The new inheritance law introduces significant changes to the philosophy of inheritance in Greece. Some of the most important reforms include:
- Joint ownership of inherited property is not abolished, but it is substantially limited through the conversion of inheritance rights into monetary claims.
For houses, plots of land, agricultural properties, and family businesses, the main objective is clear: less fragmentation, fewer legal disputes, and greater opportunities for effective property management and utilization. - The most significant reform concerns the “forced heirship” system (legal share).
Until now, heirs usually acquired co-ownership percentages in inherited real estate. Under the new framework, their rights will mainly be satisfied through financial compensation instead of direct co-ownership rights. - The new framework also seeks to preserve agricultural holdings and family businesses as unified entities, preventing excessive fragmentation that could undermine their viability.
- Important changes also affect the surviving spouse.
In cases where the deceased leaves behind a spouse and one child, the spouse will now inherit one-third of the estate instead of one-quarter. - Handwritten wills are not abolished; however, stricter authenticity controls and new procedural safeguards are introduced in order to reduce cases of forgery or disputes regarding the true intentions of the deceased.
At the same time, the role of notaries and electronic will registries is strengthened.
- The new inheritance law also strengthens the legal position of partners in registered civil partnerships, largely aligning their inheritance rights with those of married spouses.
In addition, new provisions are being considered for long-term relationships without marriage or civil partnership, especially in cases where no close relatives exist. - The new framework aims to provide greater protection to heirs against excessive inherited debts.
Particular emphasis is placed on the inventory of inherited assets, the renunciation of inheritance, and the clearer separation between personal assets and inherited liabilities. - One of the most significant changes is the introduction of inheritance agreements, through which a person may regulate, during their lifetime and by contract with their heirs, the future distribution and management of their assets after death.
Key provisions of the new inheritance law are expected to come into force from September 2026, while certain procedural reforms may be implemented earlier.
