Inheritance Tax in Spain – Understand the Law and Protect Your Family Assets

If you own property or assets in Spain, knowing how inheritance tax in Spain works is essential. Whether you are a resident or non-resident, our legal and tax advisors help you manage every step, from valuation to compliance, ensuring you protect your estate and your loved ones.
Schedule a consultation today with our team of inheritance tax specialists.

What is Inheritance Tax in Spain

Spanish inheritance tax applies when you inherit assets such as property, pensions, gold, or shares located in Spain. Both residents and non-residents are subject to it, though the rules differ.
If you are a tax resident, you are taxed on worldwide assets. Non-residents pay tax only on assets located in Spain. Our firm provides guidance for inheritance tax in Spain for expats, Spanish inheritance tax non residents, and Spanish inheritance tax for residents so you never face unexpected obligations.

Why Inheritance Tax Matters

Many expats are unaware of how inheritance tax in Spain for non residents or Spanish inheritance tax between spouses can impact their estate. The rates vary by region and relationship with the deceased, so careful planning is key. With help from an experienced inheritance tax lawyer or inheritance tax attorney, you can explore available deductions, prepare the right documents, and minimise inheritance tax legally.

Mandatory Documents for Inheritance Processing

To apply for inheritance registration or submit a declaration for inheritance tax spain, you must meet certain legal obligations.
Our team assists you in preparing:

  • The death certificate, will, and notarized inheritance document.
  • Proof of ownership for real estate, shares, gold, or business assets.
  • A tax identification number (NIE) for all heirs.
  • Bank statements and valuation reports for property or companies.

Please note that all foreign documents must be translated and apostilled in order to get legal tax advice. Our legal team will guide during this process from the documents gathering until the application.

Specific Cases You Should Know

Spanish inheritance tax between spouses

If you inherit from your spouse the tax treatment is more favourable in many regions. Some regions offer nearly full relief for spouses.

Inheritance tax for siblings

If you inherit from a person and you are a sibling rather than a spouse or child, you face higher tax because you fall into a lower-benefit category.

Family home and inheritance tax

If the main family home is inherited the treatment can vary: some regions allow significant deductions or reliefs if the spouse or children inherit. You must check your region.

Gold inheritance tax, inheritance tax on property in Spain, foreign assets inheritance tax

Whether you inherit gold, foreign shares or property located in Spain the ISD tax may apply. For property in Spain the tax is triggered by the acquisition of that Spanish-located asset. For foreign assets the tax may apply if you are Spanish resident.

Do you pay inheritance tax on a limited company, do you pay inheritance tax on shares

If you inherit shares in a Spanish company or a non-resident company, or you inherit control of a limited company which holds Spanish assets, the ISD tax may still apply on the value of those assets. The structure matters: you need expert review.

Steps to Complete the Inheritance Process

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Hire a Lawyer

By Spanish law, you must hire a qualified inheritance tax lawyer to represent you before tax authorities. Our team at Agroup Consulting ensures your filings are accurate and compliant with local and regional rules.

Asset Valuation and Tax Assessment

We identify if your case involves inheritance tax on property in Spain, inheritance tax for siblings, or family home and inheritance tax. Our advisors also evaluate assets such as foreign assets inheritance tax, gold inheritance tax, do you pay inheritance tax on a limited company, or do you pay inheritance tax on shares to apply the right deductions.

Filing and Payment

We prepare all legal inheritance tax document submissions, coordinate deadlines, and assist you in claiming available reliefs such as small business inheritance tax relief, inheritance tax for couples, inheritance tax for unmarried couples, and inheritance tax husband and wife benefits.

Post-Filing Management

Once the filing is complete, our inheritance tax advisor monitors updates, communicates with the authorities, and provides inheritance tax advice on managing long-term obligations or reviewing future transfers.

Our Expert Inheritance Tax Lawyers

Our professional inheritance tax lawyers and consultants specialize in advising both residents and non-residents on Spanish succession matters.
They ensure you understand every stage of the process, including how to avoid inheritance tax in Spain, how to avoid inheritance tax on property, how to avoid inheritance tax on pensions, and how to avoid inheritance tax on farms.

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Is the Spanish Inheritance Tax a Right Fit for You?

Spain’s system can seem complex, especially when considering inheritance tax for non US citizens, single person inheritance tax, inheritance tax for couples, or managing inheritance tax with multiple heirs.
However, if you are not sure about this process, you should see what other applicants are saying about our legal team and their experience.

What Our Inheritance Tax Clients Say About Us
Google Review
Dan

Germany

“Agroup Consulting handled my inheritance case with full professionalism. They simplified everything and saved me thousands in unnecessary tax.”

Laura G.

Canada

“As a non-resident, I was lost with the forms and rules, but their inheritance tax attorney explained every step clearly.”

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Gracie M.

UK

“They helped us structure our family home transfer and advised how to minimise inheritance tax for our children.”

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Does a spouse pay inheritance tax?1. Does a spouse pay inheritance tax?

Yes. A spouse pays inheritance tax, but large reductions are available depending on the region. Many areas in Spain offer up to 99% relief for spouses.

Full exemption is rare. However, certain relatives such as spouses, children, and parents may qualify for significant reductions or deductions.

Use regional deductions, transfer ownership strategically, and keep updated valuations. Professional planning helps reduce tax liability.

Yes. Pensions are part of the inheritance base. The amount is taxed depending on whether the plan is Spanish or foreign.

5. What are the pros and cons of Spanish inheritance tax?

Pros include fairness and multiple regional reliefs. The main cons are the complexity and regional variations that make self-filing risky.

Use regional exemptions and reductions, gift assets during your lifetime, or establish a family business or farm. Consider life insurance, foreign trusts, and regular estate planning with an expert.

Yes. If you inherit your parents’ property located in Spain, you must pay inheritance tax whether you live in Spain or abroad. Both residents and non-residents are subject to this tax.

Ready to Get Started?

Whether you face inheritance tax in Spain for expats or need guidance on Spanish inheritance tax between spouses, our team of legal experts will help you secure compliance, reliefs, and peace of mind.
Contact us today to receive personal assistance from a qualified inheritance tax advisor and ensure your family assets stay protected.