{"id":13806,"date":"2025-08-20T15:57:21","date_gmt":"2025-08-20T13:57:21","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.successioniinternazionali.com\/documenti-necessari-per-una-successione-internazionale\/"},"modified":"2025-09-19T16:10:40","modified_gmt":"2025-09-19T14:10:40","slug":"documents-required-for-an-international-inheritance","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.successioniinternazionali.com\/en\/documents-required-for-an-international-inheritance\/","title":{"rendered":"Documents required for international succession"},"content":{"rendered":"

The\u00a0Studio Legale Crivello<\/strong>\u00a0has been dealing with cross-border inheritance matters for years and, in this first paragraph, we introduce the essential documents for dealing with an\u00a0international succession<\/strong>\u00a0with clarity and certainty.<\/p>\n

The\u00a0international succession<\/strong>\u00a0opens at death and the place of opening is the last\u00a0habitual residence<\/strong>\u00a0of the deceased, which is crucial to identify the applicable\u00a0law for the succession<\/strong>\u00a0according to EU Regulation 650\/2012. For this reason, proof of residence and registry documents are among the first documents to be collected when initiating the file.<\/p>\n

Often the case may be handled by a court in the last country of residence or by a notary in an EU Member State; both will require clear wills and declarations if the testator has chosen a different law. The role of the notary and legal advisor becomes crucial in drafting compliant deeds and registering the choice of the applicable\u00a0law for the succession<\/strong>.<\/p>\n

In order to proceed validly, it is therefore necessary to prepare comprehensive documentation: personal documents, proof of\u00a0habitual residence<\/strong>, will, estate deeds and bank documentation. In many cases, certified\u00a0translations<\/strong>, legalisations or\u00a0apostilles<\/strong>\u00a0will be needed to make the documents usable abroad.<\/p>\n

Finally, the\u00a0European Certificate of Succession<\/strong>\u00a0should not be forgotten: when provided for, this document facilitates the recognition of beneficiaries’ rights in other Member States. In the following sections we will explain which\u00a0documents for succession<\/strong>\u00a0are required in detail and how to choose the competent authority to obtain the\u00a0European Certificate of Succession<\/strong>\u00a0and the other necessary documents.<\/p>\n

International succession: essential documents and choice of law<\/h2>\n

At the\u00a0Studio Legale Crivello<\/strong><\/a>\u00a0we approach the practice of\u00a0international succession<\/strong>\u00a0with an organised approach to reduce delays and disputes. The collection of the\u00a0certificate of death<\/strong>\u00a0remains the first act to be verified; if issued abroad, it requires translation and\u00a0apostille<\/strong>\u00a0according to the country of issue. A complete dossier speeds up access to\u00a0foreign accounts<\/strong>\u00a0and wealth reports.<\/p>\n

Personal and identity documents<\/em><\/p>\n

We ask the heirs for copies of the heirs’\u00a0identity documents<\/strong>\u00a0and the heirs’\u00a0tax code<\/strong>\u00a0for paperwork in Italy. The certificate of\u00a0family status<\/strong>\u00a0and the deed of marriage or civil partnership serve to identify the legal beneficiaries. The presence of valid documents allows the notary or the court to proceed without omissions and facilitates civil registration when required.<\/p>\n

Proof of habitual residence<\/em><\/p>\n

The\u00a0EU Regulation 650\/2012<\/strong>\u00a0favours the law of the last\u00a0habitual residence<\/strong>\u00a0of the deceased. We collect the\u00a0proof of residence<\/strong>\u00a0by means of\u00a0registry registration<\/strong>, utility bills, employment contracts and tax records. If the evidence is inconclusive, disputes over the\u00a0choice of law of succession<\/strong>\u00a0may arise, and early documentation avoids complications.<\/p>\n

Wills and declarations on chosen law<\/em><\/p>\n

The\u00a0Studio Legale Crivello\u00a0<\/strong>then verifies the presence of a\u00a0public will<\/strong>,\u00a0international will<\/strong>\u00a0or other recognised form. If the person concerned has made the\u00a0choice of law of succession<\/strong>, this indication must appear in the will or in a separate\u00a0choice of law declaration<\/strong>. The notary may draft clear clauses to reduce uncertainty between different national laws.<\/p>\n

