In Ukraine, simply accepting an inheritance does not grant the right to freely dispose of real estate. In order to become the full owner of inherited property, the heir must obtain a certificate of inheritance rights. This document transforms the inherited housing or other real estate into private property and secures the new ownership right in the state register.
This is reported by Finway
“Until the certificate is issued, a person remains only an heir, but not a full owner of the property. This document ‘closes’ the inheritance case and records the new ownership right, which is then entered into the state register.”
Mandatory Inheritance Registration Procedure
If the inheritance includes an apartment, house, or land plot, it is necessary to contact a notary. This is a legal requirement that allows for the official confirmation of the property transfer to the new owner and prevents possible disputes among heirs, creditors, or state bodies.
Inheritance registration is only possible after the established waiting period — usually six months from the moment the inheritance is opened. Only after this period does the notary have the right to issue a certificate of ownership. After receiving this document and making the appropriate changes to the state register, the heir gains full control over the property and can dispose of it at their discretion: sell, gift, or transfer it to others.
Legal Restrictions During Inheritance Registration
Inheritance registration can be complicated in cases where the property is subject to liens, mortgages, or other legal restrictions. In such situations, the notary is obliged to check for all encumbrances and, if necessary, temporarily suspend the procedure until they are lifted.
The certificate of inheritance rights serves as a final key in the inheritance process. It not only confirms the fact of accepting the inheritance but also guarantees the legality of the property transfer and protects the rights of all parties involved in this process.
It is important to remember: if the property is inherited from relatives who do not belong to the closest circle (first or second degree of kinship), there is an obligation to pay taxes. The obligation to pay tax arises from the moment the ownership rights to the inherited property are formalized.