If you are a Spanish resident abroad and have received an inheritance in Spain, you probably wonder if it's possible to process it without returning. The good news: yes, it's possible to do it completely from abroad. We explain how.
Can I process a Spanish inheritance without returning to Spain?
Yes. Thanks to the Law 11/2023 on notarial digitalization, and the option to grant notarial powers via video call, it's perfectly possible to manage the entire inheritance process from any country in the world. At Notaría Online, we have been helping Spaniards abroad process their inheritances for years without the need to take a flight.
What options do I have for signing if I am abroad?
There are three ways for an heir abroad to participate in the processing of a Spanish inheritance:
- Notarial power via video call: You grant a power of attorney before a Spanish notary via videoconference, authorizing a trusted person (or our firm) to act on your behalf in Spain. It's the most agile and economical option.
- Remote appearance in the deed: When it comes time to sign the deed of adjudication, you can appear yourself via video call before the Spanish notary.
- Power before the consulate: If you prefer not to use video calls, you can grant the power at the Spanish consulate in your country of residence (slower).
Step-by-step process of an inheritance from abroad
- Initial consultation (free): You explain the situation — deceased, assets in Spain, heirs and their locations. We provide a no-obligation quote.
- Notarial power: If there are several heirs in different places, the most practical option is for all to grant a power to the same trusted person or our firm. We process the power via video call in 24-48 hours.
- Obtaining certificates: Our team requests the death certificate, the certificate of last wills, and a copy of the will.
- Inventory of assets: We investigate and value the assets in Spain (real estate, accounts, vehicles, etc.).
- Liquidation of taxes: We manage the inheritance tax in the corresponding autonomous community and the municipal capital gains tax.
- Deed of adjudication: Coordinate the notarial signing. If you want to appear personally, it can be via videoconference.
- Registration: We register the assets in the name of the heirs in the Property Registry and notify the banks.
What taxes are paid on a Spanish inheritance from abroad?
Non-resident heirs are also subject to the Inheritance and Gift Tax. Following the ruling of the Court of Justice of the EU (2014) and subsequent reforms, non-residents have the right to apply the regulations of the autonomous community where the assets are located, just like residents. This is particularly advantageous in communities such as Madrid, the Canary Islands, or Andalusia, with rebates of up to 99% for direct heirs.
How long does an inheritance from abroad take?
The timeframe is similar to that of a regular inheritance: between 2 and 4 months for the complete process. Geographical distance does not cause additional delays if managed correctly from the start with notarial powers and remote coordination.
Can I inherit a property in Spain if I live in Latin America?
Yes, without any problem. We have processed inheritances for Spaniards residing in Mexico, Argentina, Colombia, Chile, Venezuela, Ecuador, the U.S., the UK, Germany, and many other countries. The process is identical: notarial power via video call, remote document management, and electronic signing of the deed.