To manage an inheritance in Luxembourg, identify the applicable law (EU Regulation 650/2012), collect certificates, apostilles, and sworn translations, contact the competent notary or court, fulfill all tax obligations, and formalize the acceptance and registration of assets. Below, you’ll find detailed steps, a documents/timelines table, and frequently asked questions.
If you’re asking yourself, “How to manage an inheritance in Luxembourg?”, follow these steps carefully and check the quick reference table below.
Índice de contenidos
Steps
Applicable law & will:
Check the deceased’s habitual residence; apply EU Regulation 650/2012 if relevant. Review any will and professio iuris.
Documentation:
Gather death certificates, certificates of last wishes, inventories, apostilles, and sworn translations as required.
Notary & representation:
Contact a competent Luxembourg notary or court; arrange powers of attorney if acting remotely.
Taxes:
Determine inheritance tax obligations; Luxembourg has relatively low inheritance tax for direct heirs (0–10%). Check cross-border tax rules if other jurisdictions are involved.
Acceptance & registration:
Formalize the acceptance of inheritance and register assets in Luxembourg and abroad if applicable.
Documents & Timelines
| Document | Issuer | Where | Apostille/Translation | Approx. Timeline | Approx. Cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Death certificate | Civil Registry | Country of death | Yes, if foreign | 3–10 days | 10–30 € |
| Last wills / testament | Luxembourg notary | Luxembourg / abroad | Apostille + translation if needed | 3–15 days | 20–60 € |
| Inventory of assets | Banks / Registries | Country of assets | According to document | 1–4 weeks | — |
| Hague Apostille | Competent authority | Country of issuance | — | 1–10 days | 20–60 € |
| Sworn translation | Certified translator | — | — | 2–7 days | 0.08–0.15 €/word |
| Acceptance deed / partition | Luxembourg notary / foreign notary | According to annexes | — | 1–3 weeks | 300–1,200 € |
Taxes
- Inheritance tax in Luxembourg is low for direct heirs (0–10%).
- Spouses and children may have defined shares according to Luxembourg law.
- Foreign assets may trigger taxes in other jurisdictions; check double taxation treaties.
Sources: Guichet.lu, Global Property Guide, Expatica
Acceptance & Registration
- Prepare the acceptance/partition deed including inventories and asset allocations.
- Register assets with Luxembourg authorities and abroad if needed.
- Remote representation is possible with notarized powers and legalizations.
Frequently Asked Questions
- How to manage an inheritance in Luxembourg?
Identify the applicable law (EU 650/2012), gather documents, legalize and translate, contact the notary, pay taxes, and formalize acceptance and registration. - What documents do I need?
Death certificates, last wills, inventories, apostilles, and sworn translations if documents are foreign. - Where do I pay taxes if there are assets in multiple countries?
Luxembourg inheritance tax applies for Luxembourg assets; check foreign taxes and double taxation agreements. - Can I manage everything remotely?
Yes, with notarized powers and legalized documents; Luxembourg notaries usually accept representation. - Do children or spouses have guaranteed shares?
Yes, under Luxembourg law, children get priority in inheritance; spouses may have usufruct or defined portions.
Conclusion
Navigating “How to manage an inheritance in Luxembourg?” can be complex due to legal, tax, and administrative requirements. For peace of mind and efficiency, seeking professional guidance is strongly recommended. Grupo Hereda, with extensive experience in international inheritance law, can assist at every step of the Luxembourg succession process.
Legal References
1. EU Succession Regulation (Regulation (EU) No 650/2012)
This regulation governs cross-border successions within the EU, including Luxembourg. It addresses jurisdiction, applicable law, recognition and enforcement of decisions, and the creation of a European Certificate of Succession.
2. Luxembourg Inheritance Declaration Requirements
In Luxembourg, heirs and universal legatees must file a declaration of inheritance with the Registration Duties, Estates and VAT Authority (Administration de l’enregistrement, des domaines et de la TVA – AED) following the death of a person whose last domicile was in Luxembourg.
3. Luxembourg Inheritance Tax Overview
Inheritance tax in Luxembourg is levied on the net value of the deceased’s estate, which includes all properties, money, and possessions owned at the time of death. The rate varies depending on the relationship between the deceased and the beneficiary.
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.
