If you own a home, a car or a bank account in Tenerife, having a Spanish will is one of the most valuable — and most overlooked — things you can do for your family. Here's why, in plain terms, for 2026.

Why a separate Spanish will?

Your home-country will can eventually be used in Spain, but it's slow and expensive: it must be translated, apostilled and processed alongside two legal systems. A Spanish will covering your Spanish assets lets your heirs deal with everything locally, far faster and more cheaply, at a very painful time.

You can choose your own national law (Brussels IV)

Under EU Regulation 650/2012 ("Brussels IV"), a foreigner living in Spain can elect the law of their nationality to govern their succession, instead of Spanish forced-heirship rules. A lawyer writes that choice into your Spanish will — important for Britons and others whose home law allows freedom to choose heirs. This is exactly the kind of clause you don't want to get wrong.

The Canary Islands inheritance-tax advantage

Inheritance and gift tax (ISD) is regional, and the Canary Islands have historically applied a very large reduction — close to 99.9% — for close relatives (spouses, children, parents). That can mean heirs in these groups pay almost nothing in regional inheritance tax. Rules and thresholds change, so confirm the current relief for your situation with a lawyer.

Tax relief depends on the relationship, the amounts and the rules in force at the time. Treat the 99.9% figure as indicative and get it confirmed for your case.

How the process works

  1. A lawyer takes your wishes and drafts the will (bilingual, so you understand every line).
  2. You sign it before a Spanish notary — quick and inexpensive.
  3. It's registered in the central wills registry (Registro de Últimas Voluntades), so it can always be found.
  4. You keep a copy; the notary keeps the original.

It's usually a one-visit matter. You can see fixed-fee pricing on our immigration lawyers page.

Who especially needs one

Retirees, property owners, couples (especially unmarried or blended families) and anyone whose home country has different inheritance rules to Spain. If you own anything of value on the island, a Spanish will is rarely a wasted expense.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a Spanish will if I already have one in my home country?

It's strongly recommended. A Spanish will covering your Spanish assets lets your heirs settle everything locally, avoiding the delay and cost of translating and processing a foreign will across two legal systems.

Can I leave my Spanish assets to whoever I want?

Often yes. Under EU Regulation 650/2012 you can usually elect the law of your nationality in your Spanish will, which may give you more freedom than Spanish forced-heirship rules. A lawyer drafts this correctly.

Is inheritance tax high in the Canary Islands?

For close relatives it has historically been very low, thanks to a regional reduction of around 99.9%. The exact relief depends on current rules and your circumstances, so confirm it with a lawyer.

How much does a Spanish will cost in Tenerife?

The lawyer's drafting fee is modest (notary costs are separate and also low). See the 'from' pricing on our immigration lawyers page.