Protect Your Family’s Assets: Understanding Greek Inheritance Tax

When a loved one passes away, managing their estate can be a daunting task — especially if they have assets in Greece. If you’re a UK resident who owns Greek property or stands to inherit from a relative in Greece, you need to understand how Greek inheritance tax works alongside the UK’s own Inheritance Tax (IHT) rules.

The implications of Greek inheritance tax are significant, and when combined with potential UK IHT liabilities, the picture can become complex. The laws governing inheritance tax rates in Greece are structured very differently from the UK system, and navigating both requires specialist expertise.

At MP Estate Planning, we help UK families safeguard their estates — including overseas assets — from unnecessary tax burdens. By grasping the fundamentals of Greek inheritance tax and understanding how it interacts with UK IHT, you can ensure that your family’s assets are protected and distributed according to your wishes.

Key Takeaways

• Understanding Greek inheritance tax is vital for UK families managing estates with assets in Greece.
• Greek inheritance tax laws operate under a civil law system and differ significantly from UK Inheritance Tax rules.
• Protecting your family’s assets from unnecessary tax burdens in both jurisdictions is achievable with the right specialist guidance.
• Knowing the inheritance tax rates in Greece — and how they interact with UK IHT at 40% above the nil rate band (£325,000 per person, frozen until at least April 2031) — can help you make informed decisions.
• Effective estate planning, including the use of lifetime trusts and properly co-ordinated wills, can safeguard your legacy and ensure your wishes are respected across both countries.

Introduction to Greek Inheritance Tax

Our team helps UK-based clients understand and manage their Greek inheritance tax obligations — particularly where assets straddle both Greece and the UK. Greek inheritance tax is a critical aspect of cross-border estate planning, affecting how assets are transferred to beneficiaries and how much tax is ultimately payable in each jurisdiction.

What is Greek Inheritance Tax?

Greek inheritance tax is levied on the assets inherited by beneficiaries from a deceased individual. Unlike the UK’s Inheritance Tax — which is charged on the estate as a whole at a flat 40% above the nil rate band (currently £325,000 per person, frozen since 2009 and confirmed frozen until at least April 2031) — Greek inheritance tax is charged on each individual beneficiary. The tax rates vary based on the relationship between the deceased and the beneficiary, as well as the value of the inherited property. Greece categorises beneficiaries into three groups, with close family members paying the least.

Historical Context of Inheritance Taxes in Greece

Inheritance taxes in Greece have evolved considerably over the decades, with reforms in 2010 and subsequent years significantly reducing rates for close family members as part of measures to encourage compliance and simplify the system. Understanding this historical context helps explain the current structure, which is notably more progressive (with graduated rates) than the UK’s flat-rate approach.

The Greek inheritance tax system taxes the transfer of assets upon the death of an individual on a per-beneficiary basis. Each beneficiary is assessed separately based on their relationship to the deceased and the value of assets they receive. For instance, Category A beneficiaries (spouses, children, grandchildren and parents) benefit from a tax-free threshold of €150,000 and lower graduated rates, while Category B (siblings, nieces, nephews, grandparents) and Category C (all other beneficiaries) face progressively higher rates with lower tax-free thresholds.

To navigate these complexities — especially when UK IHT obligations may also apply — it’s essential to have a clear understanding of the tax laws in both countries and how they affect your specific situation. For UK-domiciled individuals, HMRC charges IHT on your worldwide estate, which includes Greek property. This means you could face tax in both Greece and the UK on the same assets, making proper planning critical.

The Rates and Exemptions of Greek Inheritance Tax

Navigating the complexities of Greek inheritance tax requires a clear understanding of its rates and exemptions — and crucially, how they compare to the UK system. Greek rates are graduated and depend on the beneficiary’s relationship to the deceased, whereas UK IHT is a flat 40% on estates above the nil rate band of £325,000 (with a possible Residence Nil Rate Band of £175,000 per person if a qualifying home is left to direct descendants — children, grandchildren, or step-children). For a married couple, the combined maximum IHT-free threshold can reach £1,000,000 when both the NRB and RNRB are transferable.

