To manage an inheritance in Denmark effectively, it’s essential to determine the applicable law under EU Regulation 650/2012, collect all required documents such as death certificates, apostilles, and sworn translations, and contact the competent Danish notary or probate court. You must also comply with Danish estate tax rules and finalize the transfer and registration of assets. Below you’ll find a step-by-step guide, a document checklist, and a section of frequently asked questions.
If you wonder, “How do I manage an inheritance in Denmark?”, follow these steps and review the quick reference table below.
Table of Contents📋
Steps ⚖️
Applicable Law and Will:
Determine the deceased’s habitual residence and, if relevant, apply EU Regulation (EU) 650/2012. Review any will or testamentary dispositions. In Denmark, if there is no will, intestate succession applies, ensuring that spouses and children receive their compulsory share.
Documentation:
Gather death and inheritance certificates, property inventories, apostilles, and certified translations according to each country involved. Always ensure that foreign documents are legally recognized in Denmark.
Notary and Representation:
Contact a Danish notary (“skifteretten”) or a legal representative familiar with cross-border estates. If managing the inheritance remotely, grant an international power of attorney to a Danish inheritance lawyer.
Tax Obligations:
In Denmark, inheritance is not taxed in the traditional sense, but estate taxes and fees can reach up to 52% of the total estate value, depending on the relationship between the deceased and the heirs. Review any potential double taxation treaties if assets exist in other countries.
Acceptance and Registration:
The inheritance process ends with the official acceptance and registration of assets in Danish land and financial registries. This includes submitting notarized documents and translations
Documents and Deadlines 📑
| Document | Issued By | Where | Apostille/Translation | Average Time | Approx. Cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Death Certificate | Civil Registry | Country of death | Yes, if foreign | 3–10 days | €10–30 |
| Certificate of Inheritance / Will | Notary / Court | Denmark / Abroad | Apostille + translation if needed | 3–15 days | €20–60 |
| Asset Inventory | Banks / Registries | Each country | Depending on document | 1–4 weeks | — |
| Hague Apostille | Competent Authority | Issuing country | — | 1–10 days | €20–60 |
| Sworn Translation | Certified Translator | — | — | 2–7 days | €0.08–0.15 per word |
| Acceptance Deed / Partition | Notary | Denmark / Abroad | — | 1–3 weeks | €300–1,200 |
Taxes 💰
- Estate Duty (Boafgift):
- Applied to the value of the estate. The standard rate is 15%, but can reach up to 36.25% or more depending on the heir’s relationship with the deceased.
- Capital Gains Tax:
- If assets are sold before distribution, taxes may apply on the profits.
- Double Taxation:
- Check bilateral tax agreements between Denmark and the other country (for example, Spain–Denmark).
- Foreign Property:
- If there are assets in Spain or another EU country, taxes may apply in both jurisdictions, following the double taxation agreement.
Useful references:
- EU Regulation 650/2012
- Danish Ministry of Justice – Arveloven (Inheritance Act)
- Skattestyrelsen – Taxation in Denmark
Registration and Acceptance 🏠
- Draft the deed of acceptance and partition including all assets and heirs.
- Submit to Skifteretten (Probate Court) or notary for approval.
- Register properties and other assets in the Tinglysning (Danish Land Register).
- Remote representation is allowed through notarized powers and proper legalizati
Frequently Asked Questions ❓
How to manage an inheritance in Denmark if the deceased lived there?
Follow Danish probate procedures, present the will and death certificate, and comply with EU Regulation 650/2012. If there’s no will, intestate succession ensures compulsory shares for children and spouses.
How to manage an inheritance in Denmark from abroad?
Grant an international power of attorney and appoint a Danish inheritance lawyer. They’ll handle the estate, submit documents, and represent you before notarial and tax authorities.
What documents are needed to manage an inheritance in Denmark?
Death certificates, wills, asset inventories, apostilles, and sworn translations of all foreign documents.
Where are taxes paid if assets are in Denmark and another country (e.g., Spain)?
In both countries, depending on the asset location and heir’s residence, following double taxation treaties to avoid duplication.
Can I manage the inheritance without traveling to Denmark?
Yes, by granting an international power of attorney to a specialized lawyer. Grupo Hereda can manage the entire process remotely, including notarial, legal, and tax matters.
What happens if there is no will in Denmark?
The Danish Inheritance Act applies, distributing assets to the spouse and children. Mandatory shares (“tvangsarv”) protect the heirs’ rights regardless of testamentary intent.
Conclusion 🎬
Handling “How to manage an inheritance in Denmark?” requires careful attention to legal, tax, and administrative complexities. Danish inheritance law guarantees strong protections for heirs, but international elements—such as assets or beneficiaries in multiple countries—can complicate the process. To ensure full compliance and a smooth succession, it’s highly recommended to seek professional guidance. Grupo Hereda, with over 25 years of experience in national and international inheritance cases, provides expert support and step-by-step assistance throughout the Danish inheritance process.
Legal References📚
- Arveloven – Danish Inheritance Act
- EU Regulation 650/2012 on International Successions
- Tax on Inheritance in Denmark – Skattestyrelsen
- Estate Administration with Assets in Denmark – Baker Tilly Legal
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 Denmark involving heirs in Spain, as well as inheritances in Spain with beneficiaries residing in Denmark or 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 Denmark 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.
