Notarial Procedures for Greek Inheritance: Meaning, Legal Requirements, and How It Works in Greece

GetGreece
15 hours ago
8 min read

Notarial procedures for Greek inheritance are one of the most important steps in receiving property in Greece after a family member passes away. These procedures make the Greek inheritance official, record it with the Greek government, and allow the property to be transferred to the rightful heirs. Without completing notarial procedures, an heir cannot take legal ownership of a home, land, or any other real estate in Greece.

For many families, especially those living abroad, these procedures feel confusing at first. They involve multiple offices, legal documents, and specific requirements under Greek law. This guide explains each part in clear language so you can understand what notaries do, why their work matters, and how this step fits into the larger Greek inheritance process.

What Are Notarial Procedures for Greek Inheritance in Greek Law

Notarial procedures for Greek inheritance are the legal actions that a notary in Greece completes to formalize the transfer of property from a deceased person to their heirs. In Greece, a notary is not simply someone who stamps documents. A Greek notary is a legal professional with the authority to create official deeds, confirm inheritance rights, verify documents, and finalize property transfers.

These procedures ensure that the Greek inheritance follows the rules of the Greek Civil Code. They also protect the heir’s legal rights and prevent disputes or confusion about who owns the property. Without the notary’s role, the Greek inheritance cannot be registered or recognized by the Greek tax office or land registry.

Notarial procedures are required whether the inheritance is based on a will or on the legal order of heirs. Both paths need a notary to verify documents, prepare the acceptance deed, and coordinate the legal transfer.

Why Notarial Procedures Matter in Greek Property Inheritance

Notarial procedures matter because they are the foundation of legal ownership. Even if a person is named in a will, or everyone in the family agrees on who inherits, the government cannot update the property title until the notary finalizes the paperwork.

These procedures confirm the heir’s identity, verify the connection to the deceased, and ensure all tax and municipal records match the actual situation.

How They Fit Into the Greek Inheritance Timeline

Notarial procedures take place after an heir gathers the required documents but before the property can be registered in the heir’s name. They come after finding certificates, locating tax records, and confirming whether a will exists. They also occur before the final registration at the land registry.

For many heirs, this is the largest step in the Greek inheritance process. It brings all the information together and prepares the property for legal transfer.

What Happens If Notarial Procedures Are Not Completed

If notarial procedures are not completed, the Greek inheritance remains unfinished. The property stays legally under the name of the deceased. This can cause several problems, such as unpaid taxes, blocked transactions, and issues for future generations.

The tax office will not assign ENFIA correctly. The land registry will not change the title. Banks will not recognize ownership. The heir cannot sell, rent, or legally manage the property. In addition, leaving the Greek inheritance incomplete for too long may create extra steps later.

Why Greeks Abroad Often Face Challenges With This Step

Many heirs living abroad do not know the exact documents needed for the notary. They may not have access to Greek certificates, municipal records, or legal documents from past generations. They may also not have a Greek tax ID AFM number, which is required before the notary can complete the acceptance of Greek inheritance.

Some families also face challenges with language, time differences, and the need to coordinate with offices in Greece that may require in person visits. These difficulties make the notarial step one of the most complex parts of inheriting property from another country.

Legal Background and Origins

Notarial procedures come from the Greek Civil Code, which defines how property is inherited and which steps must be taken to make the process legal. The notary is central to Greek inheritance because they have the authority to verify documents, confirm heirship, and prepare the acceptance deed.

The legal system in Greece is structured so that all property transfers for Greek inheritance purposes pass through a notary. This provides protection, accuracy, and a clear record of ownership.

How the Greek Civil Code Defines the Notary’s Role

The Civil Code states that the notary prepares the acceptance of inheritance deed and ensures the heirs meet all legal requirements. The notary must follow precise steps, confirm the chain of documents, and verify that the property information is correct.

The notary also ensures that the inheritance does not violate laws that protect forced heirs or other family rights.

The Role of Municipal Offices, Tax Authorities, and Registries

Notaries do not work alone. They coordinate with:

• Municipal offices that provide certificates of family status and death

• Tax offices that confirm the property data and tax obligations

• The land registry or cadastral office that records the ownership after the acceptance is complete

Each of these steps is necessary before the property can be legally recognized in the heir’s name.

Situations When Notarial Procedures Become Mandatory

Notarial procedures are always mandatory when:

• Real estate is involved

• A will is being opened

• An acceptance of inheritance must be prepared

• Property needs to be registered or updated

• Heirs live abroad and need official documentation

In short, any time real estate is inherited in Greece, a notary must complete the core steps.

Step-by-Step Guide to Completing Notarial Procedures for Greek Inheritance

Every case is different, but most notarial procedures follow a similar structure. Understanding the steps helps you prepare and avoid delays.

Required Documents

Common documents for notarial procedures include:

• Death certificate

• Family certificate

• Certificate of next of kin

• Certificate stating no will or listing the existing will

• Tax documents such as the deed values and objective values

• Property documents such as titles or past contracts

• Identification and AFM of each heir

If any document is missing, incomplete, or outdated, the notary may request additional steps to verify information.

