Chartered Accountants in India, working with clients across Europe

Estate Planning for NRIs with Assets in India | NDSA
Estate planning · India and Europe

Assets in India, family in Europe. Plan both sides.

India has no inheritance tax, but many European countries do, and Indian assets pass by Indian rules. A clear plan saves your family time and tax. What do you want to plan?

IndiaNo inheritance tax
EuropeOften taxes it
WillStill essential
What do you want to plan?Pick one
Start here

Who gets your Indian assets.

A will covering Indian assets avoids long succession processes. Probate may be needed in some cases.

We work alongside lawyers in India and Europe on legal documents.

01 · Tax on death

How inheritances are taxed.

CountryInheritance taxNote
IndiaNoneGifts and inheritances from relatives aren’t taxed
GermanyYesAllowances depend on relationship
FranceYesCan reach worldwide assets
NetherlandsYesBased on residence
SwedenNoneAbolished
NorwayNoneAbolished

General pointers only. Your local adviser confirms the position.

02 · After a death

What heirs go through in India.

  1. First

    Death certificate

    And legal heir details.

  2. Then

    Will or succession

    Probate or a succession certificate if needed.

  3. Assets

    Transmission

    Banks, shares and property moved to heirs.

  4. Tax

    Final return

    For the deceased, filed by the legal representative.

  5. Later

    Sale or repatriation

    Under FEMA rules for NRI heirs.

03 · How we help

Your plan, step by step.

  1. 1
    List

    Assets in India and abroad

    With current owners and nominees.

  2. 2
    Map

    Tax in each country

    Inheritance and income tax.

  3. 3
    Structure

    Will, trust or HUF

    With your lawyers.

  4. 4
    Align

    Nominations and records

    Banks, demat, insurance.

  5. 5
    Review

    Every few years

    As family and laws change.

04 · Common myths

Estate planning myths.

Wherever you live in Europe

Estate planning across Europe.

We plan for families in every EU country, Switzerland and Norway.

BerlinMunichFrankfurtHamburgStuttgartAmsterdamRotterdamThe HagueEindhovenBrusselsAntwerpLuxembourgParisLyonToulouseDublinCorkStockholmGothenburgCopenhagenHelsinkiOsloZurichGenevaViennaMilanRomeMadridBarcelonaLisbonPortoWarsawKrakówPragueBudapestBucharestTallinnVilniusAthensValletta
05 · FAQs

Estate planning questions answered.

Does India tax inheritances?
No.
Do European countries?
Many do.
Do I need a will in India?
It’s strongly advisable.
Is a nominee the final owner?
Not always.
Can NRIs inherit farmland?
Yes, by inheritance.
Can heirs repatriate money?
Yes, within FEMA limits.
What is the EU Succession Regulation?
EU rules on which country’s law applies.
Should I use a trust?
It depends on your goals.
Who files the final return?
The legal representative.
Can you help plan?
Yes, with your lawyers.

Planning ahead? Start with a list.

Tell us your assets and family. We’ll map the tax and the steps.

General guidance based on the rules as they stand, including the Income-tax Act, 2025 and the Income-tax Rules, 2026. It is not legal, tax or financial advice for your situation; please contact us before acting on it.