Inheritance and gift paperwork in Spain
Dealing with an estate in Spain means certificates, a regional tax, a municipal tax and a series of ownership changes — usually at a difficult time and often from abroad. We prepare and manage the administrative side, coordinate with the notary, and keep every family member informed of where things stand.
Who it’s for
- Families dealing with the estate of someone who owned property or accounts in Spain
- Heirs living outside Spain who need someone on the ground
- Parents planning to gift property or money to their children in Spain
- Surviving spouses who need assets, vehicles and accounts moved into their name
Documents you’ll usually need
- Death certificate
- Will, or proof of the absence of one
- Passports and NIEs of the heirs
- Property deeds and recent IBI receipts
- Bank certificates of balances at the date of death
- Proof of family relationship (birth or marriage certificates)
- Foreign documents apostilled and with sworn translation where required
What we handle
Certificates
Death certificate, certificate of last wills (últimas voluntades) and certificate of life-insurance cover, plus a copy of the will.
Inheritance and gift tax
Preparing the self-assessment of Impuesto sobre Sucesiones y Donaciones in the relevant region, including Andalucía’s own forms and channels.
Deadline extension requests
Requesting an extension of the filing deadline where the rules allow it.
Plusvalía municipal
Preparing the municipal tax on the increase in land value for inherited or gifted property.
Land Registry
Presenting the deed of acceptance or gift at the Registro de la Propiedad.
Banks and investments
Coordinating the documentation banks request to release or transfer accounts to the heirs.
Vehicles and other ownership changes
Changing the ownership of vehicles at the DGT and updating IBI, utilities and other records.
Last reviewed: Legal basis: Ley 29/1987 (ISD) · Ley 5/2021 (Andalucía tributos cedidos)
Who does what — stated plainly
BorderConexion coordinates and prepares your case. Our founder is completing the official Máster en Gestión Administrativa (2026–27), the qualifying route to colegiación as a Gestora Administrativa in Spain. We are currently onboarding colegiado partners (abogados and gestores administrativos colegiados). Until those partnerships are in place, we offer consultations, route planning and document preparation; any filing that legally requires a colegiado professional will be submitted by a named partner, identified in your engagement letter.
Frequently asked questions
How long do I have to pay inheritance tax in Spain?
The self-assessment is generally due within six months of the date of death, and in many cases an extension can be requested within the first part of that period. Late filing can bring surcharges and interest. Start gathering documents as early as you can.
Do non-residents pay inheritance tax in Spain?
Non-residents who inherit assets located in Spain are generally subject to Spanish inheritance tax. Whether regional allowances, such as Andalucía’s, can be applied depends on where the deceased and the heirs lived and where the assets are. This needs checking case by case before filing.
What is the certificado de últimas voluntades?
It is a certificate from the Ministry of Justice’s Registry of Last Wills showing whether the deceased made a will in Spain and, if so, before which notary. It can only be requested once a short period has passed after the death, and the notary usually needs it before the inheritance can be accepted.
Is there plusvalía tax on an inherited property?
Yes, in most cases the municipal plusvalía tax applies to inherited property, payable by the heirs. It has its own deadline, which for inheritances is generally six months from the date of death, extendable on request. In some cases no tax is due, for example when there has been no increase in value.
How do I transfer a deceased parent’s bank account in Spain?
Banks usually require the death certificate, the certificate of last wills, the will or declaration of heirs, the inheritance-tax self-assessment and the deed of acceptance. Each bank has its own process, so ask for its checklist early.
Tell us what you need
One short form. We'll route it to the right service and reply within two working days.