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.
This article covers:
- How does inheritance tax work in Greece?
- How much is inheritance tax in Greece?
- How much can you inherit from your parents without paying inheritance tax?
- Is there a way to reduce inheritance tax?
Key Takeaways:
- Direct heirs pay 0%–10% above the tax-free threshold; others pay 20%–40%.
- Children can inherit up to €150,000 per parent tax-free; spouses have similar exemptions.
- Non-residents are taxed only on Greek assets.
- Lifetime gifts, joint ownership, and life insurance can reduce tax legally.
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The information in this article is for general guidance only. It does not constitute financial, legal, or tax advice, and is not a recommendation or solicitation to invest. Some facts may have changed since the time of writing.
What is the New Inheritance Law in Greece?
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:
- Inheritance contracts: Allow binding agreements on asset distribution and selection of applicable foreign law.
- Spousal shares: Surviving spouses now receive up to one third of the estate when inheriting with one child.
- Unmarried partners: Long-term partners inherit only if no closer relatives survive.
- Heir liability: Heirs are liable for estate debts only up to the estate’s value, not their personal assets.
- Mandatory portions and wills: Excluded heirs receive monetary compensation instead of ownership; safeguards exist for handwritten wills.
These changes primarily affect how estates are divided and reported, which in turn determines inheritance tax obligations for heirs.
What is the Inheritance Tax in Greece?
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:
- Category A (spouse, children, grandchildren, parents):
- First €150,000 tax‑free per heir
- 1% on the next €150,001–€300,000
- 5% on €300,001–€600,000
- 10% on amounts above €600,000
- Category B (siblings, nieces/nephews, grandparents, other extended family):
- First €30,000 tax‑free
- 5% on €30,001–€100,000
- 10% on €100,001–€300,000
- 20% above €300,000
- Category C (other relatives and non‑relatives):
- First €6,000 tax‑free
- 20% on €6,001–€72,000
- 30% on €72,001–€267,000
- 40% on amounts over €267,000
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.
How Much Can You Inherit from Your Parents Without Paying Taxes?
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.
Who is Responsible for Paying the Inheritance Tax Bill in Greece?
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.
- Direct heirs (children and spouses) are responsible for reporting the inheritance and paying any tax due after the applicable exemptions.
- Distant relatives or non-family beneficiaries are also responsible, but they face higher progressive tax rates.
- Joint heirs must agree on how to pay the tax if multiple beneficiaries inherit the same property; otherwise, the tax authorities can hold them jointly liable.
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.
How to Avoid Inheritance Tax in Greece
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.
Conclusion
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.
FAQs
How much is property tax in Greece for foreigners?
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.
Is there a 24% tax in Greece?
Yes. The 24% tax in Greece usually refers to VAT or certain capital gains taxes.
What are the tax rates in Greece?
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.
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