Issuance of Certificate of Inheritance in Greece: A Guide for Heirs & Expats

Alt title: Certificate of inheritance

Alt description: The Certificate of Inheritance is essential for validating your status as an heir when dealing with banks and other official bodies in Greece

The process of succession isoften accompanied by practical matters that require resolution. One of the most important issues to be considered is the official recognition of the heir, which enablesthem to manage, transfer, or utilize the deceased’s assets. The Greek inheritance law provides for the issuance of an official judicial document known as the Certificate of Inheritance (“Kleronomitirio”).

The Certificate of Inheritance in Greece is a public document certifying the inheritance rights of the interested party. It is required in transactions related to the estate, such as managing bank accounts, transferring real estate, or addressing tax obligations. Heirsholding a valid Certificate of Inheritance are protected from future disputes among heirs.

Following the enactment ofLaw 5095/2024, the authority to issue Certificates of Inheritance now rests with accredited attorneys. These are selected from a special registry maintained by the local Courts of First Instance (Protodikeia). The relevant application is also submitted to these courts.

This article outlines when a Certificate of Inheritance is required, how the process works, and what the applicant must be aware of to complete the process correctly and without unnecessary delays.

Table of Contents

• When is a Certificate of Inheritance typically needed?
  1. Dealing with third parties who require it
  2. Certain cases of inheritance by will
• What is the procedure for issuing a Certificate of Inheritance?

• 1. Application for the publication and validation of a will
  2. Application submission by an attorney to the competent Court of First Instance

• How can a Certificate of Inheritance be challenged?
• Conclusion
• Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) about the Certificate of Inheritance

When is a Greek Certificate of Inheritance Typically Needed?

The Certificate of Inheritance is not required in all succession cases, but it is especially useful or necessary when the heir must prove their rights to third parties such as banks, public authorities, notaries, or land registries.The most common scenarios where a Certificate of Inheritance in Greece is needed include:

1. Transactions with Third Parties (e.g., Banks)

It is common practice for institutions like banksin Greece to demand a Certificate of Inheritance before releasing funds (especially over a certain amount) or assets (e.g., contents of a safety deposit box). The banks often request the certificate even in intestate succession cases, where there is no will and the heirs are clearly identified through official documents.

2. Inheritance by Will

In cases of inheritance through a will, the first step is the publication of the will. A will that has not been published has no legal effect. Once the will is published by the competent court, the designated heir may request the issuance of a Certificate of Inheritance.

Before the enactment of Law 5095/2024, the court had to declare the will valid (“kyria”) through a judicial decision. Although this was not explicitly stated in the law, it was the standard legal interpretation. Under the new law, however, this requirement is not explicitly mentioned. A will can now be sufficient upon publication alone for the issuance of the certificate.

Nevertheless, due to remaining legal uncertainty, it is still advisable for heirs to request both the publication and validation of the will in court to ensure security.The certificate becomes useful where the will names distant or unrelated individuals as heirs, especially if close relatives are excluded. It is less commonly needed when the sole heir is a direct descendant (e.g., the deceased’s child). In such cases, the heir may proceed with other actions directly after the will is published.

Important to note is that the Greekwill must be clear and unambiguous. An attorney issuing the certificate cannot interpret the will’s intent. If interpretation is needed, the matter must go to court.

What is the Procedure for Issuing a Greek Certificate of Inheritance?

The procedure differs depending on whether there is a will. In either case, certain documents must be collected, and an application must be submitted to the competent courtthrough an inheritance attorney.

Step 1: Application for Will Publication and Validation (if applicable)

As explained above, this is a necessary step before the certificate can be issued if a will exists.

Step 2: Filing the Application by an Attorney at the Court of First Instance

The heir’s accredited attorney prepares and submits the application at the competent Court of First Instance. If there are multiple heirs, a joint certificate may be requested. The following must also be submitted:

• A fee receipt for the attorney’s bar association
• Aspecial fee under Law 5095/2024 for the accredited attorney who will issue the certificate.

Once submitted, the court posts the application publicly for 10 days, after which, the attorney must submit supporting documents, including at a minimum:

1. Death Certificate of the deceased
2. Certificate of Closest Relatives
3. Will Publication Record and Court Decision declaring it valid (if applicable)
4. Certificate of Will Publication or Non-Publication
5. Certificate of Non-Renunciation of Inheritance
6. Certificate of No Inheritance Disputes

While the Death Certificate and Certificate of Relatives are issued by the local Registry Office, other documents are obtained electronically via the “Solon” portal or the Bar Association’s legal documentation platform.

Note: Documents 4 through 6 must be dated after the 10-day public posting period.

A designated accredited attorney then reviews the file and, if all legal conditions are met, issues the Certificate of Inheritance.

After 20 days from the certificate’s issuance andno objections are filed, the certificate is considered final, and the court issuesa formal certificate of finality.

How Can a Certificate of Inheritance Be Challenged?

Articles 1965 of the Greek Civil Code and 823 of the Code of Civil Procedure provide for the revocation or annulment of an inaccurate Certificate of Inheritance. Anyone with a legitimate interest may apply for such a challenge.

Inaccuracy may arise either because the certificate should not have been issued in the first place or because the legal conditions have changed.