Do I Need a Spanish Will if I Live in Spain?
- Official sources checked
- Written by Sue Berry
- Practical guidance
Published 10 August 2026
If you own property or assets in Spain, a separate Spanish Will can make things much simpler for your family. Here's what you need to know.
The Quick Answer
Possibly yes. If you own property, have bank accounts or other assets in Spain, many expats choose to make a separate Spanish Will that deals only with their Spanish assets.
It can simplify the administration of your estate and reduce delays for your family.
A UK Will may still be valid, but relying on a UK Will alone can sometimes make dealing with Spanish assets slower or more complicated.
Because every family is different, it is sensible to obtain advice from a solicitor or qualified estate planning professional familiar with both UK and Spanish inheritance rules.
Why This Matters
Many British expats assume that writing a UK Will once is enough for life.
Unfortunately, families often discover after someone dies that there are additional documents, translations or legal procedures needed before Spanish assets can be transferred.
Without clear planning, loved ones may experience unnecessary delays, extra legal costs, confusion over which Will applies, difficulties accessing Spanish bank accounts, delays selling Spanish property, and uncertainty about inheritance rules.
A little planning now can save your family considerable stress later.
Frequently asked questions
Can I have both a UK Will and a Spanish Will? Yes. Many expats have both. They are usually drafted so that each deals with assets in its own country and does not revoke the other. A qualified professional can advise on the best arrangement.
Will my UK Will still be valid in Spain? It may be, but using only a UK Will can sometimes make administering Spanish assets more complex. Whether it is appropriate depends on your circumstances.
Do I have to translate my UK Will into Spanish? Not necessarily. If a UK Will needs to be used in Spain, an official sworn translation may be required during the legal process. Whether this is necessary depends on the estate and the advice of the professionals handling it**.
Does Spain have forced heirship rules? Spanish inheritance law can include rules that affect how estates are distributed, although the exact position depends on factors such as nationality, residence, and the applicable law. This is an area where personalised legal advice is important.
How much does a Spanish Will cost? Costs vary by notary, solicitor and region. As a rough guide, many expats pay between €150 and €400 for a straightforward Spanish Will. Always ask for a written quotation before proceeding.
Important — Read Before You Act
This content is for general information only and does not constitute legal advice.
Always seek advice from a qualified solicitor or estate planning professional familiar with both UK and Spanish law.
What To Do — Step by Step
Option 1:
Find a solicitor or notary experienced in helping British expats.
This is the option many expats choose. Look for a bilingual solicitor or notary who regularly works with British expats in your area of Spain.
Tell them about your existing UK Will.
Your Spanish Will should normally deal only with your Spanish assets so it does not accidentally cancel your UK Will. Be clear about this from the start.
Prepare a list of your Spanish assets.
Examples include: property, Spanish bank accounts, vehicles, investments, household contents, and business interests.
Take the right identification to your appointment.
You will normally need: your passport, your NIE or TIE number, and property details if applicable.
Read the draft carefully before signing Ensure it reflects your wishes and works alongside any Will in another country.
Ask questions if anything is unclear.
Sign the Will before the Spanish Notary.
The Notary registers its existence with the Central Registry of Wills in Spain (Registro Central de Últimas Voluntades), making it traceable by your family.
Option 2:
You already have a UK Will: locate your original If you already have a UK Will, don't assume you automatically need a completely new one.
Start by finding your original document.
Ask a solicitor to review your UK Will for Spanish compatibility
Find a solicitor familiar with both UK and Spanish inheritance law.
They can assess whether your existing Will is sufficient or needs updating.
Follow their recommendation
They may suggest: keeping the UK Will as it is, creating a separate Spanish Will covering Spanish assets only, arranging an official sworn translation if the UK Will needs to be used in Spain, or updating your estate planning if your circumstances have changed.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Assuming a UK Will automatically avoids all Spanish procedures
- Accidentally cancelling a UK Will when writing a Spanish one
- Forgetting to update a Will after buying property in Spain
- Not telling your family where the original Will is stored
- Believing your children will automatically inherit everything in the way you expect under Spanish law
Your Action Checklist
- Passport
- NIE or TIE number
- Property deeds
- List of all Spanish assets
- Existing UK Will (if applicable)
- Beneficiary details
- Executor details
In Summary
A Spanish Will is often recommended if you own assets in Spain.
It can help make administration easier for your family.
A UK Will may still remain valid, but the two Wills should be carefully drafted so they work together.
Most importantly — tell your family where the original documents are kept.
Sue’s final thoughts & experiences
A personal note from Sue Berry
In my experience, the biggest problem isn't that people don't have a will — it's that nobody knows where it is. I've seen families spend weeks searching through drawers and paperwork at the worst possible time. Before you do anything else, tell your executor exactly where the original document is stored and keep a note of your solicitor's contact details with your important papers.