Inheriting property in Greece: documents to gather before acceptance

Clarify the situation first

When an estate includes a house or plot in Crete, attention can quickly turn to an acceptance deed. First, however, establish who is called to inherit, on what basis and what liabilities may be involved. Preparing a file is not a recommendation to accept an inheritance without checking it.

Record the date of death, last residence, close family members and anything known about a will or debts. These facts help determine the applicable rules and deadlines. Do not postpone the initial legal assessment until every certificate has been obtained.

Family certificates and a will search

The death certificate and, where required, a next-of-kin certificate are common starting documents. Initial issue of the latter involves the competent municipality and can be requested through a Citizens' Service Centre, or KEP. Check the procedure and entitlement to obtain each document before applying.

The Greek Wills Registry offers searches and related documents within its scope. The gov.gr service describes searches for wills deposited with a notary after 1 November 2025. Older material or other situations may require a different source. One search result should not be treated as an exhaustive check of every possible archive.

The property file

Gather the deceased's deeds, their registration details, available surveys and KAEK property codes. Record who uses the property, whether it is let and any known dispute. These practical facts help the review but do not replace title documents or official records.

Flag differences in names, shares or descriptions across the documents. A property that the family regards as one asset may involve several rights or registrations. Technical questions should be reviewed with an engineer or surveyor where necessary.

• Deeds, earlier inheritance acceptances and registration details
• Surveys and cadastral information
• Available E9 declarations, ENFIA assessments and liability information
• Leases, encumbrance documents and papers concerning known litigation

Tax declaration, deed and registration

Inheritance tax filing is organised separately from checking the inheritance right. AADE provides myPROPERTY and a route through the competent tax service for cases outside the main application's scope. Where a notarial deed is prepared, the notary participates in the related electronic preparation.

After the appropriate deed is completed, arrange its required registration and retain evidence of submission and completion. For heirs living outside Greece, checking representation and foreign documents early helps coordinate signatures and visits without unnecessary travel.

Give the professionals reviewing the matter a shared list of missing documents and discrepancies. That makes it easier to distinguish an issue requiring legal assessment from a certificate still awaiting issue or a technical detail needing clarification.