Greek certificate of inheritance (κληρονομητήριο): what it is, how to get it, cost
Last updated: September 2026 · Ελληνικά
The certificate of inheritance (κληρονομητήριο) is an official certificate confirming who is an heir (or legatee / executor) and the share of the estate they are entitled to. It is mainly required by banks for larger balances and by the Land Registry for transferring inherited real estate — especially when there is no will, there are several heirs, or a foreign element is involved.
What it is and when you need it
Unlike the certificate of next of kin, which simply lists relatives, the certificate of inheritance legally establishes heir status and share — which is why it is required for heavier transactions.
- Banks: to release larger balances or investment accounts (for small amounts a certificate of next of kin with sworn statements is often enough — ask the bank).
- Land Registry: to register and transfer inherited real estate.
- When there is no will, when there are several heirs, or when the right to inherit is disputed.
How it is issued
- An application is filed with the Magistrates' Court (Ειρηνοδικείο) of the district where the deceased was domiciled at the time of death (non-contentious jurisdiction).
- The application sets out the family relationship or the will grounding the inheritance right, each heir's share, and that no one excludes or limits that right.
- After review, the certificate is issued by the court registrar.
- A recent amendment to article 1956 of the Civil Code also provides, in certain cases, for issuance by notarial act — confirm with a lawyer/notary which route applies to your case.
Documents (typically)
- Death certificate.
- Certificate of next of kin and/or family status.
- Certificate of (non-)publication of a will and of non-renunciation / non-challenge of the inheritance right.
- The will and its publication details, if one exists.
- Tax numbers (AFM) of the deceased and the heirs. In practice, acceptance of the inheritance usually comes first.
Cost & timing
The cost includes court fees/duties and the lawyer's fee; it varies by case and is not fixed, so ask for an estimate up front. Issuance usually takes a few weeks, depending on the court's workload and whether the documents are complete.
Frequently asked questions
How is it different from the certificate of next of kin?
The certificate of next of kin only shows who the closest relatives are. The certificate of inheritance legally confirms that someone is an heir and their share — which is why it is required for real estate and larger bank balances.
Do banks always require it?
Not always. For small balances many banks accept a certificate of next of kin with the heirs' sworn statements. For larger sums, investment accounts or real estate, a certificate of inheritance is required. Ask the institution what exactly it needs.
Do I need a lawyer?
In practice yes — the application is drafted and filed by a lawyer. It is a court procedure (non-contentious jurisdiction) and the documents must fully substantiate the inheritance right.
Procedures and details may change — confirm the steps with the responsible authority. This guide provides practical guidance, not legal advice.
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