Where and How to Submit

Most documents must be submitted directly to the notary. Some documents must be collected by visiting municipal offices, tax offices, or the court. Heirs living abroad can often submit documents digitally or through a representative.

If a representative is needed, the heir must sign a power of attorney, often in front of a Greek consulate.

Typical Timelines and Processing Steps

Timelines vary. Some cases move quickly when documents are complete. Others take longer when certificates are missing or when property records are inconsistent. After the notary prepares the acceptance deed, the documents must be filed with the tax office and land registry.

Learn more about the full inheritance process with our 2026 Greek property inheritance guide.

Common Problems and How to Avoid Them

Greek inheritance can be simple or complicated depending on how well the records were kept and whether all family information is accurate.

Missing or Conflicting Documents

A common issue is when names or dates on documents do not match. Even small differences, such as spelling variations or missing middle names, can create delays. Old property contracts may also be unclear or incomplete.

Heirs can avoid problems by gathering as many documents as possible early in the process.

Issues With Municipal or Tax Records

Some families discover that the property is not registered correctly with the municipality or tax office. Incorrect square meters, missing land parcels, or outdated objective values can all slow down the notary.

These issues usually require correction at the tax office before the notary can move forward.

Delays in Processing or Verification

Greek offices sometimes move slowly due to workload, holidays, or local rules. For heirs abroad, these delays feel stressful because they slow the entire Greek inheritance process.

Understanding these delays is part of knowing how Greek inheritance works, and these challenges are one reason families often look for Greek inheritance support to help coordinate steps and avoid unnecessary waiting.

How Notarial Procedures Affect Property Transfer, Titles, and Obligations

Once the notary completes the acceptance deed, the property can begin moving through the final stages of transfer. This includes tax registration and official title recording.

Role in Registering Titles

The notarial deed is the document that allows the land registry to update ownership. Without it, the property remains under the name of the deceased, and no legal transfer can occur.

The registry checks the deed, confirms the property information, and records the heir as the new owner.

Interaction With Tax Offices and ENFIA

After the notarial deed is signed, the heir must declare the property at the tax office. The tax office uses this information to issue ENFIA Greek property tax in future years. If the property was not declared correctly in past years, corrections may be required.

This is also the stage when having a valid Greek tax ID AFM number is necessary.

Impact on Heirs Living Abroad

Heirs living abroad often face extra steps because they do not have local access to Greek offices. They may need a representative, must coordinate across time zones, and may need help understanding older property documents.

Listen to our podcast episode on how to inherit property in Greece, where we answer common questions submitted by our clients and followers.

Our Experience With Greek Inheritance and Citizenship Matters

We at GetGreece have supported many families as they navigate Greek inheritance and citizenship matters, including the notarial steps needed to transfer property. Our team of lawyers, accountants, and professionals provides a full inheritance assistance service that helps families manage documents, legal procedures, and cross border requirements with clarity.

Comparison to Related Legal Documents in Greece

Notarial procedures are often confused with other steps in the Greek inheritance process. It is helpful to understand how they differ.

What These Procedures Are Often Confused With

Some confuse notarial procedures with municipal certificates, tax declarations, or property registry filings. However, those steps only support the Greek inheritance process. The notary is the one who prepares the legal act itself.

Key Differences

Unlike municipal or tax documents, notarial documents carry legal authority. They are binding and recognized as official transfers of ownership. Without them, none of the other documents can finalize the Greek inheritance.

When Each Document or Procedure Is Needed

Municipal certificates establish family relationships.Tax documents establish property value and ownership.The notarial deed finalizes the entire Greek inheritance and makes the transfer official.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who Needs These Notarial Procedures

Any heir who receives real estate in Greece must complete notarial procedures. This includes heirs named in a will and those inheriting through the legal order.

Whether They Can Be Completed From Abroad

Yes. Many heirs complete these steps from another country. This usually requires a representative in Greece and a power of attorney.

Whether They Require a Power of Attorney

Most heirs abroad will need a representative to handle documents and submit paperwork, which requires a power of attorney signed at a Greek consulate.

How Long They Remain Valid

The notarial deed does not expire. Once signed, it is a permanent legal record.

How They Connect to the Acceptance of Greek Inheritance

The acceptance of Greek inheritance deed is the final result of the notarial procedures. It is required before the land registry and tax office can update ownership records

.

Additional Resources

Official information can be found through:

• Hellenic Ministry of Justice

• Hellenic Ministry of Finance

• Notarial Association of Greece

• Courts and municipal offices

• AADE tax guidelines

• Greek Civil Code resources

References and Academic Sources

Hellenic Ministry of Finance

Hellenic Ministry of Justice

Notarial Association of Greece

Official Government Gazette (FEK)

Greek Civil Code

Municipal or Tax Authority Guidelines

Final Thoughts

Notarial procedures for Greek inheritance form the core of receiving property in Greece. With clear information and the right documents, the process becomes more manageable, even from abroad. Understanding what notaries do and how these steps fit into the larger Greek inheritance process helps families feel more prepared and confident.

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About The Author

This article was prepared by the GetGreece team, which specializes in Greek citizenship, inheritance, accounting, and more. We focus on providing clear, reliable information for the global Greek community.

-Updated December 2025