Italian property inheritance in Verona for US heirs

Complete legal assistance for American citizens inheriting real estate in the province of Verona

Inheriting Italian real estate from the United States: what heirs need to know


The succession of real property situated in Verona involving a citizen or resident of the United States gives rise to a series of obligations under Italian law that cannot be fulfilled remotely without qualified legal representation on Italian territory.
The declaration of succession must be filed with the Italian Revenue Agency (Agenzia delle Entrate) within twelve months of the date of the decedent's death.
The applicable taxes — calculated on the cadastral value of the property rather than its market value — must be settled before any act of disposition can take place.


The process of inheriting Italian property from abroad typically involves reconstructing the succession chain, which may require consular documentation, apostilled certificates, and sworn translations into Italian.
Additional steps may include the filing of the succession declaration, the payment of applicable taxes, the cadastral transfer of ownership, and the resolution of any building code irregularities that may affect the property in the province of Verona.
Each case presents distinct circumstances that must be assessed individually before any procedural pathway can be identified.


Tax obligations for US heirs inheriting property in Italy


Italian inheritance tax for direct-line heirs is currently levied at four percent on amounts exceeding the one-million-euro per-heir exemption threshold.
US heirs inheriting Italian real estate should also be aware of their potential obligations under US federal tax law, including estate tax liability and FBAR reporting requirements for Italian bank accounts opened during the succession process.
It is important to note that the Italy–US treaty for the avoidance of double taxation does not extend to inheritance tax, which may make coordination between the two fiscal systems particularly complex.


The specific tax exposure of each heir depends on a range of individual factors — including the value of the estate, the degree of kinship, and the heir's US tax residency status — that must be examined in the context of a detailed legal and fiscal analysis before any structured approach can be proposed.


Selling inherited Italian property from the US without travelling to Italy


Where a US-resident heir does not intend to retain the inherited property located in Verona, it may be possible to manage the sale process without requiring physical presence in Veneto.
Typical steps in such a procedure may include the resolution of building irregularities, the procurement of the mandatory energy performance certificate (APE), cadastral alignment, and the execution of a notarial power of attorney authorising a representative in Italy to sign the deed of sale on the heir's behalf.
The feasibility and timeline of each step depend on the specific condition of the property and must be assessed on a case-by-case basis.


Book a preliminary consultation


The first recommended step for anyone seeking guidance on inheriting or selling Italian property from the United States is to book a thirty-minute preliminary consultation.
The consultation is conducted in English via secure videoconference and is available to clients across all US time zones.
During this session, the specific circumstances of the case will be discussed, the principal procedural steps will be outlined, and an indicative estimate of costs and timelines will be provided, without any commitment on either side.


  • At the L'Aurora Law Firm we dedicate ourselves to providing an excellent legal service, built on expertise and experience, professional seriousness and constant attention to the client. We are able to successfully assist both private individuals and businesses in a wide range of complex legal matters, in Verona and surrounding areas.
  • We are available for those seeking rapid, effective and concrete legal solutions. We offer qualified consultation and assistance in numerous areas of law, including civil, commercial, corporate, administrative and criminal law. Our objective is to provide personalized and targeted assistance, capable of perfectly adapting to each client's needs, carefully evaluating the particularities and specificities of each individual case.
  • Our firm's approach is based on a careful preliminary analysis and a strategy aimed at efficient problem resolution. We believe that trust, transparency and clear communication are the fundamental pillars of the Lawyer-client relationship, and we strive to always maintain an open, direct and clear communication channel. We are convinced that an informed and aware client is a more serene client in their legal choices.
  • Thanks to our consolidated experience and continuous professional training, we are always updated on the latest legislative developments and judicial trends, offering cutting-edge solutions and concrete and timely responses to every type of legal issue. Whether it is a complex litigation, strategic contract negotiation or preventive consultation, we are ready to assist you with professionalism, expertise and determination.
  • The L'Aurora Law Firm offers a virtual service tailored to Verona, in the region of Veneto, and aims to respond effectively, competently and promptly to your legal needs. For more information or to request personalized consultation, do not hesitate to contact us. We will be pleased to assist you at every stage of your legal journey, ensuring maximum commitment to protecting your rights and interests.
Form to request an appointment with Lawyer Liliana L

My name is Liliana L'Aurora, a Lawyer registered with the Bar Association of Latina. I practise business distress law and over-indebtedness, in line with the Business Distress Code. Crisis Manager in over-indebtedness procedures and insolvency proceedings. I am also registered with the Register of Crisis Managers and the OCC of Latina.

