Inheritance & wills in Greece

The Greek Civil Code (Αστικός Κώδικας, Book VI) governs the general population. HOWEVER, Greek Muslims of Western Thrace (~120,000, Turkish/Pomak/Roma) have historically been governed by SHARIA COURTS via the Mufti of Xanthi, Komotini, Didymoteicho under the Treaty of Lausanne (1923) and Law 1920/1991. Since Law 4511/2018 sharia jurisdiction is OPTIONAL — Muslims must expressly elect it, otherwise Civil Code applies.

Three forms: (1) holographic — entirely handwritten, signed, dated; (2) public will — dictated before a notary + 3 witnesses (or 2 witnesses + a 2nd notary); (3) secret will — sealed, delivered to a notary + 3 witnesses.

All notarial wills are entered in the Central Register of Wills at the Athens Bar Association. Holographic wills are deposited only after death at any Court of First Instance.

3 adult witnesses for public/secret wills; must not be heirs or spouses/relatives of beneficiaries.

Nomimí Míra (νόμιμη μοίρα): descendants, spouse and parents entitled to 1/2 of their intestate share. Cannot be waived pre-death.

Publication of will at the Court of First Instance (Πρωτοδικείο) within 3 months. Certificate of Inheritance issued for property transfers.

Since 2018 Muslims outside Western Thrace MUST use civil courts. Even in Thrace, expressly choosing the Mufti requires a written declaration by ALL parties. Consult the local mufti for the correct procedural filing.

• Post-2018 the sharia option is OPT-IN, not default — silence means Civil Code applies with forced-heirship.
• Elections between the two systems must be UNANIMOUS among all heirs — one dissenting heir defaults the whole estate to Civil Code.

• Athens Bar — Central Register of Wills
• Mufti of Xanthi (for Thrace Muslims opting into sharia)

• Is Islamic inheritance (faraid) legally recognised in Greece?

  The Greek Civil Code (Αστικός Κώδικας, Book VI) governs the general population. HOWEVER, Greek Muslims of Western Thrace (~120,000, Turkish/Pomak/Roma) have historically been governed by SHARIA COURTS via the Mufti of Xanthi, Komotini, Didymoteicho under the Treaty of Lausanne (1923) and Law 1920/1991. Since Law 4511/2018 sharia jurisdiction is OPTIONAL — Muslims must expressly elect it, otherwise Civil Code applies.

• What makes an Islamic will (Wasiyyah) legally valid in Greece?

  Three forms: (1) holographic — entirely handwritten, signed, dated; (2) public will — dictated before a notary + 3 witnesses (or 2 witnesses + a 2nd notary); (3) secret will — sealed, delivered to a notary + 3 witnesses.

• Where do I register my will in Greece?

  All notarial wills are entered in the Central Register of Wills at the Athens Bar Association. Holographic wills are deposited only after death at any Court of First Instance.

• Does Greece have forced-heirship rules that override an Islamic will?

  Nomimí Míra (νόμιμη μοίρα): descendants, spouse and parents entitled to 1/2 of their intestate share. Cannot be waived pre-death.

• How does probate work in Greece?

  Publication of will at the Court of First Instance (Πρωτοδικείο) within 3 months. Certificate of Inheritance issued for property transfers.

• How many witnesses do I need for a will in Greece?

  3 adult witnesses for public/secret wills; must not be heirs or spouses/relatives of beneficiaries.

• What are the most common Islamic-will pitfalls in Greece?

  Post-2018 the sharia option is OPT-IN, not default — silence means Civil Code applies with forced-heirship. Elections between the two systems must be UNANIMOUS among all heirs — one dissenting heir defaults the whole estate to Civil Code.