Inheritance in Greece When a Greek Citizen Dies Abroad – Legal Guide for Greek Americans
When a Greek citizen passes away abroad, the inheritance process in Greece can seem complex, especially if the estate includes real estate or financial assets. However, with the right legal guidance and an experienced Greek inheritance lawyer, heirs can secure their rights and complete the inheritance procedure smoothly.
Greek inheritance law sets specific rules for managing assets of Greek expatriates. This guide outlines the step-by-step process of claiming an inheritance in Greece when a relative has died overseas, covering legal documents, tax obligations, and asset transfers.
Contact our law firm E. CHATZIDIMITRIOU LLC via email at info@hatzidimitriouvirtuallaw.com or +13474034789 and one of our specialized associates will guide you through your case language of communication, preferably Greek.
1. Obtain and Legalize the Death Certificate for Use in Greece
The first step in the Greek inheritance process is obtaining the official death certificate from the country where the deceased passed away. This document is legally required for all inheritance procedures in Greece.
✔ Translation and Legalization
The death certificate must be:
•Translated into Greek by a certified translator.
•Apostilled if issued in a Hague Convention country.
• Legalized via the Greek Consulate or Embassy if Apostille is not available.
Completing this step ensures the document is recognized by Greek authorities.
2. Check for a Will in Greece or Abroad
The inheritance procedure depends on whether the deceased left a will.
✔ If a Foreign Will Exists:
•It must be probated in the country of issuance.
• It must be translated into Greek and submitted to a Greek court for recognition.
•A Greek inheritance attorney can assist with this process to ensure legal compliance.
✔ If a Greek Will Exists:
•The process is simpler, as the will can be executed directly under Greek inheritance law.
✔ If No Will Exists:
• The estate is distributed based on Greek intestacy laws, which determine heirs based on family relationships.
3. Obtain Legal Heir Recognition from a Greek Court
To claim inheritance rights in Greece, heirs must submit a heir recognition petition to the Greek Magistrate Court (Eirinodikeio) where the estate is located.
✔ Required Documents:
• Greek death certificate
• Certificate of Next of Kin
• Certificate of No Published Will (issued by a Greek court)
•Copy of the Will (if applicable)
✔ Registering Inherited Property
If the inheritance includes Greek real estate, heirs must register the property in their name at the Greek Land Registry (Ktimatologio) or the Land Registry Office (Ypothikofilakeio).
4. File the Greek Inheritance Tax Declaration
Greek law requires heirs to file an inheritance tax declaration with the Greek Tax Office (DOY).
✔ Deadline for Filing:
•6 months if the death occurred in Greece.
•12 months if the death occurred abroad.
✔ Greek Inheritance Tax Calculation
The tax amount depends on:
•Degree of relation to the deceased.
• Value of inherited property.
✔ Tax Exemptions & Reductions
Close relatives (spouses, children) benefit from lower inheritance tax rates and potential exemptions. A Greek inheritance lawyer can navigate tax obligations and claim available deductions.
5. Transfer of Inherited Assets to Heirs
Once all legal and tax matters are settled, assets are officially transferred to the rightful heirs.
✔ Real Estate Transfer in Greece
• A notarial deed of inheritance acceptance must be drafted and signed.
• The property is registered under the heir’s name in the Greek Land Registry.
✔ Greek Bank Accounts & Financial Assets
To access bank accounts, heirs must provide:
• The official death certificate.
• A court order or inheritance declaration.
•Additional legal documents as required.
A Greek estate lawyer will handle all necessary procedures to ensure a smooth inheritance transfer.
Contact our law firm E. CHATZIDIMITRIOU LLC via email at info@hatzidimitriouvirtuallaw.com or +13474034789 and one of our specialized associates will guide you through your case language of communication, preferably Greek.
Why You Need a Greek Inheritance Lawyer
Greek inheritance law can be complicated, especially when:
✔ The deceased owned assets in multiple countries.
✔ A foreign will needs to be recognized in Greece.
✔ Inheritance disputes arise among heirs.
A Greek inheritance lawyer will:
✔ Ensure legal execution of the will.
✔ Handle tax and legal obligations.
✔ Secure proper asset transfer and registration.
With expert legal guidance, the inheritance process in Greece becomes clear and stress-free, ensuring heirs receive their rightful inheritance without unnecessary delays or legal issues.
Contact our law firm E. CHATZIDIMITRIOU LLC via email at info@hatzidimitriouvirtuallaw.com or +13474034789 and one of our specialized associates will guide you through your case language of communication, preferably Greek.
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Contact our law firm E. CHATZIDIMITRIOU LLC via email at info@hatzidimitriouvirtuallaw.com or +13474034789 and one of our specialized associates will guide you through your case language of communication, preferably Greek.