Greece is entering a new era in succession law. The recently published Draft Law of the Ministry of Justice, titled “Reform of Inheritance Law and Related Provisions”, introduces a comprehensive restructuring of the legal framework governing inheritance. The reform replaces the Fifth Book of the Greek Civil Code, signaling not merely an update, but a substantive rethinking of how wealth is transferred across generations.

For individuals, families, and international investors with ties to Greece, the proposed changes carry significant legal and strategic consequences. At Studio Legale Tsamichas, we are closely monitoring the legislative process and conducting an in-depth legal assessment of the Draft Law to assist our clients in navigating this evolving landscape.

Key Structural Changes in Greek Inheritance Law

The Draft Law introduces several foundational reforms that reshape traditional principles of Greek succession law:

• Introduction of Inheritance Contracts
  For the first time under Greek law, parties will be permitted to enter into binding inheritance agreements. These contracts allow individuals to:
  • Arrange succession in advance with legal certainty
  • Waive future inheritance rights
  • Structure intergenerational wealth transfers with enhanced predictability
• Reform of Intestate Succession Rules
  The default rules governing inheritance in the absence of a will are being redesigned to better reflect modern family structures and societal developments.
• Revision of Forced Heirship (Compulsory Share)
  The reform revisits one of the most rigid aspects of Greek inheritance law. The recalibration of compulsory heirship rights may:
  • Expand testamentary freedom
  • Allow more flexible estate planning strategies
  • Reduce litigation risks among heirs

Critical Developments for Cross-Border Estate Planning

Two elements of the Draft Law are particularly impactful for international clients and Greek nationals abroad:

1. Abolition of the “25-Year Rule” for Greeks Residing Abroad

• The Draft Law repeals Article 21 of Law 1738/1987
• Under the current regime:
  • Greek nationals residing abroad for at least 25 consecutive years may avoid Greek forced heirship rules with respect to foreign-located assets
• Under the proposed reform:
  • This exemption will be eliminated
  • Greek forced heirship provisions will apply regardless of long-term residence abroad

Practical implications:

• Existing wills structured under the current exemption may become ineffective or partially invalid
• Immediate legal review is recommended for:
  • High-net-worth individuals
  • Diaspora Greeks
  • Cross-border families with diversified asset portfolios

2. Strengthening of Joint Accounts and International Asset Structures

• The introduction of inheritance contracts may reinforce:
  • Joint bank accounts
  • Joint investment portfolios held abroad
• In jurisdictions where foreign law governs such accounts:
  • The interplay between contractual arrangements and succession law becomes more robust

Strategic considerations:

• Enhanced planning opportunities for:
  • Asset protection
  • Liquidity management upon death
  • Minimization of succession disputes
• Increased importance of coordinating:
  • Greek inheritance law
  • Applicable foreign legal systems

Legislative Timeline and Consultation Process

• The Draft Law is currently under public consultation
• Deadline for submissions: 20 April 2026
• Enactment is expected within the coming months

This consultation phase offers a critical window for stakeholders to shape the final form of the legislation.

Strategic Outlook: Why Early Action Matters

The reform represents one of the most significant shifts in Greek private law in recent decades. Its implications extend beyond domestic estates, affecting international wealth structures and long-term succession strategies.

We strongly recommend:

• Reviewing existing wills and estate plans
• Assessing exposure to Greek forced heirship rules
• Re-evaluating cross-border asset structures
• Exploring the use of inheritance contracts once enacted

Our Approach

Presso lo Studio Legale Tsamichas, we combine legal precision with strategic insight. Our team is preparing a series of detailed analyses addressing each pillar of the reform, including:

• Inheritance contracts and their enforceability
• Comparative analysis with EU succession frameworks
• Tax and structuring implications
• Litigation risk mitigation