Editorial transparency and use of artificial intelligence
This article forms part of the CostaLuz Lawyers blog and is published for general informational and educational purposes only. It was prepared with the assistance of artificial intelligence tools and, before publication, was substantively reviewed and editorially approved by Maria de Castro, a Spanish-qualified lawyer registered with the Cádiz Bar Association under number 2745, founder of CostaLuz Lawyers and the person responsible for the editorial review of the published content.
This article does not constitute legal, tax, immigration, employment, estate-planning or investment advice and does not replace an individual assessment and the professional work of the appropriate CostaLuz Lawyers specialist. No action or omission should be based solely on this information.
Important: Spanish succession follows two distinct paths depending on whether the deceased left a valid will (testate) or not (intestate). The intestate path requires a Declaration of Intestate Heirs (Declaración de Herederos Abintestato) — a step not needed when a will exists. Learn more about the succession process →
What Does a Spanish Will Cost? Full Breakdown
Making a Spanish will is one of the most cost-effective legal steps you can take to protect your family and assets in Spain. Under Spanish law, a will must be signed before a notary to be valid, which means there are two components to the cost: the lawyer’s fee for drafting and the notary’s fee for execution.
| Single will | Max 1,500€+VAT (all-inclusive) | ||
| Mirror wills (couple) | Max 900€+VAT per person (all-inclusive) | ||
| Complex will | Max 1,500€+VAT (all-inclusive) | ||
| Will update/amendment | Contact us for a quote | ||
What Is Included in the Lawyer’s Fee?
A reputable law firm’s will-drafting service should include:
- Initial consultation to understand your assets, family situation, and wishes
- Advice on forced heirship rules and how to address them
- Drafting of the will in Spanish (with English translation for your records)
- Inclusion of a professio juris clause (choice of law) where appropriate
- Coordination of the notary appointment
- Attendance at the notary for signing (or arrangement of power of attorney)
- Registration with the Central Registry of Last Wills
Why the Cost Is Worth It
Without a Spanish will, your beneficiaries face:
- €5,000-€15,000 in legal fees to process a foreign will through Spanish probate
- 12-18 months of delay before they can access Spanish assets
- Sworn translations costing €50-€150 per document
- Apostille costs and international courier fees
- Risk of forced heirship being applied against your wishes
Spending €300-€500 now can save your family thousands and months of stress during an already difficult time.
Do I Need a Separate Will for Each Spanish Property?
No. A single Spanish will can cover all your assets located in Spain — property, bank accounts, vehicles, and investments. If you own property in multiple Spanish regions, one will suffices as it is registered centrally.
Can I Draft My Own Spanish Will?
Under Spanish law, a holographic will (handwritten and signed) is technically valid but not recommended for foreign nationals. It cannot be registered with the Central Registry, may be challenged more easily, and the absence of professional drafting increases the risk of errors that could invalidate specific bequests.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is there an annual fee for a Spanish will?
No. A Spanish will is a one-off cost. Once signed and registered, it remains valid indefinitely unless you choose to revoke or update it.
Do both spouses need their own will?
Yes. Under Spanish law, joint wills are not permitted. Each spouse must have their own individual will. Most firms offer a discounted rate for mirror wills drafted simultaneously.
Can I make a Spanish will before buying property?
Yes, and it is a sensible precaution. You can draft the will to cover future Spanish assets, and update it once the purchase completes if specific bequests are needed.
How long does it take to make a Spanish will?
From initial consultation to signed and registered will, the process typically takes 1-2 weeks. The notary appointment itself takes approximately 30 minutes.
Arrange your Spanish will Wills from 900€+VAT per person (couples) or max 1,500€+VAT (single):
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Legal Notice: The content on this page is provided for general informational and educational purposes only. It does not constitute legal advice and should not be relied upon as such. No action should be taken based solely on this content without first seeking independent professional legal counsel. Each case requires individual assessment based on its specific circumstances. CostaLuz Lawyers accepts no liability for actions taken or not taken based on this content.
Ready to make your Spanish will?
Tell us your situation — what you own in Spain and who you want to inherit it — and we will tell you, in writing, exactly what your will needs (and whether you also need to update your home-country will under Brussels IV). We reply the same day in English or Spanish.
Email María Luisa → Book a free call →
24/7 client line (EN/ES): +34 919 499 342 · marialuisa@costaluzlawyers.es