Certificate of last will
Certificado de actos de última voluntad
What it is
This certificate shows whether a person made a will and before which notary, so heirs can obtain an authorised copy of the last will. It is needed for any inheritance procedure.
Official wording
El Certificado de Actos de Última Voluntad es el documento que acredita si una persona ha otorgado testamento/s y ante qué Notario/s.Official sources
- Where it applies
- All of Spain
Official information
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When
It cannot be requested until 15 working days after the death (not counting Saturdays, Sundays, or national and Madrid regional holidays).
Official wording
La solicitud no podrá presentarse hasta transcurridos 15 días hábiles desde la fecha del fallecimiento.Official sources
Steps
Step 1: Apply online with Cl@ve
Go to the official website: Apply for the certificate (e-office)On the e-office, paying fee 006 during the process. Only possible if the death was after 2 April 2009 and is not registered at a juzgado de paz.
Official wording
Solamente puede presentar su solicitud por esta via si la fecha del fallecimiento es posterior al 2 de abril de 2009 y la defunción no está inscrita en un juzgado de paz.
Official sources
Step 2: Or in person or by post
In person: in Madrid, at the Oficina Central de Atención al Ciudadano; elsewhere, at the Ministry of Justice’s Gerencias Territoriales, with an appointment. It is usually issued on the spot. By post, to the Registro General de Actos de Última Voluntad, usually within 10 working days.
Official wording
Cuando la solicitud se realiza presencialmente, el Certificado se emite normalmente en el momento.
Official sources
Step 3: Download the certificate
If you applied online, you download it with the request number on the receipt. Once ready you have 90 calendar days to download it; after that you have to apply again.
Official wording
usted dispondrá del plazo de 90 días naturales para realizarla.
Official sources
Documents
Your ticks are saved on this device only.
🖨 Printable bilingual document card (you can show it at the counter)
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Fees
Fee 006: €3.86.
Official wording
PRECIO DE LA TASA: 3,86 €Official sources
FAQ
If the death occurred in China, which certificate do I submit?
If it is not registered at the Registro Civil Central or a Spanish consulate, you must attach the original death certificate from that country’s registry, legalised and translated.
Official wording
deberá adjuntar el Certificado de defunción original, expedido por el Registro Civil u organismo análogo en cada país debidamente legalizado y traducido.Official sources
What if I will use it outside Spain?
When it must take effect abroad, the certificate needs to be legalised.
Official wording
Cuando el certificado de actos de ultima voluntad ha de surtir efectos en el extranjero, necesita ser legalizado.Official sources
Can I request my own while alive?
Yes, there is an application for the certificate while alive, also on the e-office.
Official wording
Con este trámite se solicitará Certificado de Actos de Última Voluntad en Vida de la persona solicitante.Official sources
Related procedures
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