Cyprus Wills, Probate & Administration of Estates

Updated: March 30, 2025

Estate administration in Cyprus refers to the legal process of collecting, managing, and distributing the movable and immovable property of a deceased person to their rightful heirs. Whether or not a will exists is the key factor that determines how assets will be distributed. At Ermina Papasolomou Co & LLC, our lawyers are fully qualified to handle all documentation and legal requirements, ensuring a smooth and reliable process.

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📑Wills in Cyprus

A will in Cyprus is a legal document by which a person (the testator) expresses their wishes regarding the distribution of their estate after death.

Our Cyprus will lawyers assist with drafting, reviewing, and registering wills as part of full Cyprus estate planning services.

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Formal requirements for a valid Cyprus will:
✅ Must be in writing.
✅ Signed by the testator in the presence of two witnesses present at the same time.
✅ May be registered at the District Court of the testator’s residence (optional — not required for validity).

 

This ensures the will is enforceable under Cyprus succession law.

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Will or No Will?

✅ If there is a will:

• The testator appoints an executor who applies for a grant of probate in Cyprus before the District Court.

• Assets are distributed according to the testator’s wishes (subject to the disposable portion of the estate).

• Executors may be lawyers or trusted family members.

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❌ If there is no will:

• Heirs must agree on an estate administrator.

• The estate is distributed according to Cyprus Wills and Succession Law, which defines seven classes of heirs.

• Spouse and children are usually first in line and inherit equal shares.

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Our Cyprus inheritance lawyers guide families through both probate and intestate administration.

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🏠The Disposable Portion of the Estate

Cyprus law imposes forced heirship rules to protect close family members.

• If spouse + child/descendant → only ¼ of the estate is freely disposable.

• If spouse + parent(s) → ½ disposable.

• If no spouse/children/parents → entire estate freely disposable.

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This is essential in Cyprus will drafting and estate planning.

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❌Revoking a Will

A will can be revoked by:

• Executing a new will that expressly revokes the old one.

• Physical destruction by the testator (e.g., tearing or burning).

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💼Grant of Probate in Cyprus

A grant of probate is a court order authorising the executor/administrator to manage the estate.
🔹Documents required:

• Death certificate

• Certificate of heirs (issued by the local Community Council or Mayor)

• Heirs’ details (names, addresses, ID/passport)

🔹When is probate required?

• Probate is needed before dealing with assets (property, bank accounts, etc.)

• Not required if the only asset is a bank deposit below €15,000

🔹Timeline:

• 1–2 months if no objections are raised by beneficiaries

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👉Duties of the Estate Administrator

After receiving probate, the administrator must:
1.    File an inventory of assets and an affidavit with the court.
2.    Obtain a tax release certificate and settle any taxes due.
3.    Pay funeral/testamentary expenses and debts.
4.    Collect and manage the estate (including the right to initiate legal proceedings).
5.    Distribute the remaining assets to beneficiaries.
6.    File final accounts with supporting documents.

Once approved, the administrator is released from duty.

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⚖️Wills & Probate Lawyers in Cyprus

Our law firm provides complete legal support in inheritance and succession matters, including:

• Drafting and registration of wills.

• Advice on will disputes and succession law.

• Safekeeping of wills until execution.

• Preparing probate applications and documentation.

• Court representation.

• Acting as executors or administrators.

• Full estate administration.

📌 Contact our wills and probate lawyers in Cyprus for a free consultation and learn more about our competitive fees.