Glossary of Tenerife Inheritance Terms: Simple Definitions

If you start dealing with inheritance paperwork in Tenerife, you’ll quickly notice something.

There are a lot of unfamiliar Spanish terms.

Some sound more complicated than they really are, so here’s a simple glossary of the ones you’re most likely to see.

No legal waffle… just plain explanations.

Common Tenerife Inheritance Terms

Escritura
The official property deed signed at the notary confirming ownership.

Nota Simple
A Land Registry document showing who owns a property and whether there are debts or legal charges attached.

NIE
The identification number required for all foreigners who own property or carry out legal transactions in Spain.

Certificate of Last Wills
A certificate confirming whether the deceased left a Spanish will and which notary holds it.

Inheritance Deed (Escritura de Herencia)
The document signed before a notary transferring the estate to the heirs.

Plusvalía Municipal
A local council tax based on the increase in land value when a property is inherited or sold.

Valor de Referencia
An official tax value set by the government and used when declaring inheritance or property transfers.

Power of Attorney (POA)
A legal document allowing someone to act on your behalf in Spain.

ITP
A transfer tax sometimes applied to certain inherited assets such as vehicles.

Catastro
Spain’s official property and land database, showing maps, boundaries and property details.

IBI
The annual municipal property tax, similar to council tax in the UK.

Basura
The local rubbish collection tax charged by the town hall.

Gestor
A professional who helps manage paperwork and administrative procedures.

Notario
A Spanish public notary who verifies legal documents and oversees property and inheritance transactions.

---

Once you understand these terms, the inheritance process suddenly feels a lot less intimidating.

It’s mostly just paperwork… with a few Spanish words thrown in.