Probate Abroad: What to Do When Someone Dies Outside Spain but Owns Property in Tenerife

If a person dies outside Spain but owns a property in Tenerife, their heirs must complete two inheritance processes: one in the country where the death occurred and another in Spain. This is normal and happens frequently with expats and holiday homeowners. Here’s how it works in simple steps.

Step 1: Complete Probate in the Home Country

The first inheritance process begins in the country where the deceased lived or where their main estate is located. This confirms who the heirs are and identifies all assets outside Spain.

Once probate is finished, the heirs receive official documents such as the will, grant of probate or certificate of inheritance.

Step 2: Legalise and Translate Key Documents

Spain requires official documents to be:

• Legally translated into Spanish
• Certified with the Hague Apostille

This gives the documents legal validity in Spain.

Step 3: Start the Tenerife Inheritance Process

With the foreign documents ready, a Spanish notary prepares the inheritance deed for the Tenerife property. This confirms:

• The heirs
• The property details
• Any debts or taxes owed

Heirs can sign in person or via power of attorney.

Once signed, the property is transferred into the heirs’ names and can be kept, rented or sold.