Managing an inheritance in Estonia with heirs in Spain or assets in both countries requires understanding the applicable law (EU Regulation 650/2012), gathering certificates, apostilles, and translations, identifying the competent notary, settling taxes in each jurisdiction, and formalizing the allocation and registration of assets. If you are wondering “How to manage an inheritance in Estonia?”, the following guide provides detailed steps, a document and timeline table, and FAQs to help you navigate the process efficiently.
If you are wondering “How to manage an inheritance in Estonia?”, follow these steps and check the quick table of documents, deadlines, and taxes to make the process clear and efficient.
Table of Contents
Steps
Applicable Law and Will:
The first step to understanding how to manage an inheritance in Estonia is determining the applicable law under EU Regulation 650/2012. You may choose the law of the deceased’s habitual residence or nationality. Spanish citizens residing in Estonia can opt for Spanish law to avoid legal conflicts.
Documentation:
Collect all necessary certificates: death certificate, certificate of last wills (in Spain) or Estonian equivalent, will, inventory of assets, apostille, and sworn translations. Documents from Spain must be apostilled under the Hague Convention and translated into Estonian by a sworn translator.
Notary and Representation:
Inheritance acceptance and division in Estonia is handled by a notary. If heirs live in Spain, they can give a power of attorney for legal representation. This is part of how to manage an inheritance in Estonia remotely, as Estonian notaries allow certain digital procedures.
Taxation:
Estonia does not have inheritance tax, but heirs residing in Spain must declare the inheritance according to Spanish law (ISD). Check double taxation treaties to avoid paying taxes twice. Understanding how to manage an inheritance in Estonia requires planning for cross-border taxation.
Allocation and Registration:
Once accepted, the notary issues a deed of inheritance acceptance and allocation. Real estate must be registered in the Estonian Land Register, and assets in Spain in the corresponding registries. Coordinating both jurisdictions is essential to properly understand how to manage an inheritance in Estonia.
Documents and Deadlines
| Document | Issued By | Where | Apostille/Translation? | Approx. Time | Approx. Cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Death certificate | Civil Registry | Country of death | Yes, if foreign | 3–10 days | €10–30 |
| Last wills / Will | RGAUV / Notary | Spain / Estonia | Apostille + translation if needed | 3–15 days | €20–60 |
| Inventory of assets | Entities / Registries | Each country | Depends on document | 1–4 weeks | — |
| Hague Apostille | Competent authority | Issuing country | — | 1–10 days | €20–60 |
| Sworn Translation | Certified translator | — | — | 2–7 days | €0.08–0.15 per word |
| Deed of acceptance/partition | Notary | Estonia / Spain | As required | 1–3 weeks | €300–1,200 |
Having all documents correctly prepared and translated is key to streamline how to manage an inheritance in Estonia.
Taxes
Estonia does not levy inheritance tax, but Spanish heirs must declare inherited assets under the ISD. Capital gains may apply when selling inherited property. Knowing how to manage an inheritance in Estonia includes understanding fiscal responsibilities in both countries and applying double taxation treaties properly.
Useful Sources: AEAT (Spain), Estonian Ministry of Justice, EU Regulation 650/2012
Allocation and Registration
Final steps in how to manage an inheritance in Estonia:
- Notary issues inheritance acceptance deed
- Register real estate in Estonia
- Register assets in Spain if applicable
- Remote representation via notarized powers
Proper coordination ensures heirs’ rights are protected in both jurisdictions.
Frequently Asked Questions
How to manage an inheritance in Estonia?
Determine applicable law, gather certificates, legalize and translate documents, identify notary, settle taxes, and formalize allocation and registration.
What documents are required for Spain–Estonia inheritances?
Death certificates, last wills, will, inventory, apostille, and sworn translations.
Where are taxes paid if assets are in Estonia and heirs in Spain?
Spain (ISD and possible capital gains); Estonia has no inheritance tax.
Can the inheritance be managed remotely from Spain?
Yes, using powers of attorney and legalized documents. Estonian notaries accept remote representation.
How long does the inheritance process take in Estonia?
Typically 1–3 months if documentation is complete.
Is a specialized lawyer recommended?
Yes. Professional guidance ensures legal security and avoids costly errors. Understanding how to manage an inheritance in Estonia properly is essential. Grupo Hereda can provide expert support and guidance throughout the entire inheritance process.
Conclusion
If you are still asking “How to manage an inheritance in Estonia?”, seeking professional advice is highly recommended. Coordinating between Spain and Estonia can be complex and requires international inheritance expertise. For comprehensive and secure support, trust the professionals at Grupo Hereda, specialists in international estates.
Legal references:
EU Regulation (EU) No 650/2012 on Succession
- Official Text: This regulation governs jurisdiction, applicable law, recognition, and enforcement of decisions and authentic instruments in matters of succession, and the creation of a European Certificate of Succession.
- Summary: The regulation applies to all civil aspects of succession to the estates of deceased persons, including jurisdiction and applicable law. It does not apply to revenue, customs, or administrative matters.
Estonian Notarial Practice in Succession Matters 🇪🇪
- Estonian e-Justice Portal: Succession proceedings in Estonia are conducted by an Estonian notary, even if the deceased’s last residence was in a foreign country. The notary handles property located in Estonia, provided that succession proceedings cannot be conducted in the foreign country or the proceedings conducted in the foreign country do not include the property located in Estonia.
European Certificate of Succession (ECS) 🧾
- ELRA Report: The European Certificate of Succession is a key innovation of the regulation, facilitating the handling of international successions by providing a standardized document recognized across EU Member States.
Determination of Habitual Residence ⚖️
Aldricus Insight: In the context of Regulation (EU) No 650/2012, the habitual residence of the deceased at the time of death is used as a general criterion for determining jurisdiction and applicable law. This assessment is based on an overall evaluation of the deceased’s life circumstances. aldricus
Grupo Hereda
Grupo Hereda is a law firm specialized in international and national inheritances, with more than 25 years of experience handling complex succession cases.
We assist with inheritances in Estonia involving heirs in Spain, as well as inheritances in Spain with beneficiaries residing in Estonia or other countries.
Our legal team coordinates every phase of the process from obtaining certificates and apostilles to settling taxes and registering assets in the corresponding registries.
If you’re unsure how to manage an inheritance in Estonia Grupo Hereda guides you step by step, offering comprehensive legal advice and remote representation.
We also manage all types of international and national inheritances, ensuring legal security and time efficiency.
💬 Free Consultation:
If you are facing a complex inheritance or don’t know where to start, don’t give up your rights.
Contact us, and we will find a personalized solution for your case.
📞 Call us: (+34) 915 487 550
📧 Email: info@grupohereda.com
🌍 We operate throughout Spain and handle international inheritances across Europe and beyond the EU.
