canton-aware guidance
Our content and matching take account of the Swiss Civil Code and the 26 cantonal court systems, so you get context before you decide.
Clear deadlines and costs
We summarise verified Swiss deadlines and cost principles, helping you understand renunciation periods and court-fee rules before you meet a lawyer.
Where else we cover
Other jurisdictions our platform covers
Looking for inheritance and probate guidance in another European country? Explore our lawyer matches across these neighbouring and relevant jurisdictions.
Questions, answered
Frequently asked questions
Do I need to engage a lawyer for inheritance matters in Switzerland?
There is no general obligation to instruct a lawyer in Swiss civil proceedings, but succession often involves forced heirship, tax and cross-border issues. We match you with Inheritance, Probate & Wills lawyers in Switzerland who handle wills, probate and estate administration, and who can represent you if the case reaches a cantonal court or the Federal Supreme Court.
What is the compulsory portion under Swiss inheritance law?
Since 1 January 2023, descendants and a surviving spouse or registered partner are entitled to a compulsory portion of half of their statutory entitlement. The compulsory portion of parents has been abolished. A testator may freely dispose of at least half of the estate, regardless of the heirs left behind.
How long do I have to renounce an inheritance in Switzerland?
You generally have three months from learning of the inheritance to renounce it. The competent authority may extend this period in justified cases. If you do not act, you are usually considered to have accepted the estate, including any debts. A lawyer can prepare the necessary declaration.
Are inheritance taxes levied at federal level in Switzerland?
No. Switzerland has no federal inheritance or gift tax. Inheritance taxation is exclusively a cantonal and partly communal matter. The surviving spouse or registered partner is exempt in all cantons, and most cantons also exempt direct descendants. The burden depends on the deceased’s canton of residence.
What language are probate proceedings conducted in Switzerland?
Proceedings are conducted in German, French or Italian depending on the canton. Switzerland has four national languages, and each canton determines its official language. A lawyer familiar with the relevant canton can ensure that documents and submissions are in the correct procedural language.
Can a lawyer admitted in one Swiss canton represent me throughout Switzerland?
Yes. Under the Federal Act on the Free Movement of Lawyers, a lawyer admitted in one canton may practise and represent parties before judicial authorities throughout Switzerland. This national recognition allows you to choose the best specialist for your matter, regardless of the canton.
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