26/05/2026
Can you leave your inheritance to absolutely anyone in Spain? 📜
There is a common misconception that you can distribute your assets with complete freedom in your will. However, the legal and fiscal reality is quite different, as inheritance distribution is strictly regulated by Spanish law.
Here are the key facts you need to know:
1️⃣ Forced Heirs: By law, two-thirds of your estate must be reserved for direct relatives (children, parents, or a spouse). Siblings or nieces/nephews are NOT forced heirs; you can exclude them entirely if you make a will.
2️⃣ The Rule of Thirds: The estate is divided into the Strict Legitimate Share (split equally), the Betterment Third (to favor a specific descendant), and the Freely Disposable Third (the only 100% free part you can leave to friends, a business, or an NGO).
3️⃣ Regional Differences: Autonomous Communities like Catalonia, Galicia, or the Basque Country have their own civil laws that completely alter these mandatory percentages.
4️⃣ Watch out for taxes! Inheritance Tax varies drastically depending on the region. While the Valencian Community, Madrid, or Andalusia offer tax reliefs up to 99% for direct family, inheriting in other regions can be extremely expensive.
Planning ahead prevents family disputes and financial burdens for your loved ones. 💼⚖️
Do you need to draft your Spanish will or manage an estate? Our international team can guide you in your own language.
Get in touch with FIRMALEX:
✉ [email protected]
📞 +34 966 421 416 | 💬 WhatsApp: +34 622 497 615
📍 Offices in Dénia and Valencia
