Wills and Inheritance
Everything You Need to Know About Wills & Inheritance in Spain
Understanding the Importance of Will Planning in Spain
Planning your legacy is essential, especially if you own property in Spain. At Fuster & Associates, we help international clients protect their family’s future with clear, tax-efficient wills and inheritance solutions.
Drafting a valid Spanish will tailored to local regulations can simplify the inheritance process, minimize taxes, and give you peace of mind knowing your estate will be handled smoothly and according to your intentions.
What is Wills & Inheritance Planning?
In Spain, inheritance law applies to both residents and non-residents who own assets here.
Having a legally valid Spanish will ensures your wishes are respected, avoids conflicts among heirs, and can help reduce inheritance tax burdens for your loved ones.
Who Needs a Spanish Will?
Foreign property owners should strongly consider drafting a Spanish will, especially if:
- You own a holiday home or investment property in areas like Pulpí, Los Alcázares, La Zenia, Finestrat or Teulada.
- You are from the UK, Ireland, Belgium, Netherlands, Poland, USA, or Canada and want to avoid legal complexities for your heirs.
- You want to control how your Spanish assets are distributed and comply with EU succession regulations.
Requirements and Necessary Documents
To prepare or execute a Spanish will, you typically need:
Valid passport and NIE number
Essential for any will-related procedure.
Up-to-date list of Spanish assets
Properties, bank accounts, etc.
Information about heirs and their identification
Power of Attorney
Optional but recommended for remote processes.
How the Inheritance Process Works
Our process is designed to be simple and transparent for you.
1. Initial Consultation
We review your family situation and asset structure.
2. Will Drafting
We prepare a bilingual Spanish will in line with EU succession rules.
3. Notary Signing
Formalize the will in the presence of a Spanish notary.
4. Probate Process
Upon death, we handle all inheritance paperwork, taxes, and title transfers for your heirs.
Common Mistakes and How We Avoid Them
- Not having a Spanish will, which can delay inheritance procedures and increase costs.
- Ignoring local tax implications, resulting in higher Inheritance and Gift Taxes.
- Failing to update your will when family circumstances change.
Our specialist team ensures your will remains valid, compliant, and optimised for your unique situation.
Benefits of Professional Advice from Fuster & Associates
✅ Minimise tax liabilities legally and efficiently.
✅ Avoid unnecessary stress and disputes for your heirs.
✅ 25+ years advising international families in Spain’s most popular coastal regions.
✅ Multilingual team and offices in Costa Blanca North, Murcia, and Almería.
Comprehensive Advice
As your trusted advisor in Spain, we offer a service that goes beyond simply filing paperwork, covering all your legal and fiscal needs.
FAQS
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I really need a separate Spanish will?
Yes, a Spanish will simplifies the inheritance process for your heirs and avoids potential conflicts with your home country’s will.
How much is Spanish Inheritance Tax?
Rates vary by region, value of assets, and relationship to the deceased. Proper planning can significantly reduce your heirs’ tax burden.
Can I change my Spanish will later?
Absolutely. You can update or revoke it at any time as your circumstances change.
What happens if I don’t have a will in Spain?
Spanish intestacy laws apply, which might not reflect your wishes and could create delays and extra costs.