Inheritance contracts and advance renunciation: new estate planning tools under Greek law

For the first time, Greek law permits binding agreements over a future succession. Since 16 September 2026 two new instruments are available: the inheritance contract mortis causa and the advance renunciation agreement. From prohibition to planning tool Until 2026 any contract concerning the succession of a living person was void under Greek law. Law 5303/2026 lifted that prohibition, bringing Greece into line with Germany, Austria and Switzerland, where such contracts have long been part of family and business succession planning. The inheritance contract mortis causa By an inheritance contract mortis causa (κληρονομική σύμβαση αιτία θανάτου), concluded before a notary with the parties present in...

19 Oct 2026

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Making a will in Greece after the 2026 reform: holographic, public and mystic wills

Posted by Angeliki Spyridon

in Private Wealth Law, Special topics

Law 5303/2026 rewrote the Greek law of succession from 16 September 2026. Here is what has changed for anyone making – or relying on – a will governed by Greek law. The three ordinary forms of will Greek law continues to recognise three ordinary forms of will: the holographic will (Article 1721 of the Civil Code), the public will made before a notary (Article 1725) and the mystic will, a sealed document handed to a notary (Article 1739). The former special forms of extraordinary will – military wills, wills in time of siege and wills on board ship – have been merged...

15 Oct 2026

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The New Greek Inheritance Law (Law 5303/2026) – what foreign clients need to know

Posted by Angeliki Spyridon

in Private Wealth Law, Special topics

Greece's New Inheritance Law: 13 Practical Questions and Answers What changes for families, property owners and international clients under Law 5303/2026? Greece has introduced one of the most significant reforms of its inheritance law in decades. Law 5303/2026 modernises succession planning, introduces inheritance contracts, changes the nature of forced-heirship rights, strengthens the position of surviving spouses and substantially limits heirs' personal liability for inheritance debts. The reform is particularly relevant to internationally connected families, foreign nationals residing in Greece, and individuals owning Greek real estate or family businesses. An important clarification for international estates Owning property in Greece does not necessarily mean that Greek inheritance...

Private Wealth Law

Inheritance contracts and advance renunciation: new estate planning tools under Greek law

Making a will in Greece after the 2026 reform: holographic, public and mystic wills

The New Greek Inheritance Law (Law 5303/2026) – what foreign clients need to know

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