Inheritance law

Inheritance law is a fundamental aspect of daily life—often deeply personal and emotional. The death of a loved one brings not only grief, but also the need to resolve complex legal and property-related matters.

In Greece, inheritance law aims to protect individual assets and ensure their orderly transfer in line with the wishes of the deceased. It provides a legal framework to manage succession while respecting personal and familial intentions.

In Greece, inheritance law aims to protect individual assets and ensure their orderly transfer in line with the wishes of the deceased. It provides a legal framework to manage succession while respecting personal and familial intentions.

Whether it concerns the inheritance of real estate in Greece, testamentary succession planning, the forced heirship (legitime), inheritance tax, or deadlines for accepting an inheritance—your Greek lawyer at KPAG Kosmidis & Partner provides comprehensive advice on your rights and obligations under Greek inheritance law. We ensure that the estate is settled efficiently and in line with your interests, offering you legal certainty and peace of mind during a challenging time

Table of contents

• Why is a lawyer for inheritance law in Greece useful?
• What types of wills are there?
• What does the law provide on statutory succession and the forced share?
• Inheritance tax in Greece
• FAQ: inheritance law in Greece

Why is a lawyer for inheritance law in Greece useful?

In cross-border estate matters, the applicable substantive law must first be determined. Greek inheritance laws may differ significantly from German ones.

When planning your own estate, the following questions can be helpful:

• What arrangement best reflects your wishes?
• Which inheritance law should apply?
• Is a will necessary to ensure your intentions are respected?

If a will already exists:

• Is it legally valid under the relevant laws?
• Should it be reviewed, supplemented, or adapted by a lawyer in Greece?

In the event of succession, a Greek inheritance lawyer can advise you on:

• The applicable succession rules,       
• The requirements and deadlines for accepting or renouncing the inheritance,
• And can represent you in any disputes within a community of heirs.

Greek inheritance law: What types of wills are there?

With a will, you can arrange your estate according to your wishes. This is especially important if, as a German national, you purchase property in Greece—real estate and land should be clearly addressed in a will.

Greek law recognizes four types of wills:

1. Holographic will: Written entirely by hand, dated, and signed by the testator. Greek law imposes no further formal requirements. It may—but does not have to—be deposited with a notary.
2. Public will: Declared orally by the testator before a notary and three witnesses, or before two notaries and one witness. The notary records the declaration, and the will becomes valid once signed by the testator.
3. Secret will: The testator hands a sealed document to a notary and declares orally that it contains his or her last will. This must take place in the presence of three witnesses or of a second notary and one witness.
4. Extraordinary will: Permitted only under exceptional circumstances (e.g., imminent danger to life) and valid for a limited period.

Do you have questions about making a will under Greek law? Our experts will be happy to advise you.

Inheritance law in Greece: What does the law provide on statutory succession and the forced share?

If a person passes away intestate, statutory succession applies, under Greek law. Greek statutory succession recognizes six orders of heirs:

     a.Relatives of the deceased (Orders I–IV):

As in German law, the degree of kinship determines inheritance rights.

• Order I: Descendants (children, grandchildren).
• Order II: Parents and their descendants (siblings, nieces/nephews).
• Order III: Grandparents and their descendants.
• Order IV: Great-grandparents.

The lowest existing order (closest relatives) inherits exclusively.

     b. Spouse (Order V):

If a valid marriage existed at the time of death, the surviving spouse is entitled to a share of the estate. The exact share depends on whether there are heirs from Orders I–IV.

     c.The State (Order VI):

If no relatives from the above orders exist and no valid will is in place, the State inherits the entire estate.A forced share exists in Greece as well. It amounts to one‑half of the statutory share, even if a different arrangement is made by will.

     d.Forced share (“Pflichtteil”) under Greek law:

A forced share exists in Greece and applies even if the deceased made a will stating otherwise. It entitles certain close relatives (e.g. children, spouse, parents) to half of their statutory share, regardless of the will’s contents.

Do you have a claim to a forced share? Contact your inheritance lawyer in Greece at KPAG Kosmidis & Partner.

Inheritance tax in Greece

The rules on inheritance tax under Greek law can be complex. As a general rule, an inheritance tax return must be filed within six months of the date of death. For heirs residing abroad, Greek law grants an additional six-month extension. In practice, it is highly advisable to consult an experienced tax adviser – we would be happy to connect you with a trusted specialist from our network.

Here is an overview of the steps of a sample cross‑border inheritance matter (DE–GR).

FAQ – inheritance law in Greece: key questions and answers

In what ways does inheritance law under Greek law differ from German law?

Greek inheritance law is set out in the Civil Code and is relatively similar to German law. Important differences arise, among other things, in how succession is handled when no will exists. Similarly to German law, succession rights are categorized in “orders”. Forced heirship rights are also in place. The procedure for accepting an inheritance differs somewhat. You can find more details on our website.

When do I need an inheritance lawyer in Greece?

According to the EU Succession Regulation, the applicable law is determined by the deceased’s “habitual residence.” If the deceased’s habitual residence was in Greece, Greek inheritance law applies—even if they were not either a German or any other foreign national. An exception applies if the will contains a valid choice of law. We would be happy to provide personal advice on all questions.

What services do you offer in inheritance law in Greece?

Our practice focuses on international inheritance law, providing comprehensive support to clients in all related issues: succession under Greek law, questions on inheritance tax, and drafting of a valid will under Greek law. We represent clients across borders and bring many years of experience in all areas of Greek inheritance law.

What should I consider when choosing a lawyer for an inheritance case in Greece?

It is reccomended to engage a firm with relevant experience that can also advise you in German as well. Kosmidis & Partner brings many years of experience advising clients from Germany on international inheritance law and other cross‑border matters. We maintain a broad network of lawyers, experts, advisers and other specialists throughout Greece. Arrange a personal consultation with us today.

What is the cost of hiring an inheritance lawyer in Greece?

Lawyers’ fees vary. The official fee schedule establishes minimum and maximum fees, defining the range within which fees can be agreed upon. We would be happy to provide you with individual advice on our fees and your expected costs. We always work with binding, transparent fee agreements.