How to Inherit Property from Abroad?

How to inherit property abroad is a question that concerns many Ukrainians living outside Ukraine. You may find yourself in a situation where returning home is not an option, yet you have the right to an inheritance in your home country. How can you take all the necessary steps to claim your inheritance without missing deadlines or making mistakes? It’s important to understand that while the process is complex, it can be managed effectively if you know where to seek help.

In this article, we will explain how to inherit property from abroad, what is required for the process, which documents and deadlines to consider, and what costs to expect. If you need assistance, our company offers full legal support for remote inheritance procedures, ensuring a swift resolution of your case.

Features of Inheriting Property Abroad Without Returning to Ukraine

Inheriting property abroad without the need to return to Ukraine is possible if you understand the procedure and legal nuances. A key aspect is contacting Ukrainian consular or diplomatic institutions, which can:

• Issue a certificate of inheritance rights under Article 38 of the Law of Ukraine "On Notaries."
• Notarize an inheritance acceptance statement, which can then be sent to a Ukrainian notary by mail.

Our company specializes in assisting with such matters, providing reliable legal support to clients. We help prepare documents and facilitate communication with consulates and notaries.

Submitting Inheritance Acceptance Statement from Abroad

An inheritance acceptance statement is a formal declaration confirming an heir’s intention to claim their inheritance. If you are residing outside Ukraine but have an inheritance to settle there, you can submit this statement by mail. However, to ensure the process is legally valid and hassle-free, it is essential to follow specific requirements.

For the statement to be legally valid, it must be notarized and include the following information:

1. The full name of the notary or the official name of the notary office.
2. The complete address of the notary or notary office.
3. Your personal details: full name, passport number, registered address, and contact information.
4. Details of the deceased: full name, date of death, and last known residence.
5. A clear description of the inherited assets.
6. The names of any other known heirs, if applicable.

An inheritance acceptance statement must also include the following documents:

• A copy of your identification document.
• A copy of the deceased’s death certificate.
• Proof of the deceased’s last registered address.

To make the process easier and more cost-effective, we recommend that heirs contact the Ukrainian consulate in their country of residence. A consular officer can certify the signature on the statement, offering a simple and efficient alternative to using local notaries. This not only streamlines the procedure but also ensures compliance with legal requirements.

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Required Documents for Inheriting Property from Abroad

Claiming an inheritance from abroad involves preparing a comprehensive set of documents to establish your legal rights. It also requires fulfilling formalities such as apostille certification or document legalization. The accuracy and completeness of these documents will determine how efficiently you can secure your inheritance in Ukraine. Key documents for the inheritance process include:

• A notarized inheritance acceptance statement, certified with an apostille or legalized.
• A copy of the heir’s passport and tax identification number (if required).
• The deceased’s death certificate.
• Proof of family relationship (birth or marriage certificate).
• A will (if applicable).
• A notarized power of attorney for a representative, with an apostille or legalization.

Additional documents may be required depending on the specific circumstances. Our team can guide you through the process, help compile the necessary paperwork, and advise on any further legal requirements relevant to your case.

Timeframe for Claiming an Inheritance from Abroad

Under Ukrainian law, heirs have six months from the date of the deceased’s passing or their official declaration of death to claim their inheritance. During this period, the heir must submit an inheritance acceptance statement to a notary. Missing this deadline may result in losing inheritance rights, except in exceptional cases where the timeframe can be restored through a court ruling.

Due to martial law in Ukraine, certain adjustments have been made to the calculation of deadlines. If a person’s death is officially registered more than a month after their actual passing (or official declaration of death), the six-month period for inheritance acceptance begins from the date of state registration of death, rather than the actual date of passing.

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Costs of Inheriting Property from Abroad

The cost of claiming an inheritance from abroad depends on various factors, including the type and value of the assets, the heir’s location, and the level of legal assistance required. While the exact amount varies case by case, the main expenses typically include:

• Notary fees and legal consultations
• Translation, apostille, or document legalization costs
• Courier and mailing expenses
• Legal representation in Ukraine

The total cost can range from a few thousand hryvnias to significantly higher amounts, particularly for large or complex estates.

If you require legal assistance, fees will depend on the scope of work, such as document preparation, legal advice, and representation before notaries and authorities in Ukraine. We offer flexible service packages tailored to different levels of complexity, allowing you to choose the best option for your needs. You can explore the available options here.

How We Can Assist You

Our law firm specializes in inheritance matters, particularly for clients living outside Ukraine. We provide comprehensive legal support to help you navigate the inheritance process smoothly and efficiently, ensuring compliance with all legal requirements. Our services include:

1. Expert Inheritance Consultation. We offer tailored advice on how to claim an inheritance from abroad, explaining the legal process, required documents, and key deadlines. Whether the inheritance is based on a will or legal succession, we ensure you understand your rights and obligations.
2. Preparation of an Inheritance Acceptance Statement. Our team drafts legally compliant inheritance acceptance statements under Ukrainian law.
3. Power of Attorney for Representation in Ukraine. If you prefer to delegate the inheritance process, we can prepare and legalize all the required documents.
4. Document Retrieval and Legalization in Ukraine. We assist in obtaining essential documents in Ukraine, such as death certificates, proof of the deceased’s last residence, and other required records.
5. Representation Before Notaries and Government Institutions in Ukraine. Our lawyers handle all procedures required to initiate the inheritance process, liaising with notaries and other relevant authorities.

Inheritance is your legal right to property and assets. Let us handle the process for you, so you can avoid the complexities—we take care of everything.

Call us or submit a request on our website with confidence in a successful outcome!