Actions for settling inheritance matters

Settling inheritance matters for Greeks who die abroad but leave assets in Greece requires a detailed procedural approach. The process involves identifying all inheritable assets, such as real estate, bank accounts, vehicles, and valuables, located within Greece. A crucial first step is to compile an accurate inventory of the deceased's estate to ensure correct distribution to heirs and proper tax calculation based on the actual value of the inheritance.

Obtaining a death certificate is a primary requirement. If issued by a country not part of the Apostille convention, it must be certified by the Greek consulate. If issued by foreign authorities, a copy must be validated by the local Greek consulate. The death certificate then needs official translation into Greek and registration with the relevant vital records office in Athens, provided the deceased was registered with a Greek municipality. This ensures legal recognition of the death within Greece.

Furthermore, a certificate of closest relatives must be obtained from the municipality where the deceased was last registered in Greece. This requires the deceased and their closest relatives to be registered in the family records, including any foreign marriages or births. If these are not registered, a sworn statement from two witnesses in Greece and abroad may be necessary to identify the heirs. The municipality might also require retroactive registration of foreign marriages and births. If the deceased was not of Greek origin or ethnicity and born outside Greek territory, the municipal certificate cannot be issued. In such cases, two sworn statements or affidavits are needed to prove kinship, which are then submitted to the tax office and notary.

Finally, a significant task involves the valuation of the inherited assets. This detailed assessment is essential for inclusion in the Acceptance of Inheritance Declaration, a key document in the legal transfer of property. The complexity of these steps underscores the importance of engaging a Greek-speaking lawyer or a knowledgeable individual to navigate the legal and administrative requirements effectively.