How To Inherit A Property in Serbia If You Are A Foreigner

Inheriting property in Serbia is governed by the Law on Inheritance, which provides the legal framework for the transfer of property from a deceased person to their heirs.

Can a foreign national inherit in Serbia?

In that regards, a question that we often receive is can a foreigner inherit immovable property in Serbia.

And, a short answer is: Yes, a foreigner can inherit real estate in Serbia.

The Law on Inheritance applies equally to both Serbian citizens and foreign nationals. However, it is important to note that there may be certain restrictions or additional requirements for foreigners who inherit property in Serbia, such as obtaining a residence permit or registering with the relevant authorities.

Additionally, there may be tax implications for foreign heirs, and it is recommended that they seek the advice of a legal professional to understand their obligations and options.

Which steps must be followed?

To inherit property in Serbia, you must generally follow these steps:

Death Certificate in Serbia

  1. Obtain a death certificate: Before you can inherit property, you need to obtain a death certificate of the deceased from the relevant authority.

Existence of Testament in Serbia

  1. Establish the presence of a will: If the deceased person has left a will, it must be verified by a court. This can be done by submitting the will to the relevant court along with a request for verification.

Who Are Heirs in Serbia?

  1. Identify the heirs: If there is no will or if the will is invalid, the law on inheritance provides for a specific order of heirs who will inherit the property. The first heirs in line are the spouse, children, and parents of the deceased person.

Apply For Your Share

  1. Apply for inheritance: Once you have established your eligibility to inherit the property, you need to apply for inheritance at the relevant court. The application must include a copy of the death certificate, proof of your relationship to the deceased person, and any other relevant documentation.

Settle Your Dues

  1. Pay any applicable taxes: In Serbia, there is an inheritance tax that is levied on the value of the property being inherited. The tax rates vary depending on the relationship between the deceased person and the heir.

Enjoy the Property

  1. Receive the property: Once the court has verified your eligibility to inherit the property and all taxes have been paid, the property can be transferred to you as the new owner.
PS. It is important to note that inheritance laws and procedures can be complex, and it is recommended that you seek the advice of a legal professional to guide you through the process.

For more information on this or any other legal, tax, or business topic, feel free to write to us at [email protected] at any time or call us at phone number +381113281914 every working day from 08:30 to 16:30.

Information contained in this alert is for the general education and knowledge of our readers. It is not designed to be, and should not be used as, the sole source of information when analyzing and resolving a legal problem, and it should not be substituted for legal advice, which relies on a specific factual analysis. Moreover, the laws of each jurisdiction are different and are constantly changing. This information is not intended to create, and receipt of it does not constitute an attorney-client relationship. If you have specific questions regarding a particular fact situation, we urge you to consult the authors of this publication, your AK STATT representative, or other competent legal counsel.

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