Spanish Inheritance & Bank Accounts
How can you find a deceased person’s bank accounts in Spain?
Losing a loved one is difficult enough. Dealing with Spanish inheritance formalities at the same time can feel overwhelming — particularly when you do not know where the deceased held bank accounts, savings or investments.
💡 Finding the accounts is often one of the first practical steps in administering a Spanish estate. Without knowing what assets and liabilities exist, it is impossible to make informed decisions about accepting the inheritance, paying inheritance tax or distributing the estate.
🔒 What happens to a bank account after death?
Once the bank is formally notified of the account holder’s death and receives the relevant evidence, it will normally restrict the deceased’s accounts until the heirs’ entitlement and instructions are properly established.
This does not necessarily mean that every payment stops immediately. The position can vary depending on the account, the account holders, standing orders, direct debits and the supporting documents provided. Prompt notification is nevertheless important to help prevent inappropriate transactions and to clarify the balance at the date of death.
🔎 How can you find the deceased person’s accounts?
There are two common starting points:
1️⃣ You know the bank or financial institution
If you know where the deceased held an account, we can contact the bank and request a certificate of balances and holdings as at the date of death.
Depending on the products held, this may identify:
- 💶 Current and savings-account balances;
- 📈 Deposits, investment funds and securities;
- 💳 Loans, mortgages and other liabilities; and
- 📄 Account activity relevant to the estate.
This information is essential for preparing the inheritance documentation and calculating any Spanish inheritance-tax obligations.
2️⃣ You do not know which bank held the accounts
This can be more challenging, but it is often possible to build a clear picture by reviewing the deceased’s papers, bank correspondence, tax returns, direct debits, property documentation and other financial records.
📌 In appropriate cases, information held by the Spanish Tax Authority may also be relevant to the inheritance process. However, it is not an automatic substitute for bank certificates, and the precise route to obtain information depends on the circumstances and the legal status of the person making the request.
Each case needs to be assessed individually, particularly where the deceased lived abroad, had assets in more than one country or left incomplete documentation.
📜 How do you prove that you are entitled to information?
Banks will normally require evidence of both the death and the person’s status as heir or authorised representative.
✅ Where there is a will
The will is a key document. In cross-border estates, it may be necessary to obtain and legalise, apostille or translate documents before they can be used in Spain.
✅ Where there is no will
A declaration of heirs may be required before the succession can be administered. The correct procedure will depend on the deceased’s nationality, habitual residence, assets and the law applicable to the succession.
👥 Sole accounts and joint accounts
The position differs depending on how the account was held:
- Sole account holder: the bank will usually require proof of the heirs’ entitlement before funds belonging to the deceased can be released.
- Joint account holder: the surviving holder’s ability to operate the account may be restricted after notification of the death. The bank will also need to identify what proportion of the funds belongs to the deceased’s estate.
⚠️ Important: being named on a joint account does not automatically determine ownership of all the funds. This must be assessed from the account arrangement and the source of the money.
📂 Documents commonly requested
The requirements vary, but the following are often relevant:
- Death certificate;
- Will and certificate confirming whether a will exists;
- Declaration of heirs, where applicable;
- Passport or national identity document of the deceased and heirs;
- Documents proving the relationship with the deceased;
- Family records, where relevant;
- Spanish NIE/NIF documentation, where required;
- Powers of attorney; and
- Official translations, apostilles or legalisation, where applicable.
⚖️ Independent legal assistance with Spanish inheritances
Every inheritance is different. The correct approach depends on the deceased’s family circumstances, nationality, residence, assets, debts and whether a will exists.
As independent Spanish lawyers, we can assist with:
- 🏦 Identifying Spanish bank accounts, investments and liabilities;
- 📑 Reviewing wills and succession documents;
- 🧾 Spanish inheritance-tax and administrative matters;
- 🏠 Property and mortgage issues within the estate; and
- 🤝 Coordinating the steps needed to accept and distribute a Spanish inheritance.
Please note: This article provides general information only and is not a substitute for advice on a specific case.
📞 Need advice about a Spanish inheritance?
We are here to help.
📱 Contact us today
WhatsApp or telephone: +34 687 88 88 73
Email: info@bestsolicitorsinspain.com
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We will assess your circumstances carefully and provide clear, practical guidance to protect your interests in Spain.
Kind regards,
Mr Óscar Ricor
Spanish Lawyer
Non-practising English Solicitor in England and Wales — SRA No. 519196
BZN Lex International Lawyers
