Dealing with a Spanish inheritance can feel overwhelming, especially if you’re handling everything from abroad. This page walks you through the steps in simple, clear terms so you know exactly what needs to be done.
And remember: we can manage every step on your behalf while you remain in the UK.
Quick Overview (What Needs to Be Done)
1. Obtain the death certificate
2. Confirm if there is a will
3. Appoint a representative (Power of Attorney)
4. Collect essential documents
5. Sign the inheritance deed
6. Pay Spanish inheritance tax
7. Register assets in your name
8. Handle post-inheritance formalities
Below we explain each step clearly.
Step 1: Obtain the Death Certificate (Spain or UK).
If the person passed away in Spain, the death certificate comes from the Civil Registry (Registro Civil). If the death occurred in the UK or elsewhere, the certificate must be: legalised or apostilled, and translated into Spanish by a sworn translator.
We can arrange legalisation and translation for you.
Step 2: Confirm Whether There Is a Will.
If a Spanish will exists: We request the Certificate of Last Will (Certificado de Últimas Voluntades).
If there is only a UK will: It may still be valid in Spain depending on:
the wording - choice of applicable law - compliance with EU regulations
If there is no will: Spanish intestacy rules apply.
We review all wills and advise which rules govern the estate.
Step 3: Appoint us as Legal Representative, so we can act on your behalf through Power of Attorney. You do not need to travel to Spainm. We will then:
• Apply for NIE numbers
• Locate and verify the deceased’s properties, accounts, and debts
• Request official certificates and sworn translations
• Coordinate with notaries and tax offices
• Handle multiple heirs or assets spread across different regions
• Ensure all deadlines and formalities are properly met
Step 4: Gather the Required Documents.
Before the inheritance can be accepted, you will generally need:
• Death certificate
• Will and Certificate of Last Will (if applicable)
• NIE numbers for all heirs
• Property deeds and cadastral references
• Bank account details, investments, life insurance policies or vehicle documentation
• Proof of relationship to the deceased
Foreign documents often require legalisation or translation. We guide you through exactly what is required in your case.
Step 5: Accept the Inheritance and Sign before a Spanish notary, where the asset distribution is recorded.
We can sign this for you using a Power of Attorney, meaning you can stay in the UK.
Step 6: Pay Spanish Inheritance Tax
Inheritance tax must be paid within six months of the date of death.
If needed, we can request a six-month extension.
We take care of:
• Calculating the inheritance tax
• Applying any regional deductions
• Preparing all forms and supporting documents
• Filing everything on your behalf
Step 7: We will register the Assets in Your Name.
After signing and tax payment:
• Properties are registered at the Land Registry (Registro de la Propiedad)
• Vehicles are updated at the Traffic Office (DGT)
• Bank accounts and investments require transfer or closure
We complete all registrations and formalities on your behalf.
Step 8: Take Care of Post-Inheritance Formalities:
Depending on the assets, further steps may include:
• Setting up direct debits for utility bills and council tax
• Filing annual non-resident income tax
• Ensuring regional or municipal obligations are met
We help you stay compliant and avoid future issues.
We can handle all 8 steps on your behalf while you stay in the UK. You don’t need to deal with Spanish offices, deadlines, or paperwork. We take care of everything.
Rejecting (Renouncing) an Inheritance
An heir can renounce an inheritance in Spain. Renunciation must be explicit and usually formalised before a Spanish notary or the relevant court/authority. Once renounced, an heir loses both assets and liabilities included in the estate; in some cases, creditors can pursue the estate. Renouncing may be prudent where an estate is over‑encumbered or the tax bill is unaffordable, but renunciation carries legal and tax implications, so take specialist advice before deciding.
Have questions or need help with any step?
We reply within 24 hours.
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