Inheriting Property in Greece as a Greek Abroad: Complete 2025 Guide
- tony
- Jun 1
- 4 min read
Inheriting property in Greece is both a privilege and a responsibility. For many Greeks abroad, learning that they’ve been left land, a house, or even a share of a family home is deeply emotional. It connects you to your heritage, but it can also bring confusion, paperwork, taxes, and sometimes family disputes.
That is why Greece Media created the Property Inheritance Assistance service to guide Greeks abroad through every step of the process. From securing a Greek tax number (AFM) to preparing and translating documents, filing within strict deadlines, and handling family disputes with care, our team ensures that you do not have to navigate the bureaucracy alone. With a free consultation to get started, we make inheriting property in Greece clear, manageable, and stress free.
If you live outside of Greece and are trying to understand how inheritance works, this guide is for you. Below, we’ll cover everything you need to know about inheriting property in Greece from abroad: who is entitled, what documents you need, taxes, common pitfalls, and practical tips to make the process smoother.
Who Inherits Property in Greece?
Greek inheritance law is clear but often misunderstood. By default, heirs are divided into three categories:
First in line: children of the deceased (including legally adopted children).
Second in line: parents and spouse.
Third in line: siblings, nephews, nieces.
If there is a will, inheritance follows the directions in that will. If there is no will, property passes through the legal heirs as listed above.
Important: In Greece, a spouse is always entitled to a share, even if the will says otherwise.
Can Greeks Abroad Inherit Property?
Yes. Greek law does not require you to live in Greece to claim an inheritance. Whether you are in the U.S., Canada, UK, Australia, or elsewhere, you maintain your rights as long as you are a Greek citizen or proven relative of the deceased.
However, you will need to navigate:
Greek bureaucracy,
Translation and apostille of foreign documents,
Tax registration (AFM),
And often, power of attorney to a lawyer in Greece.
What Documents Are Needed to Claim Inheritance in Greece?
The specific documents vary depending on the case, but the most common include:
Death certificate of the deceased.
Certificate of family status (πιστοποιητικό οικογενειακής κατάστασης).
Will (if applicable), probated by a Greek court.
Your birth certificate, showing the relationship.
Marriage certificate (if name changed).
Valid Greek ID or passport.
Greek Tax Number (AFM) — mandatory for heirs, even if you live abroad.
Proof of residence abroad.
All foreign documents must be translated into Greek and often require an apostille for international recognition.
Do You Need a Greek Tax Number (AFM) to Inherit Property?
Yes. Without an AFM, you cannot complete the inheritance process. This is one of the first steps Greeks abroad need to take, and it can usually be done through the tax office (DOY) in Greece, often with the help of a legal representative.
Greek Inheritance Taxes: What to Expect
Inheritance tax in Greece depends on your relationship to the deceased and the value of the property.
Category A (closest relatives: children, spouse, parents)
First €150,000: tax-free.
Next €150,000: taxed at 1%.
Beyond €300,000: taxed at 5%.
Category B (siblings, grandchildren, in-laws)
First €30,000: tax-free.
Next €70,000: taxed at 5%.
Beyond €100,000: taxed at 10%.
Category C (all other heirs)
Very limited exemptions, higher tax brackets (20%+).
Taxes must be paid before property is officially transferred into your name.
Can I Refuse an Inheritance in Greece?
Yes. If a property carries debts, unpaid taxes, or maintenance obligations you don’t want, you can legally refuse the inheritance. This must be done through a Greek court within a strict timeframe (usually 4 months from the time you’re notified, extended to 12 months if you live abroad).
Common Problems Greeks Abroad Face
Tight Deadlines → If you miss filing deadlines, penalties apply.
Family Disputes → Property is often split among siblings or cousins, leading to disagreements.
Missing Documents → Without proper translations and apostilles, the case stalls.
Unregistered Property → Some land may not be in the Cadastre (Κτηματολόγιο), creating extra steps.
Long Distance → Living abroad makes it difficult to appear in person for signatures and filings.
Power of Attorney: Handling Inheritance Without Traveling
Most Greeks abroad grant power of attorney (πληρεξούσιο) to a lawyer in Greece to act on their behalf. This avoids repeated travel and allows legal professionals to:
File documents,
Pay taxes,
Handle land registry,
Represent you in disputes.
How Long Does the Process Take?
The inheritance process in Greece can take anywhere from a few months to several years, depending on complexity. Simple cases with all documents ready may be completed within 6–12 months. Disputed cases or properties with missing registrations can take longer.
FAQs About Property Inheritance in Greece
Can I inherit if I’m not a Greek citizen?
Yes, but the process may require extra documents proving your relationship, and taxes may differ.
What happens if multiple heirs are entitled?
The property is usually split by legal share. Sometimes heirs form a co-ownership, unless one buys out the others.
Do I need to travel to Greece?
Not necessarily — with power of attorney, much can be handled remotely.
Can I sell inherited property right away?
Yes, once it’s officially transferred into your name and taxes are settled.
What if the deceased lived abroad but owned property in Greece?
Greek law still applies to property located in Greece, even if the will was written abroad.
How To Make the Process Easier
The easiest way to make the inheritance process stress-free is to let Greece Media handle it for you. Our Property Inheritance Assistance service takes care of everything — from securing your AFM, preparing and translating documents, and filing within strict deadlines, to resolving family disputes the right way. If you’re a Greek abroad facing inheritance issues, book a free consultation with Greece Media today and let us simplify the entire process for you.
Final Thoughts
Inheriting property in Greece from abroad connects you to your family and your heritage — but it also comes with paperwork, deadlines, and financial considerations. With the right preparation and professional help, the process can be smooth and rewarding.
If you are a Greek abroad facing inheritance issues, don’t wait until deadlines pass or disputes escalate. Understanding your rights and responsibilities now will save you stress later. Book a consultation with Greece Media and lets claim whats yours.
