Greece implements new inheritance laws and debt protections

New inheritance laws in Greece, established by Law 5303/2026, came into effect on September 16, 2026. The legislation replaces the Fifth Book of the Civil Code, modernizing a framework that had remained largely unchanged for eight decades.

A primary change is the protection of an heir's personal assets. Under the new regime, an heir is generally not liable for the deceased's debts beyond the value of the inherited estate. This measure aims to prevent heirs from being personally burdened by unknown bank or tax liabilities. However, this protection can be lost if the heir manages the estate in violation of specific rules.

The law also reforms the concept of the “legal share” (forced heirship). Instead of granting an automatic physical share of property, it is now converted into a monetary claim. This change is intended to prevent the fragmentation of real estate and businesses into numerous small co-ownerships.

Additionally, the law introduces “inheritance contracts,” allowing individuals to arrange the future succession of their property through notary-certified agreements while still alive. This is particularly relevant for family businesses and complex family structures. The new rules apply to deaths occurring on or after September 16, 2026; deaths prior to this date remain under the previous legal framework.