Greek inheritance renunciation deadline — 4 months / 1 year
Last updated: July 2026 · Ελληνικά
The renunciation deadline is the most critical point in an inheritance with debts: if it lapses, you are deemed to have accepted — together with the debts. So it's worth knowing exactly how much time there is and when it starts.
How long and from when
- 4 months as a rule, from when you learned the inheritance devolved to you.
- 1 year if the heir lives abroad or the deceased died abroad.
- If there is a will, its publication date also counts.
What happens if the deadline passes
Letting the deadline lapse counts as acceptance of the inheritance. From that point the debts are on you — and renouncing afterwards is very difficult. If you see the deadline approaching, see a lawyer immediately.
Frequently asked questions
When exactly does the deadline start to run?
As a rule from when you became aware of the devolution (that you are inheriting) and its cause — e.g. the death or the will's publication. The exact starting point is judged case by case with a lawyer.
If I've passed the deadline, is renunciation lost?
As a rule yes, it's treated as acceptance. There are rare exceptions (e.g. mistake), but they are difficult — which is why timing matters.
Can I see when it expires from the date of death?
Yes — the deadline calculator shows indicatively when renunciation and the other deadlines expire. For a binding view, confirm with a lawyer.
Procedures and details may change — confirm the steps with the responsible authority. This guide provides practical guidance, not legal advice.
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