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 Make a Spanish Will in Tenerife: Simple Step-by-Step Guide

If you own property in Tenerife, making a Spanish will is one of the simplest things you can do to make life easier for your family later.

Without one, the inheritance process still works… but it usually means more paperwork, more delays and more stress for the people left dealing with it.

The good news is that making a Spanish will is quick, inexpensive and surprisingly straightforward.

Here’s how it works.

Do You Actually Need a Spanish Will?

You’re not legally required to have one.

But if you don’t, your heirs will usually face extra administrative steps when dealing with your estate, especially if you live abroad or have assets in more than one country.

A Spanish will keeps everything relating to your Spanish assets clear and easy to handle.

Step 1: Choose Your National Law

Most expats choose the inheritance law of their home country.

For example, many British owners choose English law.

This allows you to avoid Spain’s forced heirship rules and decide exactly who should inherit your assets.

Step 2: Decide Who Inherits Your Spanish Assets

Next, decide who should receive the assets you own in Spain.

That might include:

Your Tenerife property
Spanish bank accounts
Personal belongings located in Spain

For many people, the will itself is actually quite simple.

Step 3: Visit a Spanish Notary

A Spanish notary prepares the will based on your instructions.

You’ll normally just need:

Your passport or ID
Your NIE number (if you have one)

The appointment itself is usually quick and straightforward.

Step 4: Sign the Will

The notary reads the will aloud, confirms everything reflects your wishes, and you sign it.

Once signed, the will is registered with the Spanish Central Registry of Wills held by the Ministry of Justice.

This ensures it can always be located later.

Step 5: Keep Your Copy Safe

You’ll receive a copy of the will called a copia simple.

The original remains with the notary and is recorded in the national registry.

In other words, it won’t get lost.

How Much Does a Spanish Will Cost?

Usually somewhere between €50 and €150, depending on the notary.

Which makes it one of the cheapest legal documents you’ll ever sign in Spain.

The Biggest Benefit

A Spanish will makes life far easier for the people handling your estate.

Less paperwork.
Fewer delays.
A much smoother inheritance process.

For anyone who owns property in Tenerife, it’s a small bit of planning that can save your family a lot of unnecessary work later.