Understanding Forced Heirship in Cyprus

If you’re a Greek-Cypriot living in the U.S. and planning to write a will or transfer property in Cyprus, it’s important to understand how forced heirship laws might affect your decisions. Cyprus law protects certain heirs by reserving a share of your estate for them, even if your will says otherwise.

At E CHATZIDIMITRIOU LLC, we help Greek-Cypriots abroad understand and comply with Cypriot succession law while maximizing their estate planning freedom. We provide online consultations, speak Greek and English, and serve clients across Cyprus and Greece.

What Is Forced Heirship in Cyprus?

Forced heirship is a legal rule that reserves a portion of a deceased person’s estate for specific relatives, such as:

• Children

• Spouse

• Parents (if no children)

This portion is called the statutory share and cannot be freely given to others in your will.

Who Is Affected by Forced Heirship?

You are subject to forced heirship in Cyprus if:

• You are domiciled in Cyprus at the time of death, or

• Your estate includes immovable property (land or buildings) located in Cyprus

Even if you live abroad, if you own real estate in Cyprus, these rules may apply to your estate.

What Is the Disposable Portion?

Only part of your estate can be freely distributed:

• If you have children: 25% disposable

• If you have no children but a surviving spouse or parents: 50% disposable

• If you have no surviving spouse, parents, or children: 100% disposable

We help you structure your will to legally respect these limits while preserving your intentions.

Can Forced Heirship Be Avoided?

In certain cases, you may be able to reduce or avoid forced heirship:

• If you are not domiciled in Cyprus and your entire estate is abroad

• If you transfer assets during your lifetime (e.g. through donation)

• If you use legal tools like trusts (limited availability in Cyprus – professional guidance required)

Our team provides tailored legal advice based on your personal and asset situation.

Why Choose E CHATZIDIMITRIOU LLC

• Specializing in inheritance law and forced heirship in Cyprus

• Serving Greek-Cypriots abroad with remote legal services

• Bilingual team (Greek-English)

• Legal support across all of Cyprus and Greece

• Transparent and personalized estate planning strategies

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.

E CHATZIDIMITRIOU LLC – Legal Services for Greeks and Cypriots Abroad