🌍 Inheriting Property in Valencia? Here’s What Expats Need to Know
The Valencian Community (Comunidad Valenciana) — including Valencia city, Alicante, and Castellón — has specific inheritance tax rules. If you’re a foreign resident or non-resident expat, you’ll need to follow a regional process that differs from national tax norms.
This guide breaks down how expats can inherit property or assets in Valencia legally, efficiently, and in a tax-optimized way.
🧾 Inheritance Tax in Valencia – Who Pays?
Spanish inheritance tax (Impuesto sobre Sucesiones) applies to:
-
Assets located in Spain (property, cash, shares, vehicles)
-
Heirs of any nationality, even if living abroad
If the deceased or the heir is a tax resident in Valencia, or the assets are located there, regional tax rules apply — and they include limited but valuable reductions for expats.
📊 Key Inheritance Tax Rules in Valencia (For Expats)
| Heir Type | Deduction / Bonus |
|---|---|
| Spouse or child (Group II) | €100,000 base exemption |
| Children under 21 | Additional €8,000 per year under 21 |
| 75% reduction | On taxable amount, if certain conditions are met |
| Disability-based deductions | €120,000–€240,000 depending on severity |
💡 These deductions only apply if formalities are followed, and non-EU citizens must appoint a tax representative in Spain to qualify.
🔁 How to Inherit Property in Valencia – Step-by-Step
1. 📑 Prepare Required Documents
-
Death certificate (apostilled + translated into Spanish)
-
Spanish or foreign will
-
NIE number for each heir
-
Proof of family relationship (birth/marriage certificate)
-
Property deed (escritura) and cadastral reference
2. 🧾 Pay Inheritance Tax (Modelo 650)
-
Deadline: 6 months from the date of death
-
File through the Valencian Tax Agency (GVA)
-
Request extension within 5 months if needed
3. 🖋️ Accept the Inheritance at a Notary
-
Sign the Escritura de Aceptación de Herencia
-
Must be done in person or via Power of Attorney
4. 🏛️ Register the Inherited Property
-
Submit inheritance deed + tax proof to Registro de la Propiedad
-
Update records with Catastro (land registry)
5. 💰 Pay Plusvalía Municipal
-
Local capital gains tax on urban land
-
Paid to the Valencia city council or relevant municipality
❌ Common Mistakes Expats Make in Valencia
| Mistake | Consequence |
|---|---|
| Missing 6-month tax deadline | Fines, interest, and potential delays |
| Assuming inheritance tax is the same across Spain | Missed Valencia-specific reductions |
| Not translating foreign wills | Notary and registry may reject documents |
| Overlooking Plusvalía | Blocks property transfer |
| No Power of Attorney | Forces travel to Spain |
⚖️ How a Spanish Inheritance Lawyer Can Help
We help expats:
✅ Draft and validate Spanish-compliant wills
✅ File inheritance tax correctly in Valencia
✅ Claim all eligible deductions (regional and national)
✅ Prepare notarial deeds and represent you at signing
✅ Register property, pay Plusvalía, and update land records
✅ Represent you entirely via Power of Attorney
🌐 Who Qualifies for Regional Reductions?
You may qualify for Valencian inheritance tax benefits if:
-
The deceased was a tax resident in Valencia, OR
-
The property is located in the Valencian Community
-
You appoint a Spanish tax representative (if non-EU)
💡 Even non-resident foreign heirs can benefit — but only with correct legal support.
📞 Need Help Inheriting Property in Valencia?
Whether you’re in the UK, US, Germany, or elsewhere, we help foreign heirs:
-
File inheritance tax in Valencia
-
Accept and register inherited property
-
Navigate Spanish notaries, tax offices, and town halls — remotely
👉 Book a consultation with a Valencia inheritance lawyer today.