Major Reform of Greek Inheritance Law

Greece is preparing for a comprehensive reform of its inheritance law framework. The new bill, which is expected to be enacted in the first quarter of 2026, introduces structural changes to almost the entire succession law chapter of the Civil Code, reflecting contemporary social and family developments and modernising crucial provisions that have remained unchanged for decades.

The reform introduces a number of fundamental innovations, including:

• The introduction – for the first time in Greek law – of inheritance agreements, allowing binding arrangements on the distribution of an estate during the testator’s lifetime.
• A substantial overhaul of wills, strengthening testamentary freedom, modernising formalities and procedures, expanding accessibility, and safeguarding vulnerable individuals.
• The decoupling of heirs’ personal assets from estate liabilities, limiting heirs’ exposure to estate debts and introducing court-supervised estate administration.
• A redefinition of forced heirship, converting it primarily into a monetary claim rather than a proprietary right over specific assets, to reduce fragmentation and disputes.
• Enhanced protection for surviving spouses and partners, including recognition – under strict conditions – of inheritance rights for long-term cohabiting partners without a formal civil partnership.
• New mechanisms to promote efficient use of inherited property and reduce litigation among co-heirs.

Overall, the reform aims to create a more flexible, transparent and economically functional succession system, strengthening individual autonomy while reducing legal uncertainty and conflict.

Our firm is closely monitoring the legislative process and will continue to provide updates and practical guidance as the bill progresses through consultation and enactment.