Inheritance & Succession in Italy

How Italian Succession Law Affects U.S. Owners and Heirs

Italian real estate, bank accounts or business interests can bring part of your estate under Italian law, even if you live in the United States. Italy applies the EU Succession Regulation, under which the law of a person's habitual residence generally governs the succession unless that person has chosen the law of their nationality. Italian law also reserves shares of an estate for close family members (legittima), and a succession is typically documented through an Italian notary and filings with the tax authorities. Coordinating an Italian plan with your U.S. documents helps avoid conflict and delay.

Our Italian Inheritance and Succession Services

• Analysis of the Italian Civil Code succession regime, including heirs' rights, reserved shares and succession by deed before the notaio.
• Drafting Italian-law wills and coordinating Italian probate steps alongside U.S. estate documents.
• Advice on Italian inheritance tax and property tax exposure (such as IMU) and strategies for foreign owners.
• Navigating the EU Succession Regulation and dual-law estate planning for U.S. citizens who own Italian assets.

Frequently Asked Questions About Property and Inheritance in Italy

Which country's law applies to my Italian property?

That depends on where you live and whether you have chosen the law that will govern your estate. Under the EU Succession Regulation the default is generally the law of your habitual residence at death, but you can often choose the law of your nationality. We review your situation and explain your options.

Can I disinherit a child or spouse under Italian law?

Italian law reserves a share of an estate for close family members, so disinheriting them may not be fully possible for assets governed by Italian law. The outcome depends on which law applies to your estate, which we can review with you.

Do I need an Italian will in addition to my U.S. will?

Many owners of Italian property find it useful to have a will that works in Italy and is coordinated with their U.S. documents, so the two do not conflict. Whether you need one depends on your assets and your family.

Related Resources

• International estates and inheritance
• Italian citizenship by descent
• Cross-border inheritance planning: choosing the right law for your estate
• Other country guides: Spain, Portugal, France and Germany

Contact us today for a free initial consultation on your European estate or cross-border succession matter. Our bilingual team and international network help ensure a smooth transition for your estate across the U.S. and Europe.

This page is general information, not legal advice. Foreign law changes, and every estate is different.