Tenerife Inheritance Checklist: Everything You Need

If there’s one thing that slows inheritance down in Tenerife, it’s missing paperwork.

Not complicated law.
Not dramatic disputes.

Just documents that aren’t ready.

So here’s a simple checklist you can actually use. Save it. Tick it off. Keep things moving.

Essential Documents

Make sure you have:

• Death certificate
  • Apostilled and officially translated if issued abroad
• Certificate of Last Wills in Spain
• Copy of the will
  • Spanish or foreign version
• Passports of all heirs
• NIE numbers of all heirs
• Property deeds or a recent Nota Simple
• Bank account details of the deceased, if applicable

If even one of these is missing, expect delays.

Steps to Complete

Once the paperwork is in place, the process usually follows this order:

• Gather all required documents
• Prepare official translations and Apostilles if needed
• Sign the inheritance deed before a Spanish notary
• File Modelo 650, the inheritance tax form
• Pay Plusvalía Municipal
• Register the property at the Land Registry
• Transfer utilities and ongoing bills
• Update or close bank accounts, if applicable

None of it is dramatic. It’s just procedural. Miss a step and things stall.

Optional But Very Helpful

These aren’t mandatory… but they make life easier:

• Professional property valuation
• Power of Attorney to avoid everyone travelling
• Clear-out or cleaning services
• Market appraisal if you’re planning to sell

The earlier everything is organised, the smoother the process feels.

Inheritance in Tenerife doesn’t have to be stressful.

It just needs to be prepared properly.