Tax Rates for Different Asset Values

Greek inheritance tax rates are structured across three beneficiary categories. Category A (spouses, children, grandchildren, parents) enjoy the most favourable treatment, with a tax-free threshold of €150,000 and rates starting at just 1% on the next tranche. Category B (siblings, uncles, aunts, nieces, nephews) have a lower tax-free threshold of €30,000, and Category C (all other beneficiaries) have a threshold of just €6,000 with rates reaching up to 40%.

Available Exemptions for Beneficiaries

Certain exemptions can significantly reduce the Greek inheritance tax burden. The most notable is the exemption for a primary residence: when a family home in Greece is transferred to a spouse or child who does not already own adequate housing, it can be exempt from inheritance tax up to a specified value (currently €200,000 for a spouse or unmarried child, with increases for dependent children). Additionally, assets bequeathed to Greek charitable organisations or the Greek state are exempt from inheritance tax.

For UK residents, it’s worth noting that paying Greek inheritance tax on a Greek asset may qualify for double taxation relief against your UK IHT liability on the same asset — but as there is no specific inheritance tax treaty between Greece and the UK, this relies on HMRC’s unilateral credit relief provisions and requires careful professional analysis.

Special Rules for Foreign Heirs

Foreign heirs — including UK residents inheriting Greek assets — are subject to Greek inheritance tax on assets located in Greece, regardless of where they live. Greece does not currently have a dedicated inheritance tax treaty with the UK (the existing double tax convention covers income and capital gains, not inheritance tax specifically), which means careful planning is needed to manage potential exposure in both jurisdictions. HMRC will give unilateral credit relief for foreign tax paid, but the mechanics of claiming this must be handled correctly on the IHT account.

By understanding the rates and exemptions of Greek inheritance tax — and how they interact with UK IHT (charged at 40% on worldwide assets above the nil rate band) — you can better plan your estate and protect your family’s assets across both jurisdictions.

Who is Subject to Greek Inheritance Tax?

Understanding who is subject to Greek inheritance tax is crucial for UK families with Greek assets. Greek inheritance tax applies to assets located in Greece, regardless of the deceased’s residency. For UK-domiciled individuals, there’s an additional layer: HMRC charges Inheritance Tax on your worldwide estate at 40% above the nil rate band (£325,000), which means Greek assets are potentially taxable in both countries.

Resident vs Non-Resident Heirs

The distinction between resident and non-resident status matters significantly for Greek inheritance tax purposes. Greek tax residents (broadly, those who spend more than 183 days per year in Greece or have their centre of vital interests there) are liable to Greek inheritance tax on their worldwide inherited assets. Non-resident heirs — which includes most UK-based beneficiaries — are liable only on assets situated within Greece.

For UK residents inheriting Greek assets, you’ll typically need to consider both the Greek inheritance tax on the Greek-situs assets and UK IHT on those same assets as part of the worldwide estate. Unilateral double taxation relief from HMRC can help prevent you paying full tax in both jurisdictions, but this must be properly claimed on the IHT account (form IHT400).

Types of Assets Subject to Taxation

Greek inheritance tax applies to a wide range of assets located in Greece, including:

• Real estate properties located in Greece (including holiday homes owned by UK residents)
• Shares in Greek companies
• Bank accounts held in Greek banks
• Other movable and immovable property situated in Greece, including vehicles and valuable personal effects

It’s essential to understand that the type of asset and its location play a crucial role in determining the tax liability in both Greece and the UK. A Greek holiday home worth €300,000 owned by a UK-domiciled individual, for example, would form part of their estate for UK IHT purposes and simultaneously be subject to Greek inheritance tax — making proper cross-border planning essential.

By understanding who is subject to Greek inheritance tax and the types of assets that are taxable, you can plan more effectively on both sides of the equation. We’re here to help you co-ordinate specialist advice in both jurisdictions to minimise your overall tax exposure.

