Greek Property Inheritance for Greeks Abroad

Frequently Asked Questions

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Can I inherit Greek property if I live abroad?

Yes. Living outside Greece does not disqualify you from inheriting Greek property. The entire process can be handled remotely through a limited power of attorney, meaning you authorize a representative in Greece to act on your behalf without you ever needing to travel there.

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What is the deadline to accept a Greek inheritance?

Heirs living abroad have 12 months from the date of death to formally accept the inheritance through a notarial deed. Heirs living in Greece have 6 months. Missing this deadline can result in complications, including the risk of being treated as having renounced the inheritance.

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Do I need a Greek tax number to inherit property?

Yes. An AFM, the Greek tax identification number, is required before you can complete any legal or financial transaction related to a Greek inheritance. GetGreece can obtain your AFM on your behalf remotely as part of the inheritance process.

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What taxes are involved in Greek property inheritance?

All heirs must file an inheritance tax return within the relevant deadline. Tax rates are progressive and based on your relationship to the deceased and the value of the estate. Close relatives such as children and spouses can inherit modest estates under €100,000 tax free under current thresholds. GetGreece handles all inheritance tax filings on your behalf.

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What happens if there is no will?

Greece applies intestate succession, meaning assets pass according to a strict legal order. Spouse and children inherit first, then parents and siblings, then grandparents. If no heirs come forward within the legal timeframe, the property can ultimately revert to the state under Greece's orphaned estates framework. Acting promptly is essential.

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Can the inheritance be handled without traveling to Greece?

Yes. Through a limited power of attorney, GetGreece coordinates with Greek lawyers, notaries, and tax authorities entirely on your behalf. You do not need to appear in Greece at any stage of the process.

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What if there are multiple heirs in different countries?

This is very common among diaspora families and something GetGreece handles regularly. The team coordinates between heirs in different countries, manages the documentation across jurisdictions, and ensures each heir's obligations are met within the required deadlines.

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What if the property has never been formally registered?

Unregistered or informally held property is one of the most common complications in Greek inheritance cases. GetGreece works with local legal professionals in Greece to reconstruct ownership through registry searches, tax filings, cadastral records, and historical documentation where needed.

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How has Greek inheritance law recently changed?

Greece enacted its most significant inheritance law reform in nearly 80 years with Law 5221/2025, which took effect in November 2025. Key changes include the transfer of will publication and inheritance certificate issuance from courts to notaries, the introduction of a digital will registry at diathikes.gr, and stronger protections for surviving spouses. A further round of reforms affecting succession rights and forced heirship took effect in September 2026. These changes make the process faster and more accessible for heirs abroad but also require up-to-date professional guidance to navigate correctly.

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How does GetGreece handle a property inheritance case?

GetGreece manages the entire process from start to finish. After your initial property analysis consultation, the team reviews your case, identifies all required documents, coordinates apostilles and translations, obtains your AFM, handles all tax filings, and works with Greek notaries and lawyers to complete the formal acceptance and transfer of the inheritance on your behalf.