Wills & Probate in Cyprus

A foreign will can be valid in Cyprus if it meets the formal requirements of the law under which it was executed. However, we strongly recommend having a separate Cyprus will for your Cyprus assets, as this significantly speeds up probate and avoids complications with cross-border succession.

Under Cyprus law (Cap. 195), you can freely dispose of only 25% of your estate (the ‘disposable portion’). The remaining 75% is subject to forced heirship: the surviving spouse is entitled to a share, and so are the children of the deceased. These rules apply to all movable assets worldwide and immovable property in Cyprus.

The probate process in Cyprus typically takes 3-6 months from the date of death, assuming all documents are in order. Complex estates with international elements or disputed wills may take considerably longer.