Modern inheritances often include digital items such as online banking, email accounts, cloud storage, social media profiles and cryptocurrency. Spanish inheritance law recognises these as assets or rights that must be handled correctly. Here’s what heirs should know.
Digital Accounts Are Not Automatically Accessible
Heirs often assume they can access email or online banking immediately, but privacy laws prevent this. In most cases, the service provider requires official legal documentation.
Typical requirements include:
- Death certificate
- Inheritance deed
- Proof of identity
Each company has its own policy.
Crytocurrency and Digital Wallets
Crypto assets can only be accessed if heirs have the private keys or the deceased left instructions. Exchanges may help if the account can be verified legally.
Social Media Accounts
Facebook, Instagram and other platforms allow accounts to be deleted or memorialised. This normally requires submitting the death certificate and proof of relationship.
It’s a good idea for individuals to leave a secure record of important digital information to help heirs in the future.
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