🏡 Inheriting Property in Spain Without Traveling Is Possible — If You Know the Steps
If you’re an expat, non-resident, or living abroad and have inherited property in Spain, the good news is: you can manage the entire process remotely — from tax filing and notary signing to full property registration.
This guide explains exactly how foreigners can inherit Spanish property without setting foot in Spain, using legal tools like Power of Attorney, and expert representation.
🧾 Is Inheritance Tax Still Required?
Yes — Spanish law requires all heirs, even if abroad, to:
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File inheritance tax (Modelo 650)
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Sign the notarial deed of acceptance
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Register the inherited asset (property, cash, shares)
The applicable tax regime (national or regional) depends on where the deceased lived or where the asset is located. Deductions are available, but paperwork must be filed correctly and on time.
📌 Key Legal Requirements for Inheriting from Abroad
| Requirement | Can Be Handled Remotely? |
|---|---|
| Obtain NIE for heirs | ✅ Yes |
| File inheritance tax (Modelo 650) | ✅ Yes |
| Sign before notary | ✅ Yes (via POA) |
| Translate and legalize documents | ✅ Yes |
| Register property in Land Registry | ✅ Yes |
| Pay Plusvalía Municipal | ✅ Yes |
✅ All these can be done through a Spanish lawyer with Power of Attorney.
📑 What Documents Are Needed?
For all non-resident heirs:
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Death certificate (apostilled + translated)
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Last will and testament (Spanish or foreign with sworn translation)
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NIE for each heir
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Proof of family relationship (birth/marriage certificate)
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Property deed and cadastral number
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Copy of passport(s)
🔁 Step-by-Step: How to Inherit Spanish Property Remotely
1. ✍️ Grant Power of Attorney (POA)
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Sign at a notary in your home country
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Must be legalized or apostilled
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Gives your Spanish lawyer legal authority to act for you
2. 🧾 File the Inheritance Tax (Modelo 650)
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Filed with national or regional tax authority
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Deadline: 6 months from death (extension possible)
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Lawyer submits valuation, documentation, and tax forms
3. 🖋️ Sign the Inheritance Deed
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Signed before a Spanish notary
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Done by your lawyer via POA
4. 🏛️ Register the Property
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Deed submitted to Registro de la Propiedad
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Ownership is officially transferred
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Catastro and municipal records are updated
5. 💰 Pay Local Taxes (Plusvalía)
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Paid to the city council
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Based on land value increase since last transfer
🏙️ Does This Work in All Regions of Spain?
Yes. You can inherit remotely in:
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Andalucía (Marbella, Málaga, Seville)
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Valencian Community (Alicante, Valencia)
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Balearic Islands (Mallorca, Ibiza)
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Catalonia (Barcelona, Girona)
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Madrid, Basque Country, Canary Islands, and more
Each region has its own tax rates and exemptions, but remote inheritance is legally valid everywhere in Spain.
❌ Don’t Make These Mistakes When Inheriting from Abroad
| Mistake | Consequence |
|---|---|
| Not filing tax because “no travel needed” | Large penalties and interest |
| Missing 6-month deadline | Loss of reductions or exemption rights |
| No POA | You must fly to Spain to sign the deed |
| Poorly translated will | Spanish notaries may reject the document |
| Ignoring municipal tax (Plusvalía) | Blocks registration of property |
⚖️ Our Legal Team Can Handle Everything Remotely
We help foreigners:
✅ Draft and register a Spanish Power of Attorney
✅ Obtain NIEs and validate wills
✅ File inheritance tax and claim reductions
✅ Sign the inheritance deed at the notary
✅ Register inherited property, pay local taxes, and update the Catastro
✅ Act on your behalf — no need to visit Spain
📞 Inheriting Property in Spain from Abroad?
We handle inheritance cases across all Spanish regions for foreign heirs. Our remote service ensures you comply with Spanish law, save on taxes, and transfer title properly — from wherever you are in the world.
👉 Book a consultation today and inherit property in Spain the easy way.