Inheriting Property In Greece As A Non-Resident: What You Need To Know

Inheriting property in Greece can be a meaningful asset but it’s not without complications, especially for non-residents. Thankfully, recent legal updates now allow many steps to be handled remotely, through legal representation. Whether you're accepting or rejecting an inheritance, it’s important to understand the legal framework and act quickly to protect your rights and avoid unwanted liabilities.

Your first—and most important—step is to work with a lawyer who specializes in Greek inheritance law. Today, your lawyer can act entirely on your behalf, submitting all required documents directly to the court without needing a notary. That means you don’t need to travel to Greece to handle the process.

• Identify what assets and debts are part of the estate
• Advise whether it’s smarter to accept or reject
• Prepare and submit all necessary court declarations

Knowing what you’re inheriting is critical. Your lawyer will evaluate:

• Properties, bank accounts, and other assets
• Any outstanding debts tied to the estate

If the estate is burdened with significant debt, you may want to consider rejecting it, or accept it with a legal safeguard called “benefit of inventory.”

The process: Instead of going through a notary, your lawyer now files the official acceptance documents directly with the court, a recent change in Greek law that speeds up the process.

Your role: Once you’ve decided to accept, your lawyer handles all filings and interactions with the court, making it possible to complete the process without setting foot in Greece.

What it means: If the estate has debts, you can accept “with the benefit of inventory,” which limits your liability to the value of the assets. This way, your personal wealth is protected.

Pros and cons: It’s a smart option for high-risk inheritances. Your lawyer will file the inventory directly with the court, replacing the old notary-based process.

What to expect: Greek inheritance tax depends on the heir’s relationship to the deceased and the estate’s total value. Tax declarations must be filed, and any taxes paid, before the process is complete.

What your lawyer will do: They’ll file the tax paperwork on your behalf, ensure compliance, and help you avoid penalties—all while keeping the process as smooth and timely as possible.

If the estate is burdened with debts or complications, rejecting it might be the safer option. Here’s how that works:

What’s involved: Your lawyer can file a rejection notice directly with the Greek court. This must be done within 4 months of being notified—or 1 year if you live abroad.

Why it matters: Missing this deadline could lead to automatic acceptance, which means you would become responsible for the estate’s debts, even if you never intended to accept it.

What’s needed: Documentation typically includes identification and proof of relationship to the deceased. For contested inheritances, additional paperwork might be required.

Handled by your lawyer: They'll gather, verify, and submit all required documents to ensure your rejection is properly filed.

What to know: Once you reject an inheritance, you permanently give up any claim to it, including any future rights to the property or assets.

Take your time, but not too much: It’s a serious decision that can’t be reversed, so legal advice is essential.

Greek inheritance laws are detailed and sometimes difficult to interpret without guidance. A lawyer experienced in both Greek and international estate law is crucial for non-residents.

Missing a deadline or lacking key documents can result in delays—or worse, unwanted liabilities. A good lawyer will keep you on track and ensure everything is handled correctly and on time.

If you don’t act within the legal time window, Greek law assumes you’ve accepted the inheritance by default. Staying in close contact with your lawyer ensures that doesn’t happen by mistake.

Dealing with inherited property in Greece as a non-resident doesn't have to be overwhelming. Whether you're considering accepting or rejecting an inheritance, the most important thing is to act promptly and get the right legal advice.

Let a trusted legal professional guide you through the process—so you can protect your interests, stay compliant with Greek law, and avoid unnecessary risks.

Contact support@expatlaw.gr or reach out directly via call or text at +306945551914. Expat Law will make your inheritance journey in Greece as smooth and stress-free as possible!

If you have additional questions, don’t hesitate to reach out to us by completing this form!