The Process of Assessing Greek Inheritance Tax

Understanding the process of assessing Greek inheritance tax is crucial for ensuring compliance with Greek tax law — and for co-ordinating with your UK IHT obligations to HMRC. The Greek system requires beneficiaries (not the estate as a whole, as in the UK) to file individual tax returns declaring the assets they’ve inherited.

Steps in Valuing an Estate

Valuing an estate for Greek inheritance tax purposes involves specific steps that differ from the UK approach. In Greece, real estate is typically valued using the “objective value” system (αντικειμενικές αξίες) — a government-set formula based on location, size, age, and floor of the property — rather than open market value as used by HMRC.

• Identify all assets located in Greece: This includes properties, bank accounts, investments, vehicles, and personal belongings.
• Determine the value of each asset: Real estate is valued using the objective value system (which may be significantly lower than market value). Financial assets are valued at their balance or market price at the date of death.
• Deduct debts and liabilities: Any outstanding debts secured against Greek assets, as well as funeral expenses, are subtracted from the total value.

For UK residents, it’s important to note that HMRC will use the open market value of Greek assets for UK IHT purposes — not the Greek objective value. This means the same property may have two different valuations for tax purposes in each country, and getting both valuations right is essential for accurate tax reporting.

Documentation Required for Assessment

The Greek inheritance tax assessment process requires comprehensive documentation. Beneficiaries must file a tax return with the relevant Greek tax office (DOY) within six months of the death (twelve months if the deceased or heir resides abroad). The following documents are typically required:

It’s essential to gather all relevant documents promptly, as penalties and interest can apply for late filing. For UK residents, you’ll also need to declare Greek assets on the HMRC IHT account (IHT400) and claim any applicable double taxation relief. We can assist you in co-ordinating the documentation requirements in both countries to ensure full compliance.

The Role of a Tax Consultant

When dealing with Greek inheritance tax alongside UK IHT, having specialist guidance from professionals experienced in both jurisdictions can make a significant difference. As Mike Pugh of MP Estate Planning often says, “The law — like medicine — is broad. You wouldn’t want your GP doing surgery.” Cross-border inheritance tax planning requires a specialist, not a generalist.

How a Consultant Can Assist You

A specialist tax adviser with cross-border expertise can provide invaluable help in managing your Greek inheritance tax obligations alongside your UK position. Here are some key areas where professional guidance makes the difference:

• Ensuring accurate valuation of Greek assets under both the Greek objective value system and HMRC’s market value requirements.
• Identifying all available Greek exemptions (such as the primary residence exemption) and ensuring they’re properly claimed.
• Co-ordinating the filing deadlines and documentation for both the Greek tax authorities and HMRC.
• Advising on how to structure your estate planning — including the use of UK lifetime trusts for your UK-situs assets — to manage your overall tax exposure across both jurisdictions.
• Claiming double taxation relief correctly to avoid paying full tax in both countries on the same assets.

Cost of Hiring a Tax Professional

The cost of specialist cross-border tax advice varies depending on the complexity of the estate. Factors that influence the cost include:

1. The number and types of assets in Greece (a single holiday home is simpler than multiple properties plus business interests).
2. The number of beneficiaries and whether they’re resident in the UK, Greece, or elsewhere.
3. Whether additional estate planning structures are needed, such as a UK lifetime trust for asset protection on the UK side.

When you compare the cost of professional advice to the potential tax savings — and the peace of mind that comes from knowing everything is handled correctly — it’s one of the most cost-effective investments you can make. At MP Estate Planning, straightforward UK lifetime trusts start from £850, and we can co-ordinate with Greek legal professionals to ensure your cross-border affairs are properly managed.

Strategies for Minimising Inheritance Tax

When it comes to protecting your family’s assets across borders, understanding strategies to minimise both Greek inheritance tax and UK IHT is essential. Plan, don’t panic — there are legitimate, well-established planning tools available in both jurisdictions.

