Inheritance in Spain for British citizens
If you live in the UK and have inherited a house, bank account or other assets in Spain, DOMUS helps you organise the Spanish side of the inheritance: documents, NIE, tax filings, notarial coordination and property follow-up.
Inherited property in Spain
We review the Spanish assets, ownership details and practical steps needed before an inherited property can be registered, managed or later sold.
UK documents for Spain
Depending on the case, British death, probate, will and family documents may need to be checked for apostille, sworn translation or use before a Spanish notary or authority.
Tax and Modelo 650
Spanish inheritance tax obligations depend on the estate and the people involved. For non-resident cases handled by the State Tax Agency, Modelo 650 is the return used for acquisitions on death.
British probate, NIE, tax deadlines and representation
British probate and Spanish succession documents
A UK Grant of Probate or other British succession document does not by itself replace every Spanish formality. We first identify the documents that are relevant to the Spanish assets and how they need to be presented in Spain.
NIE for heirs
Heirs may need a Spanish NIE for tax, notarial or property-registration steps. Where it forms part of the inheritance file, we can coordinate it with our NIE assistance.
Inheritance tax deadline
The Spanish State Tax Agency states that Modelo 650 for non-resident cases within its competence is generally filed within six months from the date of death. The competent tax authority and any applicable regional rules must be checked for each estate. See the Spanish Tax Agency guidance for non-resident inheritance tax.
Can it be handled from the UK?
Many preparatory and coordination steps can be handled remotely. A Spanish power of attorney can also be useful where representation is legally possible, but the exact route depends on the documents, applicable succession law and the authorities involved.
How we handle a Spanish inheritance for a UK family
- Review the deceased person, heirs and Spanish assets
- Check the British and Spanish succession documents
- Coordinate NIE, tax and notarial requirements in Spain
- Follow the property, bank or registration steps after acceptance
General information only. Cross-border succession and taxation require individual review.
Questions British heirs often ask
Do I need to travel to Spain to deal with the inheritance?
Not necessarily for every step. Document review and much of the coordination can be started from the UK, and representation may be possible for some formalities. The exact requirements depend on the estate.
Do British heirs need an NIE?
An NIE is commonly needed when an heir has Spanish tax, notarial or property-registration obligations. We check whether it is required in the specific file.
Is a UK will valid for assets in Spain?
A foreign will may be relevant in Spain, but its effect, formal validity and the law governing the succession must be assessed case by case. Additional certificates, apostilles or translations can be required.
How long do I have to file Spanish inheritance tax?
For non-resident cases within the Spanish State Tax Agency's competence, the general Modelo 650 filing period is six months from the date of death. The competent authority and any applicable regional rules should be confirmed for the individual estate.
Can DOMUS help if I want to sell the inherited property?
Yes. Once the inheritance and registration position allows it, we can coordinate related non-resident tax and property-sale assistance.