This is something no one tells you—until it’s too late. Inheriting property in Spain as a foreigner can turn into a legal and financial nightmare if you don’t act fast.
Sound familiar?
A loved one passes away in the Costa Blanca. You live abroad. You’re named in the will, but you have no idea where to begin.
You receive letters in Spanish you can’t understand. There’s talk about inheritance tax, municipal charges, deadlines, and legal documents. And worst of all: if you don’t take action within 6 months, you could end up paying tens of thousands more than necessary.
The most common mistake: waiting too long
Many foreign heirs think they can wait until they have time to travel to Spain. Or that a will is enough. But Spanish succession law doesn’t work like that.
There are strict deadlines. Certified translations. Apostilles. Coordination with notaries and property registries. And it all happens in Spanish—and under unfamiliar legal procedures.
How the probate process works in Spain for non-residents
The Spanish probate process involves several legal steps: confirming heirs, locating the will, registering the inheritance, and paying the Spanish inheritance tax. For non-residents, it requires documents from abroad, sworn translations, and expert cross-border legal representation.
This is where many expats and heirs lose time, money, or even the property. That’s why most international families work with specialized lawyers like CLF International Lawyers.
The solution? Let a trusted inheritance law firm handle it for you
At CLF International Lawyers, we’ve been helping international clients with inheritance and probate in Spain for over 24 years.
- We handle everything: wills, death certificates, inheritance tax, and ownership transfer.
- You don’t need to travel—we represent you remotely with a power of attorney.
- We speak your language: English, French, German, Dutch or Spanish.
- We help you meet all legal deadlines and avoid costly mistakes.
Our offices in Altea, Jávea, Calpe, Moraira, Gandía and Valencia allow us to assist heirs across the Costa Blanca with full legal coverage.
What if too much time has already passed?
You may still be in time. But the longer you wait, the more complex the case becomes: tax penalties, frozen bank accounts, delayed asset registration—or even inheritance loss.
Don’t take risks with Spanish inheritance law
CLF International Lawyers offers a free consultation for heirs dealing with cross-border probate in Spain.
Get expert legal representation for your inheritance in Spain and discover why hundreds of families trust us to resolve international inheritance cases efficiently and with empathy.
Immediate response. Transparent fees. Peace of mind guaranteed.
Frequently Asked Questions about Inheriting in Spain as a Foreigner
How much time do I have to accept an inheritance in Spain?
You generally have 6 months from the date of death to pay the inheritance tax. An extension can be requested within the first 5 months.
Do I need to travel to Spain to manage the inheritance?
No. CLF International Lawyers can represent you with a power of attorney—no travel required.
How much is inheritance tax in Spain?
It varies by region and relationship to the deceased. In the Valencian Community, direct heirs benefit from tax deductions. Each case is unique and needs legal analysis.
What documents are required to start the inheritance process?
Death certificate, last will certificate, the will (if available), and your passport or ID. We handle the rest.