Gifts and Their Implications

Making gifts during your lifetime can reduce the value of your estate. In the UK, gifts to individuals are treated as Potentially Exempt Transfers (PETs) — if you survive seven years after making the gift, it falls completely outside your estate for IHT purposes. If you die within seven years, the gift is brought back into account, using up your nil rate band (£325,000) first. Taper relief can reduce the tax payable on gifts made between three and seven years before death, but it only applies where gifts exceed the nil rate band — the taper reduces the rate of tax (from 40% down to 8% on a sliding scale), not the value of the gift itself.

Greek law also permits lifetime gifts (donations), but these are subject to Greek gift tax — which uses the same rates and thresholds as Greek inheritance tax. A parental gift of a primary residence to a child can be exempt up to €200,000 under Greek law. However, it’s critical to understand that gifts of Greek property also need to be considered from a UK IHT perspective if you’re UK-domiciled — a gift of Greek property would be a PET for UK purposes, starting the seven-year clock with HMRC.

There are also annual UK IHT exemptions worth using: £3,000 per year (with one year’s carry-forward), £250 small gifts per recipient (which cannot be combined with the £3,000 exemption for the same person), and wedding gifts of £5,000 from a parent, £2,500 from a grandparent, or £1,000 from anyone else. Regular gifts from surplus income are also exempt if properly documented — this “normal expenditure out of income” exemption is one of the most underused but powerful IHT planning tools available.

Setting Up Trusts to Protect Assets

Setting up a UK lifetime trust can be a powerful strategy for protecting assets and managing your overall inheritance tax position. A trust is a legal arrangement — not a separate legal entity — where trustees hold assets on behalf of beneficiaries. The trustees are the legal owners, while the beneficiaries hold the beneficial interest. England invented trust law over 800 years ago, and it remains one of the most effective wealth protection tools available anywhere in the world.

The most common type of trust used in UK estate planning is the discretionary trust, where trustees have absolute discretion over how and when to distribute assets to beneficiaries. No beneficiary has a guaranteed right to income or capital — which is precisely what provides the protection. If a beneficiary goes through a divorce, a creditor makes a claim, or they need local authority care funding, the trust assets are not theirs to lose. Discretionary trusts can last up to 125 years and can protect assets from care fees, divorce (with the UK divorce rate currently around 42%), and family disputes.

However, it’s important to note that Greek property within a UK trust can create additional complexity. Greek law may not recognise the trust arrangement in the same way, as Greece operates under a civil law system where trusts are not a native concept. This means that while a UK lifetime trust can be highly effective for UK-situs assets and for managing your overall UK IHT position, specialist cross-border legal advice is essential when Greek real estate is involved. In practice, many advisers recommend keeping Greek property outside a UK trust and using other Greek-specific planning tools for those assets, while using a UK trust for your UK home and other UK-based assets.

By understanding and using these strategies — alongside proper Greek succession planning — you can effectively manage your Greek inheritance tax liability and your UK IHT position, ensuring that your assets are protected for future generations. Trusts are not just for the rich — they’re for the smart.

The Importance of a Will in Greece

Creating a will that covers your Greek assets is a crucial step in ensuring those assets are distributed according to your wishes. If you’re a UK resident with Greek property, you should ideally have a separate Greek will dealing specifically with your Greek assets, alongside your UK will covering everything else. This avoids the complications of having a single will interpreted across two different legal systems.

Why Having a Will is Crucial

Having a valid will covering your Greek assets allows you to specify how those assets should be distributed upon your passing — within the constraints of Greek law. This is particularly important because Greece operates a system of forced heirship, which reserves a minimum proportion of your estate (the “reserved portion” or νόμιμη μοίρα) for certain close relatives, regardless of what your will says. Typically, the reserved portion amounts to half of the intestate share.

For UK-domiciled individuals, the EU Succession Regulation (Brussels IV) — which Greece has adopted — allows you to elect the law of your nationality to govern the succession of your estate. This means a UK national can elect English law to apply to their Greek assets, potentially bypassing Greek forced heirship rules. However, this election must be explicitly stated in your will, and it’s worth noting that while the UK is no longer an EU member state, Greece will still recognise the election of the law of any nationality, including English law.

