If you own property, have a bank account, a car or other assets in Spain, you need to write a Spanish Will.
It does not matter whether you are Non-Resident or Resident, it is important to have a separate Will. This is a Will prepared and registered in Spain, covering just your assets in Spain.
Have a Will in Spain is very important. As otherwise you will need probate from your home country. That takes time and costs more money for your beneficiaries.
Why do you need a Spanish Will?
You need one because it makes the Spanish probate process much easier and simpler for your inheritors.
It also will cost them less money dealing with your probate.
They are simple to arrange and you only need to be in Spain to visit a Notary with us. We can only help with Wills in Spain in the Murcia or Alicante regions as we need to go to the Notary with you. Contact us to make an appointment.
Read more if you want to read more about why should you make a Will in Spain?
Residents of Spain and Wills
If you are living in Spain, you should have a Will in Spain. Your will should include a clause stating your choose the law of your nationality (so ideally this will not be Spanish law, which has enforced inheritors).
If you do not have a Will in Spain and only have one from back home, your inheritors will need to get Probate from that country. This is expensive and takes ages to obtain, so it may result in interest having to be paid on inheritance tax.
Non-Residents of Spain and Wills
Again, it is important to have a Will in Spain. If you do not, then again Probate or Letters of Administration (if there is no Will back home) will be needed. This can cost thousands and is easily avoided by making a Will in Spain very inexpensively. It should have the clause about choosing your National law.
When a Will in Spain may not be enough… Do you need a UK Will?
Spanish will if you have been married more than once
If you have been married more than once, and have stepchildren or your partner does, we strongly advise you to not delay in making a Spanish Will. Contact us to discuss your existing Wills or if you would like to make new ones.
How do I make a Spanish Will?
With the minimum amount of fuss, we prepare Spanish Wills for clients owning property in Spain. This service includes the preparation of the Will and translation in front of the Notary.
We prepare the Will in English and Spanish, go with you to the Notary and translate. Then we make sure that you receive a copy. The Will is going to be lodged in the Spanish Wills Registry.
Once signed, you can be assured that your assets will be dealt with in the manner that you wish, and avoid expensive and timely delays which occur when no will has been made in Spain.
Contact us if we can help with a Will in Spain.
45 Comments
Alex van der Laan
Good evening,
I would like to make a Spanish will and take your offer. Please contact me for an appointment, thank you.