[et_pb_section fb_built=\u00bb1″ admin_label=\u00bbsection\u00bb _builder_version=\u00bb3.0.47″ custom_padding=\u00bb11px|0px|0|0px|false|false\u00bb][et_pb_row custom_padding=\u00bb0|0px|0|0px|false|false\u00bb admin_label=\u00bbrow\u00bb _builder_version=\u00bb3.0.48″ background_size=\u00bbinitial\u00bb background_position=\u00bbtop_left\u00bb background_repeat=\u00bbrepeat\u00bb][et_pb_column type=\u00bb4_4″ _builder_version=\u00bb3.0.47″][et_pb_text admin_label=\u00bbText\u00bb _builder_version=\u00bb3.0.74″ text_font_size=\u00bb15″ text_line_height=\u00bb1.8em\u00bb background_size=\u00bbinitial\u00bb background_position=\u00bbtop_left\u00bb background_repeat=\u00bbrepeat\u00bb inline_fonts=\u00bbVerdana,Arial\u00bb]<\/p>\n
Making a will in Spain is a very important decision for those who live in the country and have assets both here and in their country of origin. For foreigners citizens residing in Spain, properly organizing their inheritance prevents future conflicts, simplifies the process for heirs, and ensures their wishes are respected in both countries.<\/span><\/p>\n At MBT Abogados, we regularly receive inquiries about this topic from our clients. Therefore, in this article, we explain how to make a will in Spain, the steps to follow, and what aspects to consider if you have assets in more than one country.<\/span><\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/span><\/p>\n Anyone over the age of 14 and with legal capacity can make a will in Spain, regardless of their nationality or whether they have permanent or temporary legal residence.<\/span><\/p>\n The important thing is that the will is made in accordance with Spanish law, before a notary, and that it correctly reflects the provisions regarding your assets located both in Spain and abroad.<\/span><\/p>\n In Spain, making a will is much more common than in other countries. This is due, among other things, to the complexity of Spanish law, which includes different sets of regulations: the general law, the Catalan law, the Aragonese law, the Balearic Islands law, the Navarrese law, and so on for other autonomous communities. Each of these sets of regulations provides for different legal heirs and forced heirs, as well as time limits for claiming an inheritance, and various other issues.<\/span><\/p>\n <\/p>\n In Spain there are several types, but the most common and recommended is the notarial open will.<\/span> <\/p>\n<\/li>\n <\/p>\n<\/li>\n For foreign residents, a notarized open will is always the most recommended option.<\/span><\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/b><\/p>\n<\/li>\n <\/p>\n<\/li>\n <\/p>\n<\/li>\n <\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n In this case, it may be convenient for you to make two wills: one in Spain, for the assets located here, and another in your country of origin, for the assets there.\u00a0<\/span>Both must be written in a coordinated manner, so that they do not contradict each other.<\/span><\/p>\n An experienced lawyer specializing in international inheritance law can help you harmonize both documents and avoid legal conflicts between countries.<\/span><\/p>\n On our blog you can also read a post about international inheritances, where we explain how an estate is managed when there are assets in different countries and what steps the heirs should follow:\u00a0Inheritance in Spain: Taxes, Deadlines & How to Avoid Double Taxation<\/span><\/a><\/span><\/p>\n <\/p>\n The cost of making a notarial will in Spain is usually between 100 and 250 euros, depending on the complexity of the will and the notary's fees.\u00a0<\/span>It is a quick procedure, and with enormous legal relevance.<\/span><\/p>\n <\/p>\n Although a will is not mandatory, it is highly recommended. Without a will, intestate succession will apply, and the law (not you) will decide who inherits and in what proportion. Furthermore, the legal process for heirs can become significantly longer and more expensive.<\/p>\n A well-written will:<\/span><\/p>\n <\/p>\n<\/li>\n <\/p>\n<\/li>\n <\/p>\n<\/li>\n <\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n At MBT Abogados we have extensive experience advising foreigners residing in Spain on matters of wills and international estate planning.\u00a0<\/span>Our goal is to help you organize your inheritance with legal certainty and in accordance with your wishes, both with respect to your assets in Spain and in your country of origin.<\/span><\/p>\n We'll accompany you in:<\/span><\/p>\n <\/p>\n<\/li>\n <\/p>\n<\/li>\n <\/p>\n<\/li>\n <\/p>\n<\/li>\n <\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n Making a will in Spain is a simple, inexpensive, and quick process, but it has enormous legal and emotional repercussions. If you are foreigner and have assets in Spain (or both countries), it is advisable to consult with a lawyer specializing in international inheritance law to correctly determine the applicable law and ensure that your assets are transferred according to your wishes.<\/p>\n At MBT Abogados, we specialize in representing foreigners in Spain. Our main office is in Barcelona, \u200b\u200band we also offer regular in-person appointments in Madrid. Among other matters, we advise on wills, international inheritances, and cross-border estates.<\/p>\n We can help you draft your will, coordinate it with the one in your country of origin, and ensure that everything is properly registered and legally recognized. Contact us at email<\/a> or Whatsapp<\/a> for a personalized consultation and take the first step towards a secure and orderly estate planning.