By creating a Greek will, you can:

• Specify how your Greek assets should be distributed, potentially electing English law to govern the succession.
• Minimise the tax burden on your heirs by taking advantage of available Greek exemptions, such as the primary residence exemption.
• Avoid potential disputes among beneficiaries by clearly outlining your intentions under a legal framework the Greek courts will recognise.

Legal Requirements for a Valid Will

Greek law recognises several types of wills, and the requirements differ from those under English law. The most common types of Greek will are:

1. Holographic will (ιδιόγραφη διαθήκη): Must be entirely handwritten, dated, and signed by the testator (the person making the will). No witnesses are required, but the will must be deposited with a Greek court after the testator’s death for it to be published and executed.
2. Public (notarial) will (δημόσια διαθήκη): Drawn up by a Greek notary in the presence of three witnesses (or a second notary and one witness). This is the most secure form and is recommended for foreign nationals with Greek assets.
3. Secret will (μυστική διαθήκη): Drafted by the testator (by any means, not necessarily handwritten) and delivered sealed to a notary in the presence of three witnesses.

For UK residents, we recommend working with both a UK estate planning specialist and a Greek solicitor (δικηγόρος) to ensure your wills in both countries are properly co-ordinated — so they complement rather than contradict each other. A common and potentially devastating mistake is for a UK will to inadvertently revoke a Greek will, or vice versa, which can cause serious complications during the administration of the estate. Your UK will should contain a clear clause stating it does not revoke any foreign will, and your Greek will should be limited in scope to Greek-situs assets only.

Cross-Border Inheritance Issues

Cross-border inheritance issues present unique challenges for UK families with Greek assets, requiring a deep understanding of both Greek and UK legal frameworks. When assets are spread across these two countries, navigating their respective inheritance laws, tax regimes, and administrative processes becomes essential to protect your family’s wealth.

Navigating Greek and UK Inheritance Laws

The laws governing inheritance in Greece and the UK are fundamentally different. Greek inheritance law is based on a civil law system derived from Roman law, whereas English law operates under a common law system. This distinction affects nearly every aspect of how assets are distributed, taxed, and managed upon inheritance.

Key differences include:

• Forced heirship: Greek law requires that a reserved portion (typically 50% of the intestate share) must pass to certain close relatives — this concept does not exist in English law, where you have testamentary freedom to leave your assets to whomever you choose (subject to claims under the Inheritance (Provision for Family and Dependants) Act 1975).
• Trust recognition: England invented trust law over 800 years ago, and trusts are a cornerstone of UK estate planning. Greece, like most civil law countries, does not have an equivalent concept. This means a UK discretionary trust holding Greek property may face significant recognition challenges in Greece — Greek courts and land registries may not accept the trust arrangement as valid for their purposes.
• Tax approach: Greek inheritance tax is charged per beneficiary at graduated rates, while UK IHT is charged on the estate as a whole at a flat 40% above the nil rate band.
• Brussels IV Regulation: This EU regulation allows you to elect the law of your nationality to govern succession — a critical tool for UK nationals wishing to avoid Greek forced heirship. Although the UK itself is not a signatory (having left the EU), Greece will still recognise an election of English law under the regulation. However, the effect of such an election under English law must also be considered with specialist advice.

Tax Treaties Between Greece and the UK

It’s a common misconception that there is a comprehensive inheritance tax treaty between Greece and the UK. In fact, the UK-Greece double taxation convention covers income and capital gains taxes — not inheritance tax specifically. This means that on the death of a UK-domiciled individual with Greek assets, the same property could theoretically be subject to both Greek inheritance tax and UK IHT.

However, HMRC provides unilateral double taxation relief, which means you can claim a credit for Greek inheritance tax paid against your UK IHT liability on the same assets. The relief is given as a credit against UK IHT, not as a deduction — this is an important distinction. The credit is limited to the lower of the foreign tax paid and the UK IHT attributable to the same asset, which prevents true double taxation in most cases. However, the mechanics of claiming it correctly require specialist advice.

For example, if a Greek holiday home has a market value of £250,000 and attracts Greek inheritance tax of, say, €15,000 (paid by the beneficiary), HMRC will allow a credit for the equivalent sterling amount against the UK IHT attributable to that property. Without claiming this relief properly, you could end up paying significantly more than necessary.

