Private Client · 2025/2026 Succession Law Reform

Greek Succession
& Inheritance Law.

Legal support on succession law, wills, the reserved share, the acceptance and renunciation of an inheritance, and disputes between heirs. We handle matters involving property and other assets in Greece, as well as inheritance cases with a cross-border element.

2026Major Legislative Reform
20+Years of Experience
All of GreeceCoverage
3Languages
Law 5303/2026
The principal new provisions apply, subject to the transitional rules, to the succession of persons who die on or after 16 September 2026.
The reserved share
Legal support on the rights of those entitled to a reserved share and on questions concerning how that share is calculated and satisfied.
The Register of Wills
The Register of Wills, through the diathikes.gr platform, has been operating since 1 November 2025 and provides digital services for searching for wills.
Cross-border estates
We take on inheritance matters in which the deceased, the heirs or part of the estate are outside Greece.
Facing an inheritance issue?
Talk to us about your matter and we will explain your options and the next steps.
Request Consultation
Overview Scope of Service Process Experience FAQs

Succession Law

Greek succession law
is changing.

Law 5303/2026 substantially reforms Greek succession law, with changes affecting, among other things, the reserved share, the liability of heirs, succession agreements and questions concerning wills. The principal new provisions apply, subject to the transitional rules, to the succession of persons who die on or after 16 September 2026.

For every estate, therefore, the date of death is critical, since the applicable regime can affect the rights of the heirs, the reserved share, liability for the debts of the estate and the planning of the succession. We examine the applicable framework and the relevant deadlines and advise you on the options available and the next steps.

In practice this means that, for some time to come, estates will be governed by two different regimes. We establish which regime applies to the particular estate before advising on any step.

The Register of Wills, through the diathikes.gr platform, has been operating since 1 November 2025 and provides digital services for searching for wills and for obtaining certificates and documents concerning their publication.

Where an estate involves a will, we can assist with the steps required in relation to the Register and, where necessary, work alongside notaries.

The operation of the Register of Wills is a procedural change, separate from the substantive changes that Law 5303/2026 makes to succession law.

Scope of Service

From succession planning
to inheritance disputes.

Wills and succession planning
Advice on planning the succession and assessing the options available, particularly for estates that include real estate, business interests or other significant assets. We work with notaries on the drawing up of wills.
Acceptance and renunciation of an inheritance
Advice on accepting an inheritance, accepting it with the benefit of inventory and renouncing it, with particular attention to the prescribed time limits and to the consequences of each choice.
The reserved share
Legal support on the rights of those entitled to a reserved share and on questions concerning how that share is calculated and satisfied.
Inheritance disputes
Representation in disputes between heirs concerning wills, the right to inherit, the assets of the estate and their distribution.
Inherited property
Legal support on questions concerning property passing to the heirs, including co-ownership disputes and issues arising on the distribution of the estate.
Cross-border estates
We also take on inheritance matters in which the deceased, the heirs or part of the estate are outside Greece, working where required with lawyers and other professionals abroad.

How We Work

The legal assessment first.
Then the decision.

We examine what has happened, which rules apply and which deadlines have to be met. We explain your options and the consequences of each, so that you can decide how to proceed.

Our aim is that the client should know clearly what options they have and what the consequences of each one are.

STEP 01
Initial Assessment
Mapping the assets of the estate, determining the applicable law and identifying the critical deadlines
STEP 02
Administration or Resolution of a Dispute
We support the heirs in administering the estate through to its distribution and represent heirs and beneficiaries where a dispute or challenge arises.

Why Pantazis & Associates

Experience in complex and
cross-border inheritance matters.

Specialisation in Greek succession law
We provide legal support on questions of succession, wills, the reserved share, acceptance and renunciation, and inheritance disputes.
Matters with cross-border elements
Where an estate includes assets or heirs in more than one country, we coordinate the Greek side of the matter with the lawyers and other professionals involved in administering the estate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Frequently Asked Questions
on estates and wills.

What changes in Greek succession law from 2026?+

Law 5303/2026 substantially reforms Greek succession law. Among other changes, it revises the rules concerning forced heirship, introduces new forms of succession planning and changes aspects of the liability of heirs. The new regime generally applies to succession relationships where the death occurs on or after 16 September 2026, subject to the law's transitional provisions.

What is the reserved share?+

The Greek concept of νόμιμη μοίρα provides certain close relatives with a protected share of an estate. The new inheritance regime changes the legal treatment of that protected share. The precise position should be assessed by reference to the date of death, the family circumstances and the assets forming part of the estate.

How long do I have to renounce an inheritance?+

The deadline for renouncing an inheritance depends on the circumstances of the succession and the heir's knowledge of the relevant facts. Residence outside Greece can also affect the applicable period. Because missing the deadline can have significant consequences, the position should be checked promptly after a death rather than relying on a general rule.

What is the Register of Wills?+

The Register of Wills (Μητρώο Διαθηκών) is the national digital system for searching for wills and obtaining certificates and documents relating to their publication. It has operated through diathikes.gr since 1 November 2025.

Can an estate in Greece have a cross-border character?+

Yes. An estate may include Greek property or other Greek assets while the deceased or beneficiaries are connected to another country. The applicable succession and private international law rules need to be considered together. We advise on the Greek aspects and coordinate with foreign counsel where necessary.

Should I review my will in light of the new legislation?+

It may be appropriate, particularly where an estate includes significant assets, a family business, beneficiaries with different interests or assets in more than one country. The effect of the new regime depends on the circumstances and the applicable transitional provisions, so estate planning should be reviewed on an individual basis.

Facing an issue with an estate?

Whether it concerns accepting or renouncing an inheritance, a will, the reserved share, inherited property or a dispute between heirs, get in touch so that we can look at your matter and the next steps.