Probate Abroad: What to Do When Someone Dies Outside Spain but Owns Property in Tenerife

This happens more often than you’d think.

Someone lives in the UK, Germany, Scandinavia… passes away there… but owns an apartment or villa in Tenerife.

And the family suddenly realises they’re dealing with two countries.

Yes, there are two processes.

No, it’s not unusual.

It just needs doing in the right order.

Step 1: Complete Probate in the Home Country

The first inheritance process takes place in the country where the person lived or where their main estate is based.

This confirms:

• Who the legal heirs are
• What assets form part of the estate

Once probate is completed, the heirs receive official documents. These might include:

• The will
• Grant of Probate
• Certificate of inheritance

Without these, Spain won’t move forward.

Step 2: Legalise and Translate the Documents

Spain won’t simply accept foreign paperwork as it stands.

The documents must be:

• Officially translated into Spanish
• Certified with the Hague Apostille

The Apostille is what gives the document legal recognition in Spain.

No Apostille, no progress.

This stage often causes delays because people underestimate how long translations and certifications can take.

Step 3: Start the Tenerife Inheritance Process

Once the foreign documents are ready, the Spanish side can begin.

A Spanish notary will prepare the inheritance deed for the Tenerife property.

This confirms:

• The legal heirs
• The property details
• Any taxes or debts due

Heirs can sign in person or grant Power of Attorney if travelling isn’t practical.

After signing, the property is transferred into the heirs’ names.

From there, they can:

• Keep it
• Rent it
• Or sell it

It sounds complicated when you first hear it.

In reality, it’s just a matter of completing one process, then the other.

Two countries.
Two sets of paperwork.
One property at the end of it.