When dealing with cross-border estates, understanding succession law is essential. To know how to manage an inheritance in Hungary, you must identify the applicable law (EU Regulation 650/2012), gather documents, legalise and translate certificates, appoint a competent notary, calculate taxes, and formalise property registration. Below you’ll find detailed steps, timelines, and FAQs.
If you’re wondering “how do I manage an inheritance in Hungary?”, follow these clear steps and check the quick-reference table below.
Table of Contents
Steps
Applicable law and the will:
Determine the deceased’s habitual residence and whether the EU Succession Regulation (650/2012) applies. Review any existing will and confirm if the deceased chose a specific national law (professio iuris).
This is one of the first things to check when learning how to manage an inheritance in Hungary.
Documentation:
Collect all essential certificates — death certificate, last will, inventory of assets — and obtain apostilles or certified translations when documents come from abroad.
For those asking how to manage an inheritance in Hungary, proper documentation ensures the process runs smoothly across borders.
Notary and representation:
Appoint a notary in Hungary (or Spain if relevant). If you live abroad, powers of attorney can authorise a local representative to act on your behalf. Representation is often key when heirs are outside the EU or unable to travel.
Tax obligations:
Calculate inheritance taxes according to Hungarian law, taking into account the relationship between the deceased and the heir.
If assets are located in Spain, Spanish Inheritance Tax (ISD) and municipal capital gains tax may also apply.
Cross-border taxation is a frequent concern in how to manage an inheritance in Hungary cases.
Adjudication and registration:
Prepare the notarial deed of acceptance or partition of inheritance, register property titles in Hungary (and Spain if applicable), and complete all legal formalities.
This final step secures ownership and concludes the process of how to manage an inheritance in Hungary efficiently and lawfully.
Documents and Deadlines
| Document | Issued by | Country | Apostille / Translation | Approx. Time | Estimated Cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Death Certificate | Civil Registry | Country of death | Yes, if foreign | 3–10 days | €10–€30 |
| Last Will / Probate | Notary or Court | Hungary / Spain | Apostille + translation if applicable | 3–15 days | €20–€60 |
| Asset Inventory | Public Registers / Banks | Each country | Depends on source | 1–4 weeks | — |
| Hague Apostille | Competent Authority | Country of issue | — | 1–10 days | €20–€60 |
| Certified Translation | Sworn Translator | — | — | 2–7 days | €0.08–€0.15/word |
| Notarial Acceptance / Partition Deed | Notary | Hungary / Spain | — | 1–3 weeks | €300–€1,200 |
Having an organised file is critical when considering how to manage an inheritance in Hungary with foreign heirs involved.
Taxes
Hungarian inheritance tax:
Generally, direct heirs (children, parents, spouses) are exempt, while others may face rates up to 18%.
Always verify with local tax offices.
Spanish inheritance tax (ISD):
If the deceased or assets are located in Spain, Spanish tax may apply based on regional laws (Comunidades Autónomas).
Double taxation:
Hungary and Spain have no specific double inheritance tax treaty, but both follow the OECD model. It’s vital to seek professional advice to prevent paying tax twice.
Understanding tax implications is one of the most technical aspects of how to manage an inheritance in Hungary successfully.
Useful references:
- EU Regulation No. 650/2012 on succession and wills
- Hungarian Civil Code (Act V of 2013)
- Spanish Inheritance and Gift Tax Law (Ley 29/1987)
Registration and Adjudication
- Prepare and sign the deed of acceptance or partition.
- Register all assets (property, vehicles, financial accounts) with the Hungarian Land Registry or relevant authorities.
- When assets exist in Spain, coordinate parallel registration with Spanish property registries.
- Remote management is possible using apostilled powers of attorney.
Proper coordination between countries ensures a secure process and prevents future legal disputes when deciding how to manage an inheritance in Hungary.
Frequently Asked Questions
Identify the applicable law (EU 650/2012), gather documents, legalise and translate certificates, appoint a notary, pay taxes in both countries, and finalise registration and adjudication.
Yes. Through notarised powers of attorney and document legalisation, heirs can be represented in Hungary without travelling.
A death certificate, will or probate declaration, asset inventory, apostille, and certified translations when required.
In Hungary for local assets, and in Spain if the deceased or property is Spanish. Check for exemptions and possible deductions.
Typically between 3 and 9 months, depending on the complexity and number of jurisdictions involved.
Yes. In Hungary, notaries supervise inheritance proceedings, ensuring legal validity and compliance with EU law.
Absolutely. Grupo Hereda specialises in international inheritance law, guiding clients with cross-border estates between Spain and other EU countries.
Conclusion
Dealing with a cross-border estate can be challenging, especially when heirs and assets are located in different countries. Understanding how to manage an inheritance in Hungary involves navigating both EU and local regulations, coordinating with notaries, and fulfilling tax obligations correctly.
For anyone facing this process, the safest route is to seek professional legal guidance. Grupo Hereda, a Spanish law firm with more than 25 years of experience in inheritance law, provides comprehensive assistance in managing estates between Spain, Hungary, and the rest of Europe.
Contacting Grupo Hereda ensures every stage from documentation to registration is handled efficiently, legally, and without unnecessary stress.
Legal References
- Regulation (EU) No 650/2012 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 4 July 2012
On jurisdiction, applicable law, recognition and enforcement of decisions, and acceptance and enforcement of authentic instruments in matters of succession and on the creation of a European Certificate of Succession. - Hungarian Civil Code (Act V of 2013)
Governs inheritance, wills, and succession matters in Hungary.
(Hungarian National Legislation Portal – available in Hungarian and partial English translations.) - Hungarian Act XLV of 2008 on the Apostille and Legalisation of Public Documents
Regulates how Hungarian authorities handle apostilles for international documents. - Spanish Inheritance and Gift Tax Law (Law 29/1987, of 18 December)
Establishes the framework for inheritance and gift taxation in Spain. - Convention of 5 October 1961 Abolishing the Requirement of Legalisation for Foreign Public Documents (Hague Apostille Convention)
Sets the international standard for recognising foreign public documents. - Official Website of the Hungarian Chamber of Civil Law Notaries (MOKK)
Offers guidance and official contacts for notarial and inheritance procedures in Hungary. - Spanish Tax Agency (Agencia Tributaria – AEAT)
Official resource for inheritance tax obligations and procedures in Spain.
Grupo Hereda
Grupo Hereda is a law firm specialized in international and national inheritances, with more than 25 years of experience handling complex succession cases.
We assist with inheritances in Hungary involving heirs in Spain, as well as inheritances in Spain with beneficiaries residing in Hungary lor other countries.
Our legal team coordinates every phase of the process from obtaining certificates and apostilles to settling taxes and registering assets in the corresponding registries.
If you’re unsure how to manage an inheritance in Hungary Grupo Hereda guides you step by step, offering comprehensive legal advice and remote representation.
We also manage all types of international and national inheritances, ensuring legal security and time efficiency.
💬 Free Consultation:
If you are facing a complex inheritance or don’t know where to start, don’t give up your rights.
Contact us, and we will find a personalized solution for your case.
📞 Call us: (+34) 915 487 550
📧 Email: info@grupohereda.com
🌍 We operate throughout Spain and handle international inheritances across Europe and beyond the EU.
