Inheritance Lawyer
Canary Islands
Bilingual English–Spanish succession law firm in Las Palmas de Gran Canaria. We handle Spanish wills, probate, declaration of heirs, inheritance tax, and cross-border estate issues for expats throughout Gran Canaria, Tenerife, Lanzarote, and Fuerteventura.
for direct heirs in Canary Islands
from date of death
law to your Spanish estate
Inheritance & Succession Services
Probate & Declaration of Heirs
If the deceased left no Spanish will, we obtain the Declaration of Heirs (acta de notoriedad) and manage the full probate process through a Spanish notary.
Spanish Wills (Testamento)
We draft Spanish wills for residents and non-residents. A Spanish will avoids delays and is strongly recommended for anyone owning property in the Canary Islands.
Inheritance Tax (99.9% Exemption)
Direct heirs (children, spouse) benefit from a 99.9% reduction in Spanish Inheritance Tax in the Canary Islands. We file the declaration and ensure the exemption is applied correctly.
EU Succession Regulation
Under EU Regulation 650/2012, you can choose the law of your nationality to govern your estate. We advise on which election is most advantageous for your heirs.
Contested Estates & Disputes
Challenges to the will, disputes over the legitima (forced share), creditor claims against the estate, or conflicts between heirs — we represent you through Spanish courts.
Estate Administration for Non-Residents
Managing a Spanish estate from abroad. We handle the complete process: NIE for heirs, bank accounts, property transfer, tax filings — all without requiring you to be present in Spain.
How Spanish Probate Works
Collect documents
Death certificate, will (if any), asset documentation, NIE numbers for all heirs.
Open estate
Declaration of Heirs (if no will) or Grant of Probate from the notary.
Inventory & valuation
List all Spanish assets and debts. Obtain bank certificates and property valuations.
Pay tax & transfer
File Succession Tax within 6 months. Transfer property and bank accounts to heirs.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a Spanish will if I already have a will in my home country?
A Spanish will is strongly recommended if you own property in the Canary Islands. While EU Regulation 650/2012 allows your foreign will to apply in Spain, a Spanish will avoids delays, translation costs, and complications with Spanish probate. It takes about one hour to draft and sign before a notary.
How much is inheritance tax in the Canary Islands?
For direct heirs (children, spouse, parents), the Canary Islands apply a 99.9% reduction in Succession Tax (Impuesto sobre Sucesiones y Donaciones). In practice, this means direct heirs pay almost nothing. More distant relatives and unrelated beneficiaries do not qualify for this reduction and pay according to standard rates.
Can I inherit a Spanish property while living abroad?
Yes. Non-resident heirs can inherit Spanish property. They will need a Spanish NIE number (which we obtain), and the estate must be declared and taxes paid within 6 months of death (extendable). We manage the entire process remotely on your behalf.
What happens if there is no will and the estate is in Spain?
Without a will, Spanish intestacy rules apply. The heirs must first obtain a Declaration of Heirs (declaración de herederos) through a notary, which establishes who the legal heirs are. We handle this process, including obtaining the necessary notarial acts and coordinating with the Land Registry and financial institutions.
What is the time limit to accept or reject a Spanish inheritance?
There is no hard legal deadline to formally accept or reject an inheritance in Spain, but the 6-month tax deadline creates practical urgency. If you are concerned about inheriting debts, you can accept the estate "a beneficio de inventario" — limiting your liability to the value of the assets inherited.
Free Inheritance Consultation
Tell us about the estate. We will explain the process, timeline and costs — no obligation.
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