How long do I have to pay inheritance tax in Spain?
6 months from the date of death. An extension of 6 additional months can be requested within the first 5 months. Late filing incurs surcharges of 5–20% plus interest.
Inheritance Lawyers & Will Drafting on the Costa Blanca
If you own property in Spain or have assets on the Costa Blanca, proper estate planning is essential. At Bufete Padilla, we are specialists in drafting Spanish wills, processing cross-border inheritances, preparing affidavits of foreign law for UK and Irish probate courts, and advising on inheritance tax in the Valencian Community. We serve families in Torrevieja, Moraira, Calpe, Altea, and across the Costa Blanca North.
Why You Need a Spanish Will
Having a separate Spanish will that covers only your Spanish assets is the single most important thing you can do to protect your heirs. Without a Spanish will:
- Your heirs will need to have your foreign will translated, apostilled and presented to a Spanish notary — a process that can take 6–12 months and cost thousands in translation and legalisation fees
- Your estate may be subject to Spanish forced heirship rules (legítima) unless you exercise the nationality professio under EU Regulation 650/2012
- Your heirs may miss the 6-month deadline to file inheritance tax in Spain, incurring surcharges of up to 20%
A Spanish will costs a fraction of what the alternative process costs, and it makes the inheritance process dramatically faster and simpler for your family.
Inheritance Tax in the Valencian Community
The Valencian Community offers significant tax reductions for close relatives inheriting property in Spain:
- Spouses, children and parents: 99% reduction on inheritance tax (effectively near-zero tax for most estates)
- Siblings: Up to 50% reduction depending on the estate value
- Non-relatives: Standard progressive rates from 7.65% to 34%, with multipliers
These reductions apply to both residents and non-residents of Spain (following the landmark CJEU ruling). However, you must file the inheritance tax declaration (Modelo 650) within 6 months of the date of death — extensions are available but must be requested within the first 5 months.
We handle the full process: acceptance of inheritance before a notary, payment of inheritance tax with SUMA Gestión Tributaria (the provincial tax authority for Alicante), registration of the property in the heir's name at the Land Registry, and cancellation of direct debits and utility contracts of the deceased.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a Spanish will if I already have a will in my country?
Yes. A separate Spanish will covering only your Spanish assets dramatically speeds up the inheritance process and avoids costly translations and legalisations.