Law 5303/2026 introduces the most extensive reform of Greek Inheritance Law in decades – New rules on forced heirship, wills, intestate succession and the protection of heirs
Law 5303/2026 introduces sweeping changes to the way property is inherited, distributed and transferred, marking one of the most significant reforms of Greek inheritance law in recent decades.
Published in the Government Gazette (Government Gazette A’ 81/22 May 2026), the new legislation replaces Book Five of the Greek Civil Code and establishes a modern legal framework that directly affects property owners, families, spouses, partners and future heirs.
The core provisions of the new legislation apply to estates of persons whose death occurs on or after 16 September 2026. At the same time, the law contains transitional provisions governing previously executed wills and pending inheritance matters.
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Forced Heirship: A Fundamental Change in the Protection of Heirs
One of the most significant reforms concerns forced heirship, the legal institution designed to protect certain close relatives—known as forced heirs—from being completely excluded from an inheritance.
Under the previous legal regime, forced heirship created proprietary rights over the estate, often resulting in co-ownership of specific assets.
Consequently, real property that a testator intended to leave entirely to one beneficiary could ultimately become divided among several heirs.
In practice, this frequently creates serious difficulties. Properties often remained unused, sales were delayed or prevented altogether, and family disputes evolved into lengthy and costly court proceedings.
The new Inheritance Law fundamentally changes this approach by transforming the forced heir’s entitlement into a personal monetary claim rather than a direct proprietary interest in specific assets.
The beneficiary therefore continues to enjoy financial protection without necessarily acquiring an ownership interest in a particular property.
This reform is intended to reduce the fragmentation of estates and facilitate the efficient management and transfer of real estate, businesses and other productive assets.
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Stricter Rules for Holographic Wills
The new legislation also introduces important changes to the law governing wills.
The holographic will—that is, a will entirely handwritten, dated and signed by the testator—remains legally valid and has not been abolished.
However, the new legal framework strengthens procedures designed to enhance authenticity and legal certainty.
These reforms are particularly significant because holographic wills have traditionally generated substantial litigation, often involving disputes over handwriting, signatures, the genuine intentions of the deceased or even the circumstances under which the will was discovered.
The objective is to eliminate legal uncertainty and ensure that a person’s final wishes are implemented with the greatest possible degree of certainty and the fewest possible legal challenges.
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Testamentary Capacity from the Age of Sixteen
Another noteworthy reform concerns the minimum age at which a person may execute a valid will.
Under the new legislation, only minors who have not yet reached the age of sixteen lack testamentary capacity.
Accordingly, individuals who have reached the age of sixteen may, subject to the legal requirements established by law, validly execute a will.
This represents an important departure from the previous legal framework and forms part of the broader modernization of the rules governing testamentary succession.
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A New Legal Institution: Inheritance Contracts
One of the most innovative aspects of Law 5303/2026 is the introduction of inheritance contracts effective upon death.
Until now, Greek inheritance law was based almost exclusively on wills and intestate succession.
The new legal framework allows, under strict statutory conditions and by means of a notarial deed, the future distribution of an estate to be arranged contractually before death.
Inheritance contracts may be concluded from 16 September 2026 onwards and represent one of the most significant institutional innovations introduced by the reform.
They are expected to play a particularly important role in family succession planning and business continuity, especially where substantial estates, family-owned businesses or long-term succession planning are involved.
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New Rights for the Surviving Spouse
The reform also significantly affects intestate succession, namely the legal rules that apply when a person dies without leaving a valid will.
Under the new framework, the legal position of the surviving spouse is strengthened in certain circumstances through adjustments to the spouse’s statutory share of the estate.
Importance is attached to cases where the deceased leaves only one child, as the surviving spouse’s inheritance share is increased compared to the previous legal regime.
This reform reflects the modern understanding that the surviving spouse occupies a central role in both the family’s personal life and its economic wellbeing, and that his or her contribution to the creation, preservation and growth of the family estate deserves greater legal recognition.
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Greater Protection for Cohabiting Partners
The new legislation also introduces important protection for individuals living in long-term unmarried relationships.
Greek inheritance law now seeks to reflect contemporary social realities, recognizing that many couples choose to live together for many years without entering into marriage.
Subject to the legal requirements established by the new law, the surviving cohabiting partner may now benefit from specific inheritance rights and legal protections.
Emphasis is placed on safeguarding the shared family home, since the death of one partner may leave the surviving partner in an especially vulnerable position, particularly where other heirs are involved.
This represents one of the most significant social reforms introduced by the new Inheritance Law, adapting the legal framework to modern forms of family life.
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Inherited Debts: Stronger Protection of the Heir’s Personal Assets
Another major reform concerns the liability of heirs for the debts of the deceased.
So-called “toxic inheritances” have become a serious social and economic issue in recent years.
Many individuals have unexpectedly inherited not only houses or land but also substantial bank loans, tax liabilities and other debts, often without being fully aware of the financial obligations attached to the estate.
The new Inheritance Law establishes, as a fundamental principle, a clearer separation between the estate of the deceased and the personal assets of the heir.
The objective of this reform is to ensure that the deceased’s liabilities are satisfied primarily from the estate itself, thereby strengthening the protection of the heir’s personal property.
This is one of the most significant practical improvements introduced by the new legal framework, reducing the risk that an inheritance may become a serious financial burden for the next generation.
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What Happens to Existing Wills?
Special attention should be given to the transitional provisions of the new legislation.
The enactment of Law 5303/2026 does not mean that all previously executed wills automatically become invalid or must be rewritten.
The law expressly provides that any will executed—or revoked—before the entry into force of the new legal framework continues to be governed, with respect to its formal validity and the testator’s legal capacity, by the law that was in force at the time it was made, even if the testator dies after the new legislation becomes effective.
Nevertheless, individuals who prepared their wills many years ago are strongly encouraged to review them to determine whether they continue to reflect their present family circumstances, financial situation and estate planning objectives, as well as to ensure compatibility with the new legal framework.
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A Reform That Will Affect Virtually Every Greek Family
Law 5303/2026 is far more than a technical amendment to the Greek Civil Code.
It fundamentally reshapes the philosophy underlying the transfer of wealth from one generation to the next.
The conversion of forced heirship into a monetary claim, the new rules governing wills, the introduction of inheritance contracts, the strengthened legal position of the surviving spouse, and the recognition of modern cohabiting relationships collectively create an entirely new inheritance landscape.
At the same time, the enhanced protection against inherited debts seeks to address a longstanding problem that has placed many families under severe financial pressure.
For property owners, families and future heirs alike, the new legal framework makes early estate planning more important than ever.
Properly drafting—or reviewing—an existing Will, understanding the new legal rights and obligations, and obtaining timely professional legal advice can help prevent future family disputes, lengthy litigation and unexpected financial consequences.
Anastasios Moussas
President & CEO
Integrated Consulting Services, A division of BM GROUP CORP.
Athens, Greece
July 21, 2026
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