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.

Inheritance in Tenerife for Non-Residents: UK, USA and EU Citizens

A lot of Tenerife property owners live outside Spain.

Which means it’s quite common for families in the UK, the US, or elsewhere in Europe to suddenly find themselves dealing with a Spanish inheritance.

At first it can sound complicated. Different country, different rules, unfamiliar paperwork.

In reality, it’s usually fairly manageable once you understand how the system works.

Do Non-Residents Pay Inheritance Tax in Tenerife?

Yes.

In Spain, inheritance tax is based on where the asset is located, not where the heir lives.

So if you inherit property in Tenerife, the inheritance tax declaration must be filed in Spain, even if you live abroad.

The good news is that the Canary Islands apply a 99.9% reduction for close relatives, which means most families end up paying very little.

UK Citizens After Brexit

Brexit didn’t change the fundamentals of inheritance in Spain.

UK heirs can still benefit from the same Canary Islands tax reductions.

The only real difference is that extra documentation is sometimes required, and certain steps can take a little longer than they used to.

For most families, the final tax outcome is still extremely favourable.

EU and EEA Citizens

Citizens from EU and EEA countries such as Germany, Ireland, France, the Netherlands or Sweden automatically qualify for the regional tax benefits available in the Canary Islands.

That includes the 99.9% inheritance tax reduction for close relatives.

In most cases the process is fairly straightforward.

USA and Other Non-EU Citizens

Non-EU heirs can also inherit property in Tenerife without major tax problems.

However, the paperwork can sometimes be a little more involved.

Documents such as wills, probate certificates or death certificates may need apostilles and official Spanish translations before they are accepted by the Spanish authorities.

Do You Need to Travel to Tenerife?

In most cases, no.

Many heirs complete the entire process remotely by granting Power of Attorney to a lawyer or gestor in Tenerife.

That allows them to sign the inheritance deed and deal with the paperwork locally.

Which means there’s usually no need to travel unless you want to be there in person.

A Note on Spanish Tax Residency

If you later become a tax resident in Spain and still hold assets abroad, those assets may need to be declared on Spain’s foreign asset report known as Modelo 720.

It’s separate from inheritance tax, but it’s something new residents should be aware of.

For most non-residents, inheriting property in Tenerife is mainly about getting the paperwork organised and following the Spanish process.

With the right help, it can usually be handled smoothly… even from the other side of the world.