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2014\u2014\u2014\u2014\u2014\u2014\u2014\u2014\u2014\u2014\u2014\u2014\u2014\u2014\u2013\u00a0<\/p>\n <\/span><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section]<\/p>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" [et_pb_section fb_built=\u00bb1″ admin_label=\u00bbsection\u00bb _builder_version=\u00bb3.0.47″ custom_padding=\u00bb11px|0px|0|0px|false|false\u00bb][et_pb_row custom_padding=\u00bb0|0px|0|0px|false|false\u00bb admin_label=\u00bbrow\u00bb _builder_version=\u00bb3.0.48″ background_size=\u00bbinitial\u00bb background_position=\u00bbtop_left\u00bb background_repeat=\u00bbrepeat\u00bb][et_pb_column type=\u00bb4_4″ _builder_version=\u00bb3.0.47″][et_pb_text admin_label=\u00bbText\u00bb _builder_version=\u00bb3.0.74″ text_font_size=\u00bb15″ text_line_height=\u00bb1.8em\u00bb background_size=\u00bbinitial\u00bb background_position=\u00bbtop_left\u00bb background_repeat=\u00bbrepeat\u00bb inline_fonts=\u00bbVerdana,Arial\u00bb] Hacer un testamento en Espa\u00f1a es una decisi\u00f3n muy importante para quienes viven en el pa\u00eds y tienen bienes tanto aqu\u00ed como en su lugar de origen. En el caso de ciudadanos latinoamericanos residentes […]<\/p>","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_et_pb_use_builder":"on","_et_pb_old_content":" Recibir una herencia en el extranjero requiere un procedimiento diferente del habitual. En primer lugar, si usted hereda en Argentina y no quiere viajar tendr\u00e1 que hacer un poder ante notario en Espa\u00f1a para que un familiar o amigo pueda firmar en su nombre. Luego, si el patrimonio heredado tiene un valor superior a 50.000 euros y desea mantenerlo en Argentina, tiene la obligaci\u00f3n de informar su existencia al gobierno espa\u00f1ol. Las multas por no hacerlo son muy altas. Si prefiere traer ese patrimonio a Espa\u00f1a es conveniente informarse previamente del aspecto impositivo de esta operaci\u00f3n. <\/span><\/p> Ser residente en Espa\u00f1a implica pagar impuestos por ingresos recibidos en el extranjero. Argentina y Espa\u00f1a se rigen en materia tributaria por el Convenio evitar la doble imposici\u00f3n. Esto implica que al traer a Espa\u00f1a dinero recibido en herencia en Argentina es posible que corresponda pagar impuestos. La tributaci\u00f3n de una herencia recibida en el extranjero es un asunto delicado. Por eso, es importante asesorarse correctamente antes de realizar toda la operaci\u00f3n. <\/span><\/p>Who can make a will in Spain?<\/h3>\n
Types of wills in Spain<\/h3>\n
<\/span> The main types are:<\/span><\/p>\n\n
Steps to make a will in Spain (if you are a foreigner)<\/h3>\n
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<\/b>It is essential to decide which law will apply to your inheritance.\u00a0<\/span>Since 2015, foreign citizens who habitually reside in Spain can <\/span>choose whether the law of their nationality or Spanish law applies.\u00a0That choice must be made expressly in the will.<\/span>\n
<\/b>Once the content is defined, the lawyer prepares a draft that is reviewed with the notary. The will is signed in their office and registered in the Registry of Last Wills, where its existence (but not its content) is recorded.\n
<\/b> They don't need to know the contents, but they do need to know that the will exists and before which notary it was granted.<\/span>\nIf you have assets in Spain and in your country of origin<\/h3>\n
Approximate cost<\/h3>\n
Why it's worth doing (even though it's not mandatory)<\/h3>\n
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How can we help you?<\/h3>\n
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Summary<\/h3>\n
Frequently Asked Questions \/ Wills in Spain for foreigners<\/h3>\n
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<\/span>Yes. Anyone over the age of 14 and with legal capacity can make a will in Spain, even if they are not Spanish. It is sufficient that you habitually reside in the country or own property in Spanish territory.<\/span><\/li>\n
<\/span>Since the entry into force of Regulation (EU) 650\/2012, the general rule is that the law of the country where the deceased was habitually resident applies. However, foreign nationals can expressly choose the law of their nationality to apply, by stating this in their will.
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<\/span>It depends on the case. In many situations, it's advisable to make a will in each country, provided they are coordinated and don't contradict each other. This simplifies the subsequent process and avoids conflicts between the authorities of both countries. At MBT Abogados, we can advise you on the best strategy based on your assets and family situation.<\/span><\/li>\n
<\/span>The cost of making a notarized will in Spain is usually between 100 and 250 euros, depending on the complexity of the will and the notary's fees. It is a quick process with significant legal implications.
<\/span><\/li>\n
<\/span>If a person dies without a will, intestate succession begins, and the law will determine who the heirs are and in what proportion. This can lead to longer and more expensive procedures, especially if there are assets in different countries.<\/li>\n
Due to the complexity of Spanish law, which includes various regional regulations\u2014national, Catalan, Aragonese, Balearic, Navarrese, and others\u2014each of these sets of regulations stipulates different legal heirs and forced heirs, as well as time limits for claiming an inheritance, among other issues. Therefore, to avoid future problems, it is more common in Spain to make a will.<\/span>
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<\/span>On our blog you can find the article on international inheritances, where we explain how inheritances with assets in different countries are managed and the keys to avoiding legal conflicts.\u00a0<\/span>Inheritance in Spain: Taxes, Deadlines & How to Avoid Double Taxation<\/span><\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n