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.

Tenerife Inheritance Checklist: A Simple Step-by-Step Guide

If you’ve inherited property or assets in Tenerife, the process can feel overwhelming. This simple checklist helps you understand exactly what needs to be done, when to do it, and which documents are required. You can print or save this as a quick reference.

Your Tenerife Inheritance Checklist

✔ Death Certificate (apostilled and translated if issued abroad)
✔ Certificate of Last Wills (Spain)
✔ Locate the Will (Spanish or foreign)
✔ NIE Numbers for all heirs
✔ Passport Copies for all heirs
✔ Property Deeds (Escritura)
✔ Nota Simple to confirm ownership and debts
✔ Bank Account Details (if inheriting funds)
✔ Utility Information (water, electricity, community fees)
✔ Property Valuation or Tax Value
✔ Inheritance Deed Signing with a Spanish notary
✔ File Inheritance Tax (Modelo 650)
✔ Pay Plusvalía Municipal (local town hall tax)
✔ Register Property in Heirs’ Names at the Land Registry

Additional Steps Many People Forget

Cancel or transfer utilities (water, electricity, internet)
Update direct debits for community fees or IBI council tax
Check for unpaid community or municipal bills
Arrange insurance if the property will remain empty
Prepare the property for sale if selling is planned

How Long Does the Process Take?

Most Tenerife inheritance cases take between 2 and 6 months depending on documents and whether heirs live abroad. Giving power of attorney to a lawyer can speed up the process significantly.

A Simple Way to Stay Organised

Create a folder (digital or printed) with copies of all documents. This helps avoid delays and makes it easier to complete tax filings or prepare the property for sale.

Need Help Working Through the Checklist?

If you’re managing an inheritance in Tenerife, having experienced guidance can save time and prevent mistakes — especially if you’re inheriting from abroad or planning to sell the property.