The Implications of Intestacy

The absence of a will can significantly complicate the process of inheriting assets in Greece — and the consequences for UK families can be particularly severe because Greek intestacy rules are very different from those under English law.

We understand the importance of navigating these complex laws to protect your family’s assets. Under English intestacy rules, a surviving spouse typically inherits the first £322,000 plus personal chattels and half the remainder, with the balance going to children. Greek intestacy rules work entirely differently, operating on a class-based system with the spouse’s share varying depending on which class of relatives survives the deceased.

What Happens When There’s No Will?

When a person dies without a will covering their Greek assets, the distribution is governed by the Greek Civil Code (assuming Greek law applies to the succession — which it will unless the deceased had elected otherwise under Brussels IV). Greek intestacy law provides for a strict hierarchy of inheritance classes.

The process can be lengthy and considerably more expensive than it would be with a valid will. Greek probate proceedings for intestate estates require a court order (κληρονομητήριο) confirming the heirs, which involves Greek court fees, legal representation, and translated documents. For UK-based heirs, this can mean considerable delays and costs — particularly if they need to obtain a Greek tax number, appoint a Greek solicitor, and manage proceedings remotely. In England and Wales, the estate administration process is already time-consuming (typically 3–12 months, or longer with property), and adding Greek intestacy proceedings on top can extend this significantly.

Division of Assets Under Greek Law

Under Greek intestacy law, the division of assets follows a specific hierarchy of classes:

• First class: The deceased’s children (and their descendants by representation) inherit equally, with the surviving spouse receiving one quarter. If there are no children, the spouse inherits one half.
• Second class: If there are no first-class heirs, the parents and siblings of the deceased inherit, with the surviving spouse receiving one half.
• Third class and beyond: More distant relatives inherit in specified proportions. In the absence of any relatives to the fourth degree, the estate passes to the Greek state.

It’s crucial to be aware that these rules differ markedly from English intestacy provisions. For UK families, the most significant risk is that Greek intestacy rules could distribute assets in ways that completely contradict what you’d expect under English law. For example, under Greek law, a surviving spouse is never the sole heir if there are children — whereas under English law, the spouse may inherit the entire estate depending on its value. The best protection is to have a properly drafted Greek will, ideally co-ordinated with your UK will and overall estate plan — including any lifetime trusts you may have in place for your UK assets.

Common Misconceptions About Greek Inheritance Tax

Many UK residents with Greek assets harbour misconceptions about Greek inheritance tax, often leading to confusion and costly mistakes. At MP Estate Planning, we believe in getting the facts right so you can make informed decisions about your family’s wealth.

Myths vs Facts

One common myth is that Greek inheritance tax rates are uniformly high. In fact, for Category A beneficiaries (spouses, children, grandchildren, parents), the tax-free threshold is €150,000 per beneficiary, with rates starting at just 1% on the next tranche. Many family inheritances involving a single Greek property passed to a child fall entirely within this tax-free threshold or attract minimal tax. The rates only become steep for Category C beneficiaries (unrelated individuals), where they can reach 40%.

Another widespread misconception is that placing Greek property into a UK trust automatically solves both the Greek and UK tax problems. In reality, because Greece is a civil law jurisdiction that doesn’t natively recognise trusts, transferring Greek real estate into a UK trust can create significant complications. Greek land registry offices may not accept a trust as the registered owner (because a trust is a legal arrangement, not a legal entity — the trustees are the legal owners, and this concept doesn’t translate neatly into Greek law). Greek tax authorities may also not recognise the trust arrangement for tax purposes. Specialist cross-border advice is essential before attempting this.

A third myth — particularly common among UK expats — is that because they’re British, Greek inheritance law doesn’t apply to them. While the Brussels IV Regulation does allow you to elect English law for succession purposes (avoiding forced heirship), Greek tax law still applies to assets located in Greece regardless of the governing succession law. You may be able to avoid forced heirship by electing English law, but you cannot avoid Greek inheritance tax on Greek-situs assets.

