If you’ve inherited a flat, house, or other real estate in Barcelona as a non-resident, the legal process may seem confusing.
Spain has strict rules for accepting inheritance, transferring title, and paying inheritance tax — and the process differs significantly depending on whether you are an EU citizen, a tax resident, or live abroad.
This guide explains the legal and tax steps to inherit property in Barcelona as a foreign heir.
📜 First: Was There a Will?
✅ Spanish Will Exists
If the deceased made a Spanish will, the process is usually quicker and more straightforward. The will likely names you as an heir, and the notary can begin succession immediately.
❌ No Spanish Will (Foreign Will or Intestacy)
If there’s no Spanish will, we must:
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Obtain a death certificate
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Legalize the foreign will (if one exists)
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Prepare a Declaration of Heirs before a Spanish notary
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Translate and apostille foreign documents
This step is often where foreign heirs face delays — but we handle the full process on your behalf.
🪪 Step-by-Step: How to Legally Inherit Property in Barcelona
1. Confirm Death and Locate Will
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Obtain original death certificate
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Check Spanish Notarial Registry (Registro de Últimas Voluntades)
2. Accept the Inheritance
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Sign an acceptance deed (escritura de aceptación) before a notary
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If you’re abroad, we can sign with Power of Attorney
3. Pay Inheritance Tax
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Due within 6 months of the date of death
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Extensions possible (we handle this request if needed)
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Payment is made to the Catalan regional tax authority
4. Register the Property in Your Name
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We file the inheritance deed at the Property Registry (Registro de la Propiedad)
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The property is officially yours once registered
💶 Inheritance Tax in Barcelona for Foreign Heirs
Catalonia has its own inheritance tax rules. Key factors:
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Tax depends on relationship to the deceased, property value, and tax residency
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Spouses and children benefit from generous allowances and deductions
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Non-residents no longer pay more than residents, thanks to EU court rulings
🧮 Example: If you inherit a €300,000 flat as the child of the deceased, your tax could range from €0 to €5,000, depending on applicable deductions.
We calculate your exact tax liability and handle Form 650 filing.
📄 Documents Needed to Inherit Property in Barcelona
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Death certificate
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Original will (or intestacy declaration)
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NIE (Foreign Tax ID)
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Heir’s passport
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Title deed of the property
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Property registry extract
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Certificate of last wills (Registro de Últimas Voluntades)
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Tax forms and declarations
⚠️ Common Issues for Foreign Heirs
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❌ Missed 6-month tax deadline → penalties and interest
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❌ Untranslated or unlegalized wills
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❌ Disputes between multiple heirs
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❌ Property still registered to deceased years later
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❌ Lack of understanding of Catalan inheritance law
At Borderless Lawyers, we resolve these issues quickly and clearly — in your language.
🌍 Remote Inheritance Processing Available
If you don’t live in Spain, we can handle the entire inheritance process via Power of Attorney, including:
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Acceptance of inheritance
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Tax payments
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Deed registration
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Property sale or transfer (if you wish to sell afterward)
💬 Why Choose Borderless Lawyers?
✔️ Based in Barcelona, with direct access to Catalan authorities
✔️ Multilingual legal team (English, French, Dutch, German, Spanish)
✔️ End-to-end service for foreign heirs
✔️ Transparent flat fees and quick processing
✔️ Specialized in non-resident inheritance cases
📞 Inherit Barcelona Property Without Legal Headaches
You’ve lost a loved one — let us take care of the legal side. We’ll ensure the property is transferred smoothly, and all tax obligations are handled properly.