Do You Need a Spanish Will?

A Spanish will, a testamento abierto, is made in person at a notary, registered centrally, and usually costs about €40 to €80 (2026). For anyone with a home or money in Spain, it can save the people you leave behind a great deal of paperwork.

Which law applies?

Under EU rules, your estate is governed by the law of the country where you habitually live, unless your will chooses the law of your nationality. Many foreigners make that choice to avoid Spain’s forced heirship rules, which reserve part of an estate for children.

Don’t cancel your will at home

If you also have a will in your home country, make sure the Spanish one doesn’t accidentally revoke it, and that the two don’t conflict. Many people make a Spanish will that covers their Spanish assets and leaves their home will in place.

Making it

List your assets in Spain and elsewhere, decide who inherits and who will be executor, and bring your NIE and passport. Choose a notary used to foreign clients, or bring an interpreter. The notary reads the will to you, you sign it, and it’s registered. Keep a copy and tell your executor where it is. It’s also worth considering a lasting power of attorney and a healthcare advance directive, and reviewing your will after marriage, divorce, new children or selling property.

Get organised with our making a Spanish will checklist.