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.

How to Avoid Delays in Tenerife Probate: Fast-Track Tips

Most inheritance delays in Tenerife aren’t caused by complicated law.

They’re caused by missing paperwork.

Or someone realising halfway through the process that a document they need is sitting in a drawer back home.

The good news is that most delays are avoidable if you prepare things properly from the start.

Here are a few simple tips that make the whole process much smoother.

1. Gather the Documents Early

Missing documents are the number one reason inheritances slow down.

Before anything starts moving, make sure you have:

Death certificate
Certificate of Last Wills
Copy of the will
Passports and NIE numbers for all heirs
Property deeds or a recent Nota Simple

If these are ready from day one, things tend to move far more quickly.

2. Apply for NIE Numbers Immediately

Every heir needs an NIE number before signing the inheritance deed.

Without it, nothing happens.

Applying early avoids that awkward moment where everyone is ready to sign… except one person who doesn’t have their NIE yet.

And yes, that happens more often than you’d think.

3. Use Power of Attorney

If heirs live abroad, Power of Attorney can save weeks of delays.

It allows a lawyer to sign documents and deal with the paperwork without waiting for everyone to travel to Tenerife.

No flight schedules.
No diary clashes.
Just progress.

4. Check for Property Debts Early

Before anything is sold or transferred, it’s worth checking for:

Unpaid community fees
Outstanding loans
Local taxes

If these appear late in the process, they can delay completion.

Better to know about them early and deal with them calmly.

5. Don’t Miss the Six-Month Tax Deadline

Spanish inheritance tax normally has to be declared within six months of the death.

Even if the tax due is minimal.

Miss that deadline and penalties can apply, which only complicates the process further.

Tenerife probate isn’t usually difficult.

But it does reward a bit of organisation.

Get the paperwork together early, appoint someone to handle things properly, and the whole process tends to move along quite smoothly.