Assets and bank documents<\/em><\/p>\n

We then request\u00a0cadastral surveys<\/strong>\u00a0and\u00a0deeds of ownership<\/strong>\u00a0for real estate, along with\u00a0account statements<\/strong>\u00a0and documentation for securities and investments. For foreign\u00a0accounts<\/strong>\u00a0it is useful to obtain IBAN details and post-mortem access conditions. This documentation allows an accurate assessment of the estate and supports the possible issuance of the\u00a0European Certificate of Succession<\/strong>.<\/p>\n

Practical procedures, European Certificate of Succession and competent authorities<\/h2>\n

When a succession involves several countries, it is crucial to know how to navigate between the different national authorities and the instruments provided by European law. A correct choice of competent authority can simplify the procedure and avoid delays. Often the competent\u00a0tribunal of the succession<\/strong>\u00a0is mandatory in the event of a dispute. A\u00a0notary for succession<\/strong>\u00a0can handle non-litigious acts and speed up the proceedings.<\/p>\n

Choice of competent authority: court or notary<\/em><\/p>\n

When there is a disagreement between heirs or a court order is needed, turning to the\u00a0court competent for the succession<\/strong>\u00a0is the necessary way. If the parties agree on the\u00a0choice of the court<\/strong>\u00a0of another Member State for the applicable law, they must formalise the agreement. For consensual practices, we prefer to work with a\u00a0notary for succession<\/strong>, who often issues documents that are valid for foreign authorities.<\/p>\n

European Certificate of Succession: when and how to apply for it<\/em><\/p>\n

The European Certificate of Succession proves the status of heir or executor. It is required when dealing with assets in several EU countries. The\u00a0issuance of the certificate of inheritance<\/strong>\u00a0can take place at the\u00a0court competent for the succession<\/strong>\u00a0or through the\u00a0notary<\/strong>, depending on the local regulations.<\/p>\n

Certified\u00a0copies<\/strong>\u00a0of the certificate facilitate access to accounts and property management. The validity of the\u00a0certified copies<\/strong>\u00a0covers the first six months and can be extended. In the event of inaccuracies, it is possible to request that the document be amended or withdrawn.<\/p>\n

Recognition and enforceability of foreign judgments and documents<\/em><\/p>\n

An inheritance judgment issued in one Member State is generally recognised in the other EU states. The procedures for enforceability of EU judgments are used to obtain compulsory intervention. If the other party does not comply, a declaration of enforceability is made.<\/p>\n

A\u00a0recognition objection<\/strong>\u00a0may arise due to issues of public policy or violation of the right of defence. In such cases, it is essential to prepare pleadings and evidentiary documents to support the\u00a0recognition of inheritance judgments<\/strong>.<\/p>\n

Useful documents for interfacing with foreign banks and authorities<\/em><\/p>\n

Working with foreign institutions requires\u00a0certified translations<\/strong>\u00a0and, where required,\u00a0apostilles<\/strong>\u00a0on notarial deeds. We at Studio Legale Crivello recommend preparing\u00a0international power of attorney<\/strong>\u00a0to handle accounts and sales in foreign countries.<\/p>\n

The\u00a0documents for foreign banks<\/strong>\u00a0include the European Certificate of Succession,\u00a0certified copies<\/strong>\u00a0of wills and powers of attorney, proof of identity and proof of residence. Proper preparation reduces rejections by counters and accelerates wealth transfers.<\/p>\n

Conclusion<\/h2>\n

To deal with an international succession, it is essential to carefully collect the\u00a0certificate of death<\/strong>, identity documents, proof of habitual residence, the will with any choice of law, and estate and bank documentation. These elements make it possible to identify the competent authority and, when necessary, apply for the European Certificate of Succession for cross-border enforcement.<\/p>\n

Complexity increases if assets, residence or citizenship involve several states. Legal differences affect beneficiaries, inheritance shares, tax obligations and the way assets are transferred. An approach that reconciles civil, tax and practical aspects is essential to limit risks and delays.<\/p>\n

We at\u00a0Studio Legale Crivello offer<\/strong>\u00a0personalised international succession advice<\/strong>\u00a0and work on drafting and verifying wills, choosing the applicable law and issuing the European Certificate of Succession. We coordinate with notaries, translators and foreign authorities for translations, legalisations and the necessary banking paperwork to access assets.<\/p>\n

If you would like\u00a0assistance with an EU succession<\/strong>, contact us: we will assess the documentation together, define the priority actions and follow the file until the relevant documents are issued. Our experience in cross-border cases reduces time and risks, protecting the rights of heirs and optimising the estate and tax implications.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

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