Yo Poznan!
Let’s be real: thinking about inheritance and succession isn’t exactly as fun as deciding where to go on holiday or which pizza toppings to order. But whether it’s passing down a family company or figuring out who gets grandma’s legendary porcelain teapot, planning ahead matters. In Poland, succession isn’t just about wills and paperwork — it’s about making sure your legacy (and hard-earned cash) doesn’t vanish into chaos, or worse… into the tax office’s pocket.
So buckle up. Here’s our Top 10 street-smart guide to inheritance and succession in Poland — and how to fix it!
1. Succession isn’t just inheritance.
Succession covers passing on your company, business, or role, not just your holiday home in Mazury. If you don’t plan, the law will do it for you — and trust us, the law isn’t as generous as you’d hope.
2. Dying without a will = chaos.
If you don’t write a will, Poland’s Civil Code decides who gets what. Spoiler: it might not be the person you think. Cousins you haven’t spoken to in years could be cashing in while your best friend gets nothing.
3. The “spouse + kids” rule.
By default, inheritance goes to the spouse and children. No kids? Then parents, siblings, and their kids step up. Basically, it’s a family tree lottery.
4. The “forced share” (zachowek).
Even if you try to leave everything to your cat, Polish law protects your closest family (spouse, kids, parents). They’re entitled to a portion, no matter what you wrote in your will. So Fluffy might be disappointed. 🐱
5. Taxes, taxes, taxes.
Good news: close family (spouse, kids, parents, grandparents, grandchildren, siblings) can inherit without paying inheritance tax — if they report it within 6 months. Forget to report? Boom, tax bill.
6. Foreigners, listen up.
Even if you’re not Polish but you own property here, Polish inheritance law applies. That flat in Jeżyce? Yep, your heirs will deal with Polish notaries and tax offices.
7. Inheriting debts is a thing.
It’s not all yachts and villas. If the deceased had debts, heirs inherit those too — unless they limit their liability (“acceptance with benefit of inventory”). Always check what’s in the fine print before saying “yes.”
8. Company succession isn’t automatic.
Running a family business? Without a succession plan, the company might grind to a halt. Poland now allows a “succession manager” to keep things running temporarily — but the smart move is to plan way in advance.
9. EU rules can get spicy.
If the deceased lived in another EU country, sometimes that country’s law applies instead of Polish law. Sounds simple? It’s not. This is where lawyers earn their money.
10. Planning ahead = family peace.
A clear will, a smart succession plan, and a little professional advice can save your family from years of drama. Remember: nothing brings out hidden family tension quite like inheritance.
Final Word
Succession and inheritance might not be sexy topics, but they’re some of the most important decisions you’ll ever make. From family businesses to personal property, it’s all about protecting what you’ve built.
And the best news? You don’t have to figure it out alone. Our friends at FinSolutions have your back. Whether it’s wills, pensions, insurance, or succession planning — they’ll break it down, tailor it to you, and probably save you money (and headaches).
535 150 953
biuro@finsolutions.pl
Marcelińska 16, 60-801 Poznań
How much per consultation? It’s all Free baby!
Trust us — your future self (and your heirs) will thank you.
