New Greek Inheritance Law 5221/2025: Key Changes for Greeks Abroad

Effective from November 1, 2025 – What Changes for Greeks Abroad

The Hellenic Parliament has passed Law 5221/2025, the New Greek Inheritance Law, introducing the most significant reforms to the new inheritance law Greece in over 80 years. This new legislation completely revises key provisions of the Greek Civil Code. It also introduces legal tools that did not previously exist, directly affecting anyone who owns property in Greece. The impact is signficant both for those residing in the country or abroad (USA, Canada, Australia, Europe, and more).

Our law firm, E. Chatzidimitriou LLC, specializes in inheritance law for Greek expatriates. We provide expert legal guidance and complete remote handling of your case, no matter where you are in the world.

Key Changes under Law 5221/2025

1. Introduction of Inheritance Contracts

• Previously: The testator could not enter into a binding agreement with future heirs regarding the fate of their estate beyond a will. Compulsory heirs (e.g., children, spouse) always retained their right to claim their legal share.
• Now: It is possible to conclude a binding inheritance contract between the testator and the heirs. This change allows for a different distribution of the estate, even the full exclusion of a compulsory heir, provided they give prior consent.
• What this means for you: If you live abroad and want to settle the future of your Greek property with a binding agreement that prevents disputes, your solution lies with an inheritance contract.
• Call to action: Contact our firm to prepare such a contract and secure your estate planning according to your wishes.

2. Reform of the Legal Share (Νόμιμη Μοίρα)

• Previously: The surviving spouse received 25% of the estate when children were present. If a property was part of the legal share, heirs automatically became co-owners.
• Now: The spouse’s share increases to 33%, and automatic co-ownership is abolished. Heirs now receive financial compensation or an equivalent asset.
• What this means for you: This avoids property fragmentation and simplifies liquidation – ideal for families with heirs living abroad.

3. Rights for Unmarried Partners

• Previously: Partners without marriage or a civil partnership had no inheritance rights.
• Now: The law introduces new rights for unmarried partners.
  • Right to remain in the shared residence for 3 years after the partner’s death.
  • If there are no relatives and no will, the surviving partner inherits the entire estate.
• What this means for you: If you live together without marriage in Greece, your rights are now legally recognized.

4. Stricter Control over Holographic Wills

• Previously: Holographic wills were accepted with fewer formal checks, often leading to disputes.
• Now: To be valid, they must undergo formal verification of authenticity. This includes witness testimony or a handwriting expert’s opinion.
• What this means for you: If you have a will drafted abroad, you must ensure it meets the new authenticity requirements for it to be valid in Greece.

5. Recognition of Caregivers & Fair Distribution among Children

• Previously: Parents were obliged to distribute the estate equally among children.
• Now: Parents can allocate their estate based on fair criteria such as caregiving and continuation of the family business.
• What this means for you: You can legally reward children who have provided substantial care or support.

6. Limitation on Estate Renunciations Due to Debts

• Previously: Heirs were personally liable for the estate’s debts, even beyond the value of the inherited assets, leading to mass renunciations.
• Now: Heirs are liable only up to the value of their inheritance share.
• What this means for you: You can accept an inheritance without fear of personal financial ruin.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. When do the changes take effect? On November 1, 2025.
2. Can I sign an inheritance contract Greece from abroad? Yes, via a notarized deed and a power of attorney.
3. Will my old will still be valid? Yes, but we recommend reviewing it to ensure it complies with the new requirements.
4. What happens to Greek property when all heirs live abroad? The new law helps avoid co-ownership issues, making property sales or management much easier.