21 October 2026 · General information, not legal advice
What is taxed
All property located in Greece is taxed, whoever the heirs are and wherever they live. Movable assets abroad are also taxed in Greece where the deceased or the heir was resident in Greece, subject to double-taxation arrangements. Real estate is valued at its objective (tax) value rather than its market price; bank deposits and shares at their value on the date of death. Debts of the deceased and funeral expenses can be deducted.
The three categories
- Category A: spouse or registered partner, children, grandchildren and parents.
- Category B: great-grandchildren, grandparents, siblings, nephews and nieces, step-relations, uncles and aunts, children-in-law and parents-in-law.
- Category C: all other relatives and unrelated persons.
Tax-free amounts and rates
Each heir’s share is taxed on a sliding scale above a tax-free amount:
- Category A: first €150,000 tax-free; 1% up to €300,000; 5% up to €600,000; 10% above.
- Category B: first €30,000 tax-free; 5% up to €100,000; 10% up to €300,000; 20% above.
- Category C: first €6,000 tax-free; 20% up to €72,000; 30% up to €267,000; 40% above.
Example: a daughter inherits a flat with an objective value of €220,000. The first €150,000 is tax-free and the remaining €70,000 is taxed at 1%, so the tax is about €700.
Certain exemptions also apply, for example to some bank deposits and policies paid directly to named beneficiaries; each should be checked.
Filing deadlines
The inheritance tax return is filed electronically with the Independent Authority for Public Revenue (AADE) within six months of death, or one year if the deceased or the heir lived abroad. Late filing incurs penalties and interest. Where a will is published later, time runs from publication.
Paying the tax
Tax can be paid in a lump sum or in up to twelve equal monthly instalments. Heirs must usually pay, or arrange to pay, before they can sign the notarial acceptance deed for real estate. Heirs abroad will need a Greek tax number — see our guide for heirs abroad.
Points to watch
- Renouncing within the deadline avoids the tax, but also the inheritance.
- Lifetime gifts and parental donations may count towards the same thresholds.
- Tax paid abroad on the same assets may be credited in some cases.
This guide summarises general rules of Greek law and practice as at the date above. Rates, thresholds, deadlines and procedures change, and every matter depends on its own facts. It is not legal advice for any particular situation.