To manage an inheritance in Sweden with heirs in Spain, or an inheritance in Spain with heirs in Sweden, identify the applicable law, gather all necessary certificates and documents, obtain apostilles and translations, determine the competent notary or authority, pay taxes in each jurisdiction, and formalize the allocation and registration of assets. Below you’ll find detailed steps, a document/deadline table, and a FAQ section.
If you are wondering, “How to manage an inheritance in Sweden?”, follow these steps and check the quick reference table to avoid missing any process.
Table of Contents
Steps
Applicable law and will:
Determine the deceased’s habitual residence and check if the EU Regulation 650/2012 applies. Verify if the will includes choice of law (professio iuris) to prevent conflicts between Swedish and Spanish rules.
Documentation:
Collect death certificates, wills, inventory of assets, and ensure documents are apostilled and translated according to the Hague Apostille Convention 1961.
Notary or representation:
In Sweden, inheritance procedures are managed via Skatteverket (Swedish Tax Agency) and, for Spanish assets, a Spanish notary. Powers of attorney allow remote representation.
Taxation:
Declare Inheritance and Donations Tax (ISD) in Spain and check the Inheritance Tax in Sweden via Skatteverket. Review double taxation treaties to avoid paying taxes twice.
Allocation & registration:
Execute the deed of acceptance or partition, and register assets with Lantmäteriet in Sweden or the Spanish Land Registry, depending on the location.
Documents & Deadlines
| Document | Issued by | Where | Apostille/Translation? | Approx. Time | Approx. Cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Death certificate | Civil Registry | Country of death | Yes, if foreign | 3–10 days | €10–30 |
| Last will / Testament | RGAUV / Notary | Spain / Sweden | Apostille + translation if required | 3–15 days | €20–60 |
| Inventory of assets | Entities / Registries | Each country | Depending on document | 1–4 weeks | — |
| Hague Apostille | Competent authority | Issuing country | — | 1–10 days | €20–60 |
| Certified translation | Sworn translator | — | — | 2–7 days | €0.08–0.15/word |
| Deed of acceptance/partition | Notary | Spain / Sweden | Depending on annexes | 1–3 weeks | €300–1,200 |
Taxes
- ISD (Spain): depends on the Autonomous Community of the heirs. See Spanish Tax Agency.
- Sweden: currently no inheritance tax, but capital gains or other charges may apply. See Skatteverket.
- Municipal plusvalía (Spain): applies if there are urban properties.
- Double taxation: review the Spain–Sweden Convention for exemptions or credit rules.
Useful references:
AEAT | BOE | Skatteverket | EU Regulation 650/2012
Allocation & Registration
- Deed of acceptance/partition: include inventory and allocations.
- Registration: file properties with Swedish Lantmäteriet or Spanish Land Registry.
- Remote representation: allowed via notarized and apostilled powers of attorney.
Frequently Asked Questions
How to manage an inheritance in Sweden?
Identify the applicable law (EU 650/2012), gather certificates, legalize and translate documents, determine notary or Skatteverket, pay taxes, and formalize allocation and registration.
How do I manage an inheritance in Sweden?
Follow these steps: applicable law → documents (certificates, apostille, translations) → notary/solicitor → taxes (Spain and Sweden) → deed & registration.
What documents do I need (CSE, apostille, translations)?
Death certificates, last wills, inventory, apostille, and certified translation if documents are foreign.
Where do I pay taxes if there are assets in Spain and Sweden?
In Spain (ISD and municipal plusvalía) and Sweden according to local legislation or double taxation agreements.
Can I manage everything remotely?
Yes, with notarized and apostilled powers of attorney. Both Spanish notaries and Skatteverket usually accept representation.
Conclusion
Manage your inheritance in Sweden quickly, safely, and professionally with Grupo Hereda.
Our international inheritance lawyers offer free consultation and personalized assistance in both Sweden and Spain. We handle all procedures—from certificates to registration—ensuring compliance and avoiding delays. If you are unsure how to manage an inheritance in Sweden, professional guidance from Grupo Hereda is the most reliable and stress-free solution.
Legal References with Links
- EU Regulation 650/2012 – European Succession Certificate
- Skatteverket – Inheritance and Taxation in Sweden
- BOE – Spain–Sweden Double Taxation Convention
- Spanish Tax Agency – Inheritance and Donations Tax
- Hague Apostille Convention 1961
- BOE – Spanish Civil and Testamentary Law
GRUPO HEREDA
Grupo Hereda is a law firm with extensive experience in this sector, with over 25 years of practice. We work throughout Spain. If you have an inheritance in Sweden and don’t know where to start, talk to us we work all over Spain.
If you find yourself in a complicated situation, don’t give up. Contact us, and we will find a personalized solution for you. Call us! (+34) 915 487 550 or send an email to info@grupohereda.com.
