Inheritance & Succession
Understanding Inheritance Procedures in Greece
An overview of the steps heirs commonly encounter, from establishing the heirs to registering inherited property.
In preparation · awaiting legal review
Read ArticlePractice IV
Cross-Border Inheritance
Assistance with inheritance matters involving foreign heirs, overseas beneficiaries, international documents, and property situated in Greece.
Overview
Many families with roots in Greece now live abroad. When property in Greece passes to heirs in other countries, questions arise about which law applies, which documents are needed, and how foreign records are recognised.
From our Athens office, with associates in New York, we help foreign heirs and beneficiaries navigate Greek procedures — before Athens notaries, tax offices and land registries — often without the need for repeated travel, and work alongside their advisers in other jurisdictions where appropriate.
When clients may need assistance
- You live outside Greece and have inherited property there.
- A relative abroad has died leaving assets in Greece.
- You need to prove family relationships using foreign documents.
- An estate involves wills or proceedings in more than one country.
Documents you may wish to gather
- Foreign death and civil-status certificates, with apostille where required
- Certified translations into Greek
- Foreign wills or probate documents
- Greek tax registration (AFM), or assistance obtaining one
How the process generally works
- 01
Jurisdiction and applicable law
We assess which law governs the succession and where proceedings should take place.
- 02
Documentation
We identify the documents required and the formalities for their recognition in Greece.
- 03
Representation
Where appropriate, we act under power of attorney to complete Greek procedures.
- 04
Coordination
We liaise with notaries, translators, and lawyers in other countries as required.
Qualifications & limitations
Cross-border matters may involve EU Succession Regulation rules, bilateral arrangements, and foreign law on which we do not advise directly. Where foreign-law advice is required, we coordinate with qualified local counsel.Frequently asked questions
Common questions
Which country’s law applies to the inheritance?
This depends on factors such as the deceased’s habitual residence, any choice of law made, and the location of assets. Within the EU, the Succession Regulation often plays a central role.
Do I need to travel to Greece?
In many cases, procedures can be completed through a power of attorney, though requirements vary.
Do foreign documents need translation?
Foreign documents generally require an apostille or legalisation and an official Greek translation before use in Greek procedures.
FAQ answers are general information and are subject to review by a qualified lawyer.
Related reading
Property & Title
Why Property-Title Due Diligence Matters Before a Purchase
What a title review can reveal, and why discrepancies between registries deserve attention before you sign.
In preparation · awaiting legal review
Read ArticleCross-Border
Considerations for Foreign Heirs Inheriting Property in Greece
Documentation, translations, tax registration, and acting from abroad — the practical questions foreign heirs often raise.
In preparation · awaiting legal review
Read ArticleClarity Begins With a Conversation.
Tell us briefly about your inheritance, estate-planning, or property matter. Our office will review your inquiry and advise on the appropriate next step.