Inheritance tax in Greece ranges from 0% to 40%.
Close relatives, such as children and spouses, benefit from tax-free thresholds of up to €150,000 per parent, with rates applied based on the heir’s relationship to the deceased and the value of the estate.
Non-residents are taxed only on assets located in Greece.
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Key Takeaways:
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Greece’s new inheritance law sets heirs’ shares, introduces inheritance contracts, grants rights to unmarried partners, and limits liability for estate debts.
The reforms modernize legislation unchanged since 1946 and aim to simplify inheritance for all heirs, including foreigners.
Key points relevant to inheritance tax:
These changes primarily affect how estates are divided and reported, which in turn determines inheritance tax obligations for heirs.
Greece inheritance tax is a progressive tax that ranges from 0% up to 40%, determined by your relationship with the deceased and the value of the assets you inherit.
The closer your relationship to the deceased (such as children, spouse, parents), the lower the tax rate and the higher your tax‑free threshold.
For 2025, Greek inheritance tax is structured in three categories:
These rates are applied after deducting the applicable tax‑free threshold for each category.
For non‑residents inheriting Greek property, the same rates apply, but only to assets located in Greece.
In Greece, children can inherit up to 150,000 EUR per parent tax-free. Spouses also have similar thresholds.
Beyond these amounts, inheritance tax applies according to the progressive rates outlined above.
Example: If a child inherits 200,000 EUR from one parent, the first 150,000 EUR is tax-free, and the remaining 50,000 EUR is taxed at the applicable rate (usually starting at 1%).
Foreigners inheriting Greek property are subject to the same thresholds, but reporting and payment obligations remain strict.
In Greece, the beneficiary (heir) is responsible for paying the inheritance tax. This applies regardless of whether the heir is a resident or a non-resident, though non-residents are taxed only on assets located in Greece.
The inheritance tax must be declared and settled within a set period after the death, and failure to pay can result in interest charges or penalties.
Legal representatives or notaries often assist heirs in filing and paying the tax correctly.
You can reduce inheritance tax in Greece through lifetime gifts, joint property ownership, life insurance, and professional estate planning.
These legal strategies help lower the taxable estate and are particularly relevant for foreigners and expats inheriting Greek or international assets:
1. Lifetime gifts: Transferring assets before death can reduce the taxable estate. Small exemptions exist for gifts to children and spouses.
2. Joint ownership: Owning property as joint tenants allows the surviving owner to retain assets outside inheritance tax rules.
3. Life insurance: Certain life insurance policies can provide payouts that are not subject to inheritance tax.
4. Professional estate planning: Engaging Greek tax advisors ensures compliance while minimizing tax liability.
Inheritance tax in Greece can be significant, but understanding the rules, thresholds, and legal strategies makes planning much more manageable for both residents and foreigners.
Close heirs benefit from generous exemptions, while proper estate planning, through gifts, joint ownership, or life insurance, can help protect assets and ensure smooth transfers.
Staying informed and working with local advisors is the best way to minimize tax liability while complying with Greek law.
Foreigners in Greece pay annual property tax (ENFIA) ranging from 0.1% to 1.15% of the property’s taxable value, depending on location and size.
This tax is separate from inheritance tax and applies to both residents and non-residents who own property in Greece.
Yes. The 24% tax in Greece usually refers to VAT or certain capital gains taxes.
Property tax (ENFIA) for foreigners typically ranges from 0.05% to 1% of the property’s assessed value per year, while income tax, capital gains, and dividends depend on residency and applicable treaties.
Inheritance tax (IHT) is a progressive tax up to 40%, depending on your relationship to the deceased and the value of the estate, with children able to inherit up to €150,000 per parent tax-free.