Inheritance in Spain — Complete Guide for International Heirs
Everything UK, US, French, Belgian and Dutch heirs need to know about Spanish inheritance law, the EU Regulation 650/2012 and how to claim a Spanish estate from abroad.
What’s inside the guide
- How the Spanish inheritance process works step by step — from death to deed registration
- EU Regulation 650/2012 (Brussels IV) explained: how to choose your national law over Spanish forced heirship
- Documents foreign heirs must produce: apostilled birth/death certificates, sworn translations, NIE for heirs
- Tax obligations for non-resident heirs: Spanish inheritance tax (ISD), regional reductions, double-taxation treaties
- The Notarial Deed of Acceptance (“Escritura de Aceptación y Adjudicación”) explained
- How long the process takes and what slows it down
- Common mistakes that delay or invalidate inheritance claims by foreigners
- When to renounce a Spanish inheritance (and how, without legal exposure)
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Table of contents
- The 7 phases of Spanish inheritance from abroad
- EU Regulation 650/2012 (Brussels IV) and how to use professio juris
- The Spanish Certificate of Last Wills (Certificado de Últimas Voluntades)
- Apostilled documents and sworn translations: what you need
- NIE for foreign heirs: in-person vs by power of attorney
- The Notarial Deed of Acceptance and adjudication
- Spanish inheritance tax (ISD) and regional differences
- Land Registry inscription of inherited property
- Common pitfalls and how to avoid them
- Renunciation of inheritance: when and how
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Information updated through May 2025. This guide is for information only and does not substitute personal legal advice. Each case is unique.
