Do I have to pay inheritance tax in Tenerife?

Most close relatives receive a 99.9% inheritance tax reduction in Tenerife. This means spouses, children, parents, siblings and grandchildren usually pay almost no tax.

Do I need to travel to Tenerife to complete an inheritance?

No. Most heirs sign a Power of Attorney and the entire process can be completed without travelling to Tenerife.

How long does Tenerife inheritance take?

Most Tenerife inheritance cases take between 1 and 3 months if the death occurred in Spain, or 3 to 6 months if it occurred abroad.

Can I sell an inherited property in Tenerife?

Yes, but only after the inheritance deed has been signed and the property is registered in the heirs' names. All heirs must agree to the sale.

What documents do I need for a Tenerife inheritance?

You need a death certificate, Certificate of Last Wills, the will (if any), passports, NIE numbers, property deeds, and bank information where applicable.

Inheriting a Car or Vehicle in Tenerife: What You Must Do

When someone dies in Tenerife, their car, motorbike or other vehicle becomes part of the estate.

Which means you can’t just drive it, sell it or transfer it straight away.

Like most things in Spain, there’s a bit of paperwork first.

Here’s how the process usually works.

1. The Vehicle Must Appear in the Inheritance Deed

The car needs to be listed in the inheritance deed prepared by the notary.

To do that, you’ll normally need:

The Permiso de Circulación (vehicle registration document)
The ITV card showing the inspection details

Once it’s included in the deed, the vehicle officially forms part of the inheritance.

2. The Inheritance Tax Declaration Must Be Filed

Even though inheritance tax in the Canary Islands is often very small for close family members, the declaration still has to be filed.

This is done using Modelo 650.

Until that’s completed, the ownership transfer cannot move forward.

3. A Small Transfer Fee Is Paid

Vehicles are also subject to a transfer tax known as Impuesto de Transmisiones Patrimoniales.

The amount depends on the vehicle’s age and type, but it’s usually fairly modest.

Once paid, the transfer can continue.

4. Register the New Owner at the Traffic Office

The change of ownership is then registered with the Dirección General de Tráfico (DGT).

You’ll normally need:

The inheritance deed
Proof the Modelo 650 was filed
Vehicle documents (ITV card and Permiso de Circulación)
Passport and NIE of the heir
Proof of the transfer fee payment

Once the DGT processes the change, the vehicle is officially registered in the heir’s name.

5. Decide What to Do With the Vehicle

After the paperwork is finished, the heir can decide what happens next.

Usually one of three options:

Sell the vehicle, which is often the simplest option for heirs abroad
Keep and insure it in their own name
Scrap it officially if it’s old or not worth repairing

If You Live Abroad

Many heirs don’t live in Tenerife, which makes dealing with traffic offices less appealing.

The usual solution is giving Power of Attorney to a lawyer or gestor, who can handle the transfer locally.

No flights. No queueing at government offices.

Just the paperwork getting done.