To understand how to manage an inheritance in Monaco, whether the heirs are in Spain or the inheritance originates in Spain with beneficiaries in Monaco, you must identify the applicable law, gather certificates and translations, obtain apostilles if needed, determine the competent notary, pay inheritance taxes in each country, and formalize the acceptance and registration of assets. Below you’ll find practical steps, a document table, and a FAQ section.
If you’re wondering “how do I manage an inheritance in Monaco?”, here we explain the practical steps and documents required to process it correctly — even if there are assets also located in Spain.
Table of Contents📋
Steps ⚖️
Applicable Law and Will:
Determine the deceased’s habitual residence. For inheritances linked to the EU, Regulation (EU) 650/2012 may apply. Although Monaco is not an EU member, it recognizes dispositions under international treaties.
Documentation:
Death and last will certificates, inventory of assets, apostilles, and sworn translations as required by each issuing country.
Notary and Representation:
Locate the competent notary in Monaco or Spain; you can manage the process remotely through notarized powers of attorney.
Taxation:
Calculate the Inheritance Tax in Monaco (which varies by kinship) and the Spanish ISD if there are assets or heirs residing in Spain.
Acceptance and Registration:
Formalize the deed of acceptance or partition and register assets in both Monaco and the corresponding Spanish property registries.
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 Will / Testament | RGAUV / Notary | Spain / Monaco | Apostille + translation if required | 3–15 days | €20–60 |
| Inventory of Assets | Entities / Registries | Each country | Depending on document | 1–4 weeks | — |
| Hague Apostille | Competent Authority | Country of issue | — | 1–10 days | €20–60 |
| Sworn Translation | Certified Translator | — | — | 2–7 days | €0.08–0.15/word |
| Deed of Acceptance/Partition | Notary | Spain / Monaco | Depending on annexes | 1–3 weeks | €300–1,200 |
Taxes 💰
- Spanish Inheritance and Gift Tax (ISD): Varies by the Autonomous Community where the tax is declared.
- Municipal Capital Gains Tax: Only applicable if there are urban properties in Spain.
- Monaco Inheritance Tax: In the Principality, direct heirs (spouses and children) are exempt. For other relatives or unrelated beneficiaries, rates can reach up to 16%.
- Double Taxation: There is no bilateral treaty between Spain and Monaco, but international reciprocity rules may apply.
Useful Sources:
Acceptance and Registration 🏠
- Draft the deed of inheritance acceptance and partition before a competent notary.
- Register the assets in Monaco’s Direction des Services Foncier, and if applicable, in the corresponding Spanish Property Registries.
- If managing the process from Spain, grant an international notarized power of attorney with apostille so a representative can act on your behalf.
Frequently Asked Questions ❓
How to manage an inheritance in Monaco?
You must identify the applicable law, gather certificates and wills, apostille and translate documents, designate the competent notary, pay taxes in each country, and formalize the registration of assets.
Can I accept an inheritance in Monaco from Spain?
Yes. With apostilled powers of attorney and legal representation, the process can be handled remotely without traveling.
What documents do I need to inherit in Monaco?
Death certificate, last will, inventory of assets, Hague Apostille, and sworn translation if documents are not in French.
What inheritance taxes are paid in Monaco?
Direct descendants (spouses, children) are exempt. Other heirs may pay between 8% and 16%, depending on their degree of kinship.
Why is professional legal advice important?
Because international inheritances — especially in Monaco — require coordination between notaries, translators, and tax experts. Grupo Hereda can handle the entire process comprehensively and securely.
Conclusion 🎬
Understanding how to manage an inheritance in Monaco requires combining international legal, fiscal, and notarial expertise. From obtaining official documents to paying taxes, every detail matters to ensure the inheritance is valid in both countries.
While you can handle it independently, it’s highly recommended to seek professional guidance, particularly from specialists in international inheritances such as Grupo Hereda, who offer full assistance throughout the process.
Legal References📚
- Regulation (EU) No 650/2012 of the European Parliament and of the Council – Cross-border successions within the EU.
- Monaco Civil Code (Code Civil Monégasque) – Local inheritance law framework.
- Spanish Inheritance and Gift Tax Law (Law 29/1987) – Tax regulations for Spanish residents and assets.
- Hague Convention (1961) – Apostille – International document legalization.
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 Monaco involving heirs in Spain, as well as inheritances in Spain with beneficiaries residing in Monaco 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 Monaco, 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.
