Cyprus inheritance tax: there is none, but you still need a clear will

Cyprus has no inheritance tax, but succession rules and assets in several countries need a clear will. We prepare a will that works with your other countries, signed off by a licensed Cyprus advocate.

Inheritance taxNone in Cyprus

CoversCyprus and foreign assets

Typical time2–4 weeks

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Checked 28 October 2026

Steps and timeline

1
Review assets and family
Assets in each country and close family. Cyprus law protects a reserved share for heirs that a will cannot give away, and its rules apply to property in Cyprus.
1 week
2
Draft and sign
The will is written, signed by you before at least two witnesses present at the same time, with every page signed or initialled.
1–3 weeks
3
Safekeeping
File the will at the Registry of your district, or keep it yourself or with a person you choose.

Do you need a will in Cyprus?

If you own property in Cyprus, usually yes. Cyprus succession law applies to Cyprus property and reserves part of the estate for children, a spouse or parents. A Cyprus will, signed before two witnesses, makes clear who gets the rest. It is drafted and checked by a licensed Cyprus advocate.

What happens to a Cyprus estate after death?

The executor named in the will, or an administrator appointed by the District Court of the last domicile, handles the estate. Within six months they give the tax authorities a statement of assets and liabilities, even though there is no inheritance tax. Debts and taxes are paid first, then the heirs receive the rest.

Official forms explained

Official form: — · how to fill it in

Who does what

What you do

Share your situation and goals
Collect documents from home
Agree the scope of work in writing

What we do

Check the requirements for your case
Prepare the documents and file the application
Follow up until the decision

Your coordinator

Plans the work and next steps
Keeps one timeline for everything
Reminds you of renewals and deadlines

Common mistakes

Planning a joint will with your spouse. Cyprus law has none; each spouse makes a separate will and may name the other sole heir.
Signing with one witness, or with witnesses who are not present together, or leaving pages unsigned.
Leaving Cyprus property away from close family without checking the reserved share, which a will cannot dispose of.
Not telling anyone where the will is kept.

What affects the cost

The price depends on your situation. We explain the scope and expected costs before work begins.

Assets in several countriesYour family: children, a spouse or parents change the reserved shareWhether you own property in Cyprus

Questions

Is there inheritance tax in Cyprus?

No. Estate duty was abolished from 1 January 2000, but the executor or administrator must still give the tax authorities a statement of the deceased's assets and liabilities within six months of death.

Do I need a separate Cyprus will?

Often useful for Cyprus property, since Cyprus succession law applies to immovable property there; the lawyer advises.

Can I leave my Cyprus property to anyone I want?

Not entirely. Cyprus law protects a reserved share of the estate for children, or for a spouse or parents, that cannot be disposed of by will.

Can spouses make a joint will in Cyprus?

No. Each spouse makes a separate will, and they may name each other as sole heirs.

What happens to an estate after death in Cyprus?

A court appoints an administrator to distribute the estate, through the District Court of the last domicile. Debts and taxes are paid from the estate first, and heirs are not personally liable for them.

Sources

Figures checked 28 October 2026. Rules change: we confirm them for your case before you act.

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A coordinator replies within one working day with the next steps.