🌍 Inheriting Property in Ibiza? Here’s What Foreigners Should Know
Ibiza is home to thousands of foreign-owned properties, and many international families find themselves inheriting villas or assets on the island. While the process is manageable, it’s governed by Spanish national inheritance law and Balearic regional tax rules.
This article explains how expats and non-residents can inherit in Ibiza legally and efficiently — while reducing their tax burden and avoiding costly delays.
⚖️ Is Inheritance Tax Payable in Ibiza?
Yes. Spanish inheritance tax (Impuesto sobre Sucesiones) applies if:
-
The deceased lived in Spain
-
The heir inherits Spanish assets (e.g. Ibiza property)
-
The property is located in the Balearic Islands
Foreigners — even non-residents — must file a tax declaration in Spain, regardless of whether they owe tax.
💶 Inheritance Tax Reductions in the Balearic Islands (Ibiza)
The Balearic government offers regional tax reductions for close relatives (Groups I & II), including foreign heirs.
| Heir Type | Base Allowance | Final Tax Range |
|---|---|---|
| Children, spouses | €25,000–€50,000 | 1%–20% (progressive) |
| Under 21 | Extra allowance per year under age 21 | |
| Disability (physical/mental) | Up to €275,000 | Additional deduction applies |
💡 These reductions apply to expats and non-residents if the inheritance process is filed correctly.
📝 Required Documents for Foreign Heirs in Ibiza
-
Death certificate (apostilled + translated into Spanish)
-
Will (Spanish, or foreign with sworn translation)
-
NIE number for each heir
-
Proof of kinship (birth/marriage certificate)
-
Escritura (title deed) of the property
-
Land registry extract and cadastral reference
🔁 Step-by-Step Inheritance Process in Ibiza
1. 🧾 File Inheritance Tax (Modelo 650)
-
Deadline: 6 months from date of death
-
Extension available for 6 more months (if requested within first 5)
-
Filed with the Agència Tributària de les Illes Balears
2. 🖋️ Sign the Inheritance Deed Before a Spanish Notary
-
Escritura de Aceptación de Herencia
-
Can be signed in person or via Power of Attorney
3. 🏛️ Register the Inherited Property
-
Submit to Registro de la Propiedad
-
Update Catastro (land registry database)
4. 💰 Pay the Plusvalía Municipal
-
Local capital gains tax on urban land
-
Paid to the Ibiza Ayuntamiento or local council
❌ Common Errors Expats Make When Inheriting in Ibiza
| Mistake | Risk |
|---|---|
| Failing to file Modelo 650 on time | Fines, interest, and legal delays |
| No Power of Attorney | You must travel to Ibiza to sign documents |
| Not translating a foreign will | Spanish notaries will reject the document |
| Ignoring Plusvalía Municipal | Property ownership transfer will be blocked |
| Assuming EU and non-EU heirs are treated equally | Legal rep may be required for non-EU heirs |
📍 Local Tips for Inheriting in Ibiza
-
Ibiza notaries often experience seasonal backlogs — early booking is recommended
-
Foreign wills should explicitly state the applicable law (e.g., UK law) to avoid forced heirship rules
-
Remote inheritance management is possible through a Spanish Power of Attorney
⚖️ How Our Legal Team Helps Foreign Heirs in Ibiza
We assist expats and non-residents by:
✅ Preparing all inheritance paperwork in Spain
✅ Filing tax declarations to claim available reductions
✅ Representing you via Power of Attorney — no travel needed
✅ Translating and validating foreign wills
✅ Registering the property and paying all local taxes
📞 Inheriting a Property or Assets in Ibiza?
Don’t risk delays or penalties. We’ll help you inherit your Spanish assets in Ibiza legally, efficiently, and tax-smart — whether you live in the EU, UK, US, or beyond.
👉 Contact our Ibiza-based inheritance lawyers now for a free initial consultation.