How inheritance tax works in Greece
Greece taxes property acquired on death according to the beneficiary’s relationship with the deceased and the net value of the inherited share. Category A covers the spouse or qualifying cohabitation partner, children, grandchildren and parents; Category B covers specified siblings and extended relatives; Category C covers everyone else.
For Category A, the first EUR 150,000 is tax-free, the next EUR 150,000 is taxed at 1%, the next EUR 300,000 at 5% and the excess above EUR 600,000 at 10%. Category B uses a EUR 30,000 tax-free band followed by 5%, 10% and 20% bands. Category C starts with EUR 6,000 tax-free and then uses 20%, 30% and 40% bands.
A separate exemption can apply to assets up to EUR 400,000 per beneficiary where the beneficiary is the deceased’s spouse or a minor child. A surviving spouse generally needs a qualifying relationship duration for the spouse relief. First-home and first-residence exemptions can also apply under conditions.
Gifts and parental provisions of non-cash assets generally use the inheritance scales. Monetary gifts are taxed independently at 10% for Category A, 20% for Category B and 40% for Category C. A qualifying Category A parental gift or bank-transferred gift benefits from a one-time EUR 800,000 tax-free amount, with 10% on the excess.
Greek inheritance tax can apply to Greek-situs assets regardless of the beneficiary’s nationality. Foreign movable property can also be relevant when owned by a Greek citizen or a foreign resident of Greece, subject to statutory exemptions, treaties and special regimes.
Inheritance tax brackets in Greece
| Bracket | Rate | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Category A: up to EUR 150,000 | 0% | Spouse, children, grandchildren and parents |
| Category A: EUR 150,001 to EUR 300,000 | 1% | |
| Category A: EUR 300,001 to EUR 600,000 | 5% | |
| Category A: above EUR 600,000 | 10% | |
| Category B: up to EUR 30,000 | 0% | |
| Category B: EUR 30,001 to EUR 100,000 | 5% | |
| Category B: EUR 100,001 to EUR 300,000 | 10% | |
| Category B: above EUR 300,000 | 20% | |
| Category C: up to EUR 6,000 | 0% | |
| Category C: EUR 6,001 to EUR 72,000 | 20% | |
| Category C: EUR 72,001 to EUR 267,000 | 30% | |
| Category C: above EUR 267,000 | 40% |
Tax rates at a glance
- Category A
- 0% - 10%Close family
- Category B
- 0% - 20%
- Category C
- 0% - 40%
- Category A parental or bank-transferred gift
- 10% above EUR 800,000
- Category B cash gift
- 20%
- Category C cash gift
- 40%
Who benefits most
These profiles tend to benefit most when the rules match their real residence, payroll and business setup.
FamiliesExpatsProperty ownersInvestorsFamily offices
Watch out for
- The relationship category drives the answer. A transfer to a child or spouse can be materially cheaper than a transfer to a sibling, distant relative or unrelated beneficiary.
- The EUR 800,000 Category A gift allowance is not a general inheritance exemption. It applies to qualifying parental gifts or gifts and requires the relevant relationship and bank-transfer conditions.
- Greek real estate is generally in scope even when the beneficiary is not Greek. Foreign movable assets can also be in scope depending on citizenship, residence, treaties and the special regime used by the deceased or beneficiary.
- Inheritance tax returns are generally due within nine months when the death occurs in Greece and within one year when the death occurs abroad or the relevant parties were abroad, subject to the exact procedural facts.
- Tax is generally paid in 12 equal bimonthly installments, with a 5% discount available in qualifying cases when the full amount is paid within the first-installment deadline.
Frequently asked questions
Does Greece have inheritance tax?
Yes. Greece taxes inheritances, legacies and certain property acquired on death using three relationship categories with progressive rates from 0% to 40%.
How much can a child inherit tax-free in Greece?
The standard Category A inheritance scale has a EUR 150,000 tax-free band. A separate exemption of up to EUR 400,000 per beneficiary can apply to a spouse or minor child in qualifying cases.
Are gifts taxed in Greece?
Yes. Non-cash gifts and parental provisions generally use the inheritance scales. Monetary gifts are separately taxed at 10%, 20% or 40% depending on the beneficiary category, with a one-time EUR 800,000 Category A allowance for qualifying transfers.
How long do I have to file Greek inheritance tax?
The general deadline is nine months when the death occurs in Greece and one year when the death occurs abroad or the heir or legatee was resident abroad, but the exact date can depend on the will and procedural circumstances.