Accept Inheritance · Sevilla
You have inherited assets in Sevilla. Here is exactly what needs to happen — and how we manage it for you in English, from anywhere in the world.
The basics
When someone dies owning assets in Sevilla — whether property, bank accounts, vehicles or other registered assets — their heirs must formally accept the inheritance through a legal process governed by Spanish law. This is not automatic. Acceptance must be declared before a Spanish notary through a document called the Escritura de Aceptación de Herencia (Deed of Acceptance of Inheritance).
Only once this deed is signed can the assets be transferred into the heirs' names, taxes paid and the estate officially closed.
At a glance
The process
We obtain the official Spanish death certificate (certificado de defunción) from the Civil Registry. If the person died outside Spain, we advise on apostille and translation requirements.
We search the Spanish Will Registry (Registro de Actos de Última Voluntad) to confirm whether the deceased left a Spanish will, and obtain a certified copy if so.
We identify all assets in Sevilla and the rest of Spain: property, bank accounts, vehicles and investments. We obtain official valuations for the tax return.
Inheritance tax in sevilla is calculated on the net value of each heir's share, applying all available reductions. We prepare and file the tax return before the deadline.
All heirs sign the Escritura de Aceptación de Herencia before a Spanish notary. We can represent you in Sevilla under power of attorney — no travel needed.
Any property in Sevilla is registered in the heirs' names at the Land Registry (Registro de la Propiedad). Bank accounts and other assets are transferred simultaneously.
If property is included in the estate, the local council in Sevilla levies a plusvalía municipal on the increase in land value during the deceased's ownership. We calculate and pay this on your behalf.
We hand over all documentation — title deeds, tax receipts, registry certificates. You own the assets. The inheritance is fully and legally closed.
Legal options
The heir accepts all assets and all debts of the deceased. Any debts exceeding the value of the estate become the heir's personal liability. This is the standard form of acceptance and appropriate when the estate is clearly solvent.
The heir accepts the estate but limits their liability to the value of the assets inherited — debts can never exceed what they receive. Recommended when the estate's solvency is uncertain. Requires a formal inventory of all assets and debts.
Tax considerations
Inheritance tax in Spain is a regional tax (Impuesto de Sucesiones y Donaciones). The rules that apply depend on where the deceased was resident, where the assets are located, and the relationship between the deceased and each heir. The sevilla region has its own rates, reductions and bonuses that we apply in full to minimise your liability.
Spanish inheritance tax rates range from 7.65% to 34% at the national level, before applying regional multipliers and reductions. Many autonomous communities apply significant bonuses — in some cases reducing effective rates to near zero.
See costs in Sevilla →Reductions are available for the main residence, for close family members, for persons with disabilities, and in some regions for all heirs regardless of relationship. We apply every reduction you are entitled to.
See reductions in Sevilla →On top of inheritance tax, the local council in Sevilla levies a tax on the increase in urban land value since the deceased purchased the property. This is calculated separately and paid locally.
Common questions
Yes. We can represent you at the notary in Sevilla under a poder notarial (power of attorney). You grant us authority to sign on your behalf, and the entire process is managed remotely. The power of attorney can be granted before a notary in your home country with an apostille, or in some cases through your country's consulate in Spain.
If you file the inheritance tax return after six months, surcharges apply automatically: 5% after 6 months, 10% after 12 months, 15% after 18 months, and 20% after 24 months. Interest also accrues. It is still better to file late than never, but contact us as soon as possible to minimise the additional cost.
If no Spanish will exists, the estate passes under the rules of intestate succession (herencia intestada). We obtain a Declaration of Heirs (Acta de Declaración de Herederos) from a Spanish notary, which officially establishes who the legal heirs are before proceeding with acceptance.
Yes. Each heir makes an independent decision. One heir can accept and another can renounce. When an heir renounces, their share passes to whoever would inherit next under the will or the rules of intestate succession. We advise all heirs together so that the best family outcome is achieved.
This depends on your country's tax rules. Some countries have double-tax treaties with Spain that prevent or reduce double taxation on inheritances. We work alongside your local tax adviser to ensure you have the full picture before making any decisions.
Also available
We handle inheritance acceptances in all regions of Spain, not just Sevilla. Browse other locations below or contact us directly.
Contact us today for a free consultation. We will review your situation and tell you exactly what steps are needed, what it will cost and how long it will take.