Greece Proposes Comprehensive Inheritance Law Reforms

On May 20, 2026, the Greek government unveiled a significant proposal to reform the nation's inheritance laws, marking the most substantial overhaul in nearly 80 years. The proposed legislation aims to modernize the legal framework governing wills, inheritance agreements, and heirs' rights to better reflect contemporary social and economic realities.

Key Aspects of the Proposed Reform

The reform seeks to strengthen safeguards surrounding individuals' final wishes while simplifying legal procedures. Notable changes include:

• Reducing the number of witnesses required for public and sealed wills.
• Introducing special procedures for individuals with severe speech disabilities to express their testamentary intentions.
• Establishing a unified format for emergency wills.

These measures aim to enhance legal certainty and reduce disputes over the validity and interpretation of wills.

A significant innovation is the creation of inheritance contracts, a legal instrument currently unavailable under Greek law. These contracts would:

• Be signed before a notary with the personal presence of all parties involved.
• Allow multiple individuals to dispose of their assets through a single contractual act.
• Enable individuals to waive future inheritance rights through formal agreements.

The bill proposes changes to the rules governing inheritance when no will exists, including:

• Increasing the share allocated to a surviving spouse in cases where the deceased leaves one child.
• Elevating the spouse's position in the order of succession, granting stronger inheritance rights.
• Recognizing, under certain conditions, the inheritance rights of individuals in long-term unmarried partnerships with the deceased.
• Establishing a statutory legacy for individuals who provided care to the deceased before death.

To address issues related to inheritance debts and estate administration, the reform introduces:

• Provisions ensuring heirs are generally not liable for estate obligations with their personal assets unless specific conditions apply.
• New rules for estate administrators, including eligibility criteria and responsibilities.
• Personal liability for executors who undertake business activities on behalf of an estate without proper authorization.

The reform also addresses mandatory inheritance shares (forced heirship rights) by:

• Converting these rights into monetary claims against the heir, equal to half the value of the share under intestate succession rules.
• Defining limitation periods for such claims.
• Expanding the protection of personal rights after death, allowing certain rights to be exercised by heirs based on the deceased's final wishes.

Next Steps

The proposed bill is set to be submitted to parliament for approval following months of review and consultation. If passed, the new rules are expected to take effect in mid-September, at the start of the new judicial year, allowing time for legal professionals and citizens to adapt to the changes.

This comprehensive reform reflects Greece's commitment to aligning its inheritance laws with modern societal needs, ensuring fairness and clarity in the distribution of estates.