If you’re an expat living in Spain or you own assets here, such as property or a bank account, it’s highly advisable to have a Spanish will in place. Relying solely on your foreign will can create unnecessary delays, legal confusion and increased costs for your heirs.
Why it matters:
- Faster, clearer inheritance process: A Spanish will is registered locally and avoids the delays, translation and legal costs associated with using only a foreign will in Spain.
- Protect your wishes with the right legal framework: Expats can choose their home country’s law to govern their Spanish estate but this must be clearly stated in a Spanish will; otherwise Spanish forced heirship rules may apply.
- Avoid legal conflicts and delays: Having separate wills for different countries reduces the risk of overlapping clauses, contested inheritances and administrative hold ups during probate.
Example:Without a Spanish will your estate may be subject to local inheritance laws, causing delays, extra costs and outcomes that don't reflect your wishes.
