Greece prepares a sweeping inheritance law reform
Greece is moving toward a major overhaul of its inheritance law, with the proposed reform expected to enter public consultation shortly and reach a parliamentary vote in the first quarter of 2026.
The initiative marks the first significant modernization of inheritance legislation in almost 8 decades and aims to reflect shifting social norms and demographic trends.
The draft bill introduces new protections for couples living in free unions, granting inheritance rights under specific conditions even when no marriage or civil partnership exists.
New rights for partners in free unions
Under the proposed framework, individuals in long term cohabitation will gain inheritance rights if they lived with their partner for at least 3 years.
The reform allows the surviving partner to remain in the shared home for a minimum of 1 year, ensuring continued housing stability during a period of loss.
The legislation also grants the right to inherit property that would otherwise pass to the state, provided the 3 year cohabitation requirement has been met.
The survivor receives the right to keep household items, offering additional protection to those who built a shared domestic life with the deceased.
Reclassification within the succession order
The surviving partner will be placed in the fifth order of succession, inheriting only when no direct heirs such as children, a spouse or parents are present.
The bill introduces further safeguards for surviving partners in cases where children exist, ensuring they are not left without essential protections.
The proposed reform also makes it possible for the survivor to obtain financial compensation if they contributed significantly and without compensation during the relationship.
Crucial deadlines for eligibility
The reform hinges on two critical timeframes that determine whether inheritance rights can be recognized.
The first requirement is completing 3 years of cohabitation, which establishes the foundation for eligibility.
The second concerns the period within which the surviving partner must take legal action, with the law granting 4 months after the death to file a court application.
The judicial process will verify whether the necessary conditions are met, confirming the duration of cohabitation and thus the right to inherit.
