How inheritance tax works in Finland
Finland levies inheritance and gift tax per heir, not per estate. Each beneficiary is taxed on their own share above a EUR 30,000 threshold for inheritances and EUR 7,500 for gifts, both raised in the 2026 reform.
Close family — spouses, children, parents and grandchildren — pays 7% rising to 19% by band. Others pay 19% rising to 33%. Gifts use slightly higher entry rates of 8% to 17% for close family.
Spouses deduct EUR 90,000 and minor heirs EUR 60,000. Gifts from the same donor pool over three years, and gifts within three years of death rejoin the estate.
Tax rates at a glance
- Class I entry
- 7%EUR 30-40k
- Class I top
- 19%
- Class II entry
- 19%
- Class II top
- 33%
- Spouse deduction
- EUR 90,000
Who benefits most
These profiles tend to benefit most when the rules match their real residence, payroll and business setup.
FamiliesInvestorsHigh earnersExpatsFamily offices
Watch out for
- Per-heir taxation rewards splitting. Four children inheriting equally use four EUR 30,000 thresholds and four lower bands against one estate.
- Gift pooling runs three years per donor. Annual EUR 7,500 gifts from one parent accumulate, so pacing needs a multi-year calendar.
- Deathbed gifts rejoin the estate. Transfers within three years of death are added back, defeating last-minute planning.
- Marital equalization passes tax-free. Ending a marriage with balanced property can move large value outside the tax entirely.
Frequently asked questions
Does Finland have inheritance tax?
Yes. Each heir pays 7% to 19% for close family or 19% to 33% for others, above a EUR 30,000 per-heir threshold since 2026.
Are gifts taxed in Finland?
Yes, above EUR 7,500 per donor with three-year pooling. Close-family gifts pay 8% to 17% by band.
What relief do spouses get?
A EUR 90,000 deduction plus tax-free marital equalization, on top of the EUR 30,000 threshold.