Clarifying Complexities in Tax Laws

The interaction between Greek inheritance tax and UK IHT is one of the most misunderstood areas of cross-border estate planning. A key point that’s often overlooked is that Greek inheritance tax is charged on the individual beneficiary, while UK IHT is charged on the estate as a whole. This means the two taxes operate on fundamentally different bases, and co-ordinating them requires careful analysis — particularly when claiming unilateral double taxation relief from HMRC.

It’s also important to understand that Greek inheritance tax is not the only tax consideration when inheriting Greek assets. Greek property transfer taxes, annual property taxes (ENFIA), and potential capital gains implications on any subsequent sale must also be factored in. For UK residents, any income generated from Greek property (such as rental income) must be declared to both the Greek tax authorities and HMRC, with double taxation relief available under the UK-Greece income tax treaty.

By dispelling common misconceptions and clarifying the complexities of Greek inheritance tax in the context of UK IHT, we empower you to make well-informed decisions about your estate. Our team is dedicated to providing the clarity and support needed to navigate these intricate cross-border tax laws — because keeping families wealthy strengthens the country as a whole.

Resources for Heirs and Executors

Heirs and executors managing Greek assets alongside a UK estate face unique challenges. Having the right resources and professional support can make the difference between a smooth administration and a costly, drawn-out process.

Online Tools and Calculators

Several resources can help heirs and executors get an initial understanding of their Greek inheritance tax liability:

• The Greek Independent Authority for Public Revenue (AADE) website provides information on current tax thresholds and filing requirements
• HMRC’s guidance on double taxation relief (found in their IHT manual) explains how to claim credit for foreign tax paid on overseas assets
• The UK Government’s guidance on Inheritance Tax and the Residence Nil Rate Band helps you understand your UK position — remember, the RNRB (£175,000 per person) is only available if a qualifying residential interest is left to direct descendants

However, online tools can only give you a starting point. As Mike Pugh says, “Plan, don’t panic” — but do get specialist advice before making any decisions, because the interaction between Greek and UK tax rules is not something a generic calculator can handle accurately.

Professional Resources for Legal Guidance

When dealing with the intricacies of cross-border inheritance involving Greece and the UK, professional guidance from specialists in both jurisdictions is indispensable. You’ll typically need:

• A UK estate planning specialist (such as MP Estate Planning) who understands IHT, lifetime trusts, and how overseas assets interact with your UK estate
• A Greek solicitor (δικηγόρος) who can handle the Greek probate proceedings, tax filings, and property transfers
• Potentially, a specialist cross-border tax adviser if the estate is complex or involves assets in multiple countries beyond Greece and the UK

At MP Estate Planning, we can co-ordinate with Greek legal professionals to ensure your estate planning covers both jurisdictions effectively. Our Estate Pro AI system provides a comprehensive 13-point threat analysis that identifies vulnerabilities in your estate plan — including exposure to overseas inheritance tax and the risk of double taxation on Greek assets.

By leveraging both online resources and professional advice, heirs and executors can navigate the complexities of Greek inheritance tax with greater confidence and avoid the most common — and costly — mistakes.

How to Contact Our Specialist Team

Our team of specialists is available to provide guidance and support on managing Greek assets within your UK estate plan, ensuring you receive comprehensive advice that covers both jurisdictions.

Reach Out to Us

You can contact us by filling out our contact form, and we’ll respond promptly to address your queries regarding Greek inheritance tax, UK IHT planning, or how lifetime trusts can protect your family’s UK-based assets.

Phone Support

For immediate assistance, call us at 0117 440 1555. Our experts are ready to help with cross-border inheritance tax planning, trust setup, and overall estate protection.

Schedule a Consultation

To discuss your specific needs and receive personalised advice, book a consultation with our specialists. Whether you’re looking to set up a lifetime trust for your UK home, co-ordinate wills across jurisdictions, or understand your IHT exposure on Greek assets, we’re here to help you safeguard your legacy. Not losing the family money provides the greatest peace of mind above all else.

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