When someone dies owning property or assets in Spain, Spanish succession law applies — regardless of the deceased’s nationality or country of residence. The inheritance process requires obtaining a Certificate of Last Wills, preparing a Deed of Acceptance before a Spanish notary, and registering the title transfer — a process that typically takes 6 to 18 months. Tomas Ballestero Lawyers has guided international clients through Spanish inheritance procedures since 2003, with 72+ verified five-star Google reviews and a multilingual team advising in English, French, Dutch and Spanish.
Dealing with an inheritance in Spain involves navigating complex succession laws, tax obligations and property transfers. At Tomas Ballestero Lawyers, we have extensive experience helping British, European, and international clients manage inheritances on the Costa Blanca and throughout Spain.
We guide you through the full process: obtaining the death certificate, requesting the Certificate of Last Wills (Certificado de Últimas Voluntades), locating and interpreting the Spanish will, preparing the Deed of Acceptance of Inheritance before a notary, and registering the property transfer at the Land Registry.
Inheritance tax in Spain varies significantly by autonomous community. In the Valencian Community (which includes Costa Blanca), generous reductions are available for close relatives who are EU residents. We calculate your tax liability, apply all available reductions, and file the declaration within the 6-month deadline.
Under EU Succession Regulation 650/2012, the law of your habitual residence applies unless you have made a choice of law in your will. We coordinate with solicitors in the UK, Netherlands, France, Belgium and Germany to manage cross-border estates efficiently.
We strongly recommend making a Spanish will to cover your Spanish assets. This avoids delays and complications with foreign probate. We draft testamentos abiertos (open wills) before a Spanish notary.
Call +34 965 792 946 or email [email protected].
Conveyancing | Divorce Lawyer | Erfenis in Spanje (NL)
Inheritance matters in Spain can be complex, particularly for foreign nationals who may be subject to both Spanish succession law and the laws of their home country. Professional legal guidance is essential to navigate these cross-border issues effectively.
Our firm assists with the preparation of Spanish wills, the processing of inheritance acceptance, and the calculation and payment of succession duties. We work closely with lawyers in other jurisdictions to ensure a coordinated approach to international estates.
Having a Spanish will that covers your assets in Spain can significantly simplify the inheritance process for your beneficiaries and potentially reduce the associated costs and delays. Contact our office in Costa Blanca to discuss your estate planning needs.
When a person dies owning property in Spain, Spanish succession law applies regardless of the deceased’s nationality. The heirs must formally accept the inheritance, pay any applicable inheritance tax, and register the title transfer at the Spanish Land Registry. If there is a Spanish will, it simplifies the process significantly. If not, additional steps are required to establish heirship under the deceased’s national law or Spanish law.
A straightforward Spanish inheritance with a valid Spanish will typically takes 6 to 12 months from the date of death to full registration. More complex cases — involving multiple heirs, properties in different regions, contested wills, or no Spanish will — can take 12 to 24 months or longer. Our firm has been handling Spanish inheritance matters since 2003 and will give you a realistic timeline at the outset.
No. You can grant a Power of Attorney (poder notarial) to your lawyer in Spain, who can then act on your behalf for all formalities, including signing the Deed of Acceptance before a Spanish notary. The Power of Attorney can be signed at a notary or Spanish consulate in your home country. Our firm regularly acts under Power of Attorney for clients based in the UK, France, the Netherlands, and beyond.
The inheritance procedure (tramitación de la herencia) refers to the legal steps to transfer assets from the deceased to the heirs — including the Deed of Acceptance and Land Registry registration. Inheritance tax (Impuesto de Sucesiones y Donaciones) is the separate tax payable on the value of assets inherited. Both have strict deadlines. Your lawyer manages the legal procedure; a tax specialist advises on the tax calculation.
Yes, a Spanish will can be challenged on grounds including lack of testamentary capacity, undue influence, fraud, or failure to respect the forced heirship rules (legítima) that protect certain close relatives under Spanish law. Our firm has experience in both defending and challenging Spanish wills on behalf of international clients. If you have concerns about a will or inheritance distribution, contact us for an initial assessment.
Tomas Ballestero Lawyers is one of the longest-established English-speaking law firms in Jávea, founded in Valencia in 1992 and operating in Jávea since 2003. The firm holds 72+ verified five-star Google reviews and advises clients in English, French, Dutch and Spanish on Spanish inheritance, probate, wills, and succession. Based at Avenida del Pla 126, Javea (Xàbia), Alicante.
