Reyes Castro & AsociadosSanta Cruz de Tenerife
Inheritance lawyer in Spain for international and expat estates
Losing a relative is hard enough. When the estate involves Spain and another country, it also raises the question of which law applies and what has to be done where.
We handle the Spanish side of the estate and explain the steps in English, German or French.
- Which law applies: EU Regulation 650/2012 explained
- Acceptance, declaration of heirs and distribution of the estate in Spain
- Wills for residents and owners of Spanish property
ConfidentialNo obligation2–3 lines are enough
- [rc_valoracion_en] ★ on Google18 client reviews
- ConfidentialYour case stays private
- Available 24 hWe reply during business hours
- No obligationTell us your case, no commitment
Step 1 of 2 · under a minute
What do you need to settle?
Choose the closest option: WhatsApp opens with the message already started.
WhatsApp opens with the message already started: just finish the sentence. No forms, no calls.
International estates
Which law applies to the inheritance
For deaths on or after 17 August 2015, EU Regulation 650/2012 applies in most EU Member States (Denmark and Ireland do not take part). As a general rule, the law of the country where the person had their habitual residence at the time of death governs the whole succession (art. 21).
The Regulation applies regardless of nationality (art. 20), so it can also affect British citizens living in Spain. A person can choose in their will the law of their nationality to govern their succession (art. 22).
The European Certificate of Succession, created by the Regulation, helps heirs prove their status in other Member States.
The steps in Spain
What usually has to be done
In Spain, an estate normally involves checking the last-will registry, the declaration of heirs where there is no will, the acceptance of the inheritance, the distribution of assets and the registration of properties. Inheritance tax follows its own rules, which in the Canary Islands have regional specifics: we confirm the current rules for your case.
Where a will exists abroad, it may need to be translated and legalised. Taxes in your country of residence are outside our scope: we can coordinate with your local adviser.
- Review of wills and documents
- Declaration of heirs and acceptance
- Distribution and registration of Spanish property
- Wills for expats: choice of applicable law
Do not wait too long
Some formalities, including tax filings, have deadlines. If a relative has died and owned assets in Spain, contact us early so that we can tell you which deadlines apply in your case.
How to start
Starting is simple
Tell us your case
Message us on WhatsApp in 2–3 lines: what happened and what worries you. No documents needed yet.
We guide you
We review what you tell us and explain your options, deadlines and risks in plain language.
Clear plan and quote
If you decide to go ahead, you receive a written action plan and fee quote before we start.
Telling us your case commits you to nothing: you sign and pay nothing until you know the plan and the quote, and you can decide calmly. We do not promise results: we tell you honestly what is possible in your case.
Official sources
Verified against EUR-Lex on 26 Oct 2026. This page is general information about Spanish law, not personalised advice.
Common questions
Frequently asked questions
Which law applies to my inheritance if I live in Tenerife?
In general, under Regulation 650/2012 the law of the country of habitual residence at death applies to the whole estate, unless the person chose the law of their nationality in their will.
Can a British citizen living in Spain choose English law for their estate?
The Regulation allows choosing the law of one’s nationality to govern the succession (art. 22). The choice must be made in the will, and we recommend professional advice before doing so.
What is the European Certificate of Succession?
A document created by the Regulation that heirs can use to prove their status and rights in other Member States.
Do you advise on inheritance tax in my home country?
No. Our advice is based on Spanish law. We can coordinate with your local adviser.
Where do I start?
Send us two or three lines on WhatsApp: who died, where they lived, and where the assets are. We will explain the next steps.
First step
Tell us about the estate
Send us two or three lines on WhatsApp. We will explain your options, deadlines and fees before you decide anything.
ConfidentialNo obligation2–3 lines are enough
despacho@reyescastroyasociados.comVillalba Hervás, 5, 38002 Santa Cruz de Tenerife
