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Private Client · 2025/2026 Succession Law Reform

Inheritance

Greek succession law, forced heirship, wills, acceptance and renunciation of estates, inheritance disputes and cross-border succession. We advise individuals, families and executors on estates involving Greece and, where necessary, coordinate the Greek aspects of an estate with lawyers and advisers in other jurisdictions.

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2025Major Law Reform
20+Years Experience
All of GreeceCoverage
4Languages
Law 5303/2026
The new rules apply, subject to the transitional provisions of the law, to succession relationships where the death occurs on or after 16 September 2026.
Forced heirship
Advice on the νόμιμη μοίρα, including the rights of protected heirs and disputes concerning the satisfaction of their share.
Register of Wills
The Greek Register of Wills (Μητρώο Διαθηκών), available through diathikes.gr, has operated since 1 November 2025.
Cross-border succession
Advice where the deceased, heirs or estate assets are located in different jurisdictions, with coordination of the Greek succession aspects with foreign counsel where required.
Navigating an inheritance?
Tell us where the matter stands — a death has occurred, a will needs registering, or you're planning ahead. We'll tell you what the 2025/2026 reform means for your situation.
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Overview Scope of Service Process Why Us FAQs

Inheritance Law

Greek inheritance law
is changing

Greek inheritance law is undergoing its most substantial reform in decades. Law 5303/2026 introduces significant changes to succession, forced heirship, inheritance contracts and the position of heirs. The new rules apply, subject to the transitional provisions of the law, to succession relationships where the death occurs on or after 16 September 2026.

For families dealing with an inheritance around this transition, the date of death matters. The applicable rules can affect the rights of heirs, the treatment of the forced share, the liability of heirs for estate debts and the options available for succession planning.

We advise on estates governed by both the current and the new regime and help clients determine what needs to be done, and by when.

The Greek Register of Wills (Μητρώο Διαθηκών), available through diathikes.gr, has operated since 1 November 2025. It provides digital services for searching for wills and obtaining certificates and documents concerning their publication.

Where an estate involves a will, we can assist with the legal steps required in Greece and coordinate with the relevant notary.

The system was established under Law 5221/2025 and is distinct from the substantive inheritance-law reforms introduced by Law 5303/2026.

Scope of Service

From wills and estate planning
to inheritance disputes

Wills and succession planning
Advice on wills, succession planning and the treatment of assets located in Greece, including planning for family businesses and real estate.
Acceptance and renunciation of inheritance
Advice on acceptance of an inheritance, acceptance with the benefit of inventory and renunciation, including the deadlines and procedural steps that apply in the particular case.
Forced heirship
Advice on the νόμιμη μοίρα, including the rights of protected heirs and disputes concerning the satisfaction of their share.
Inheritance disputes
Representation in disputes between heirs concerning wills, entitlement to an estate, estate assets and the distribution of inherited property.
Estate administration
Assistance with the legal steps involved in establishing and administering an estate in Greece, including the documentation required for inherited assets.
Cross-border succession
Advice where the deceased, heirs or estate assets are located in different jurisdictions, with coordination of the Greek succession aspects with foreign counsel where required.

How We Work

How
we work

Inheritance matters often involve decisions that cannot be postponed. Whether the issue is whether to accept or renounce an inheritance, how to deal with inherited property or how to challenge a will, the first step is to establish the applicable legal framework and the relevant deadlines.

We focus on the practical consequences of each option and explain what needs to happen next. Where the estate extends beyond Greece, we coordinate the Greek aspects with the client's other advisers rather than treating each jurisdiction in isolation.

STEP 01
Initial Assessment
Mapping the estate, the applicable law, and — where relevant — which side of the 16 September 2026 transition the matter falls on.
STEP 02
Documentation & Registration
Preparing and registering wills through the digital diathikes.gr platform via notary, and handling the notarial work the estate requires.
STEP 03
Administration or Dispute Resolution
Administering an uncontested estate through to distribution, or representing heirs and beneficiaries where the inheritance is disputed.
STEP 04
Ongoing Review
Revisiting succession planning as the reform phases in, so a will or estate plan keeps working as intended once the substantive changes take effect.

Why Pantazis & Associates

Why
Pantazis & Associates

Greek succession-law expertise
We advise directly on Greek inheritance law, including succession to Greek real estate and other assets located in Greece.
Partner-led advice
Clients deal directly with the lawyer responsible for the matter and the partner leading the engagement.
International experience
Where an estate involves foreign beneficiaries, overseas assets or another jurisdiction's succession rules, we work with foreign counsel and other professional advisers to coordinate the Greek aspects of the estate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Frequently
Asked Questions

What is changing in Greek inheritance law in 2026?+

Law 5303/2026 substantially reforms Greek succession law. Among other changes, it revises the rules concerning forced heirship, introduces new forms of succession planning and changes aspects of the liability of heirs. The new regime generally applies to succession relationships where the death occurs on or after 16 September 2026, subject to the law's transitional provisions.

What is forced heirship under Greek law?+

The Greek concept of νόμιμη μοίρα provides certain close relatives with a protected share of an estate. The new inheritance regime changes the legal treatment of that protected share. The precise position should be assessed by reference to the date of death, the family circumstances and the assets forming part of the estate.

How long do I have to renounce an inheritance in Greece?+

The deadline for renouncing an inheritance depends on the circumstances of the succession and the heir's knowledge of the relevant facts. Residence outside Greece can also affect the applicable period. Because missing the deadline can have significant consequences, the position should be checked promptly after a death rather than relying on a general rule.

What is the Greek Register of Wills?+

The Register of Wills (Μητρώο Διαθηκών) is the national digital system for searching for wills and obtaining certificates and documents relating to their publication. It has operated through diathikes.gr since 1 November 2025.

Can an inheritance in Greece involve foreign law?+

Yes. An estate may include Greek property or other Greek assets while the deceased or beneficiaries are connected to another country. The applicable succession and private international law rules need to be considered together. We advise on the Greek aspects and coordinate with foreign counsel where necessary.

Should I review an existing will because of the 2026 reform?+

It may be appropriate, particularly where an estate includes significant assets, a family business, beneficiaries with different interests or assets in more than one country. The effect of the new regime depends on the circumstances and the applicable transitional provisions, so estate planning should be reviewed on an individual basis.

Dealing with an inheritance in Greece?

If you are dealing with an inheritance, planning a succession or facing a dispute between heirs, contact us to discuss the circumstances and the steps that need to be taken.

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