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Spanish Property Inheritance Law: What You Need to Know

Essential guide to Spanish inheritance law for property owners. Learn about succession rules, wills, and inheritance tax planning.

EU Regulation 650/2012 allows EU residents to choose either Spanish law or the law of their nationality to govern succession.

This choice should be made in a valid will.

For non-EU residents, the situation can be more complex and professional advice is essential.

Spanish Succession Rules Under Spanish law, 'forced heirship' rules apply, meaning certain family members are entitled to a portion of your estate regardless of your wishes.

Children are entitled to two-thirds of the estate, with only one-third freely disposable.

Making a Spanish Will While a will from your home country may be valid for Spanish property, having a Spanish will specifically for your Spanish assets simplifies the inheritance process significantly.

It should be made before a notary and registered with the Central Registry of Last Wills.

Inheritance Tax Spanish inheritance tax (Impuesto de Sucesiones) varies by autonomous community.

Valencia region offers significant reductions for close relatives.

Tax rates and allowances depend on the relationship to the deceased and the value of the inheritance.

Planning Ahead Proper estate planning can significantly reduce the tax burden on your heirs.

Options include lifetime gifts, ownership structures, and ensuring your will clearly states your choice of applicable law.

WOW-Estates can connect you with specialist inheritance lawyers.