I have gained practical experience at the De Felice Law Firm, with a focus on bankruptcy proceedings and real estate sales. I provide legal consultation in the following areas: commercial law, family law, debt recovery, civil liability.

Graduated in Law from La Sapienza University in Rome, I continue to participate in updating courses, including those on the Business Distress Code.

I offer remote legal consultation at the national level, using digital technologies that allow me to operate at a distance in complete security.

FAQ
  • Does the law firm handle legal matters related to Verona?
    • The firm provides specialised legal counsel on matters involving Verona and the surrounding territory — irrespective of the client's place of residence.
    • From property disputes to local regulations, employment law to family matters: should a case be connected to Verona or neighbouring municipalities such as Pedemonte, Grezzana, San Martino Buon Albergo, the firm is available to assist.
    • Consultations are conducted remotely via video call or telephone, without the need to attend the office in person.
    • Book a consultation →
  • Can legal assistance be obtained for a matter involving Verona without residing there?
    • The firm handles legal matters connected to the territory of Verona and surrounding municipalities, regardless of where the client is based.
    • Cases involving local real estate, commercial activities, contracts, inheritance and disputes tied to the following areas are fully covered: Pedemonte, Grezzana, San Martino Buon Albergo, Castel d'Azzano, San Giovanni Lupatoto, Buttapietra, Mezzane di Sotto, Lavagno, Negrar di Valpolicella, Pescantina.
    • The firm is available to provide qualified legal assistance tailored to each specific situation.
    • Choose date and time →
  • Does the firm provide legal assistance for over-indebtedness and debt crisis procedures connected to Verona?
    • The firm offers specialised legal assistance for over-indebtedness procedures under Italian Law No. 3/2012 and the Business Crisis Code (D.Lgs. 14/2019), assisting both private individuals and sole traders connected to the Verona area.
    • Available procedures include the debt restructuring plan, the consumer arrangement, and the controlled liquidation of assets — instruments designed to provide a lawful and structured resolution to situations of financial distress.
    • Clients residing in or holding assets within Pedemonte, Grezzana, San Martino Buon Albergo, Castel d'Azzano, San Giovanni Lupatoto, Buttapietra, Mezzane di Sotto, Lavagno, Negrar di Valpolicella, Pescantina and surrounding municipalities may access these procedures with the support of the firm.
    • Request a preliminary assessment →

INTERNATIONAL CLIENTS REQUIRING REAL ESTATE AND INHERITANCE LAW ASSISTANCE IN VERONA


  • Purchasing property in Verona as a British citizen after Brexit
    • Since the United Kingdom's departure from the European Union, British nationals seeking to acquire real estate in Verona must navigate a distinct regulatory framework. Reciprocity conditions under Italian law must be verified, tax identification must be obtained, and the conveyancing procedure differs markedly from the English system of solicitors and land registry. Furthermore, post-Brexit residence considerations apply where the purchaser intends to reside in the property for extended periods. The firm is available to assist UK clients at each stage of the acquisition process in the Verona area, from preliminary due diligence and building compliance verification through to notarial deed execution.
    • Schedule a preliminary consultation
  • Selling inherited Italian property from abroad — Verona and Verona
    • A non-resident heir wishing to sell inherited property in Verona faces a series of procedural requirements that must be addressed before any transfer can occur. These include completion of the succession declaration, cadastral alignment, resolution of any building code irregularities, and procurement of the required energy performance certificate. The heir must obtain an Italian tax identification number and may grant a power of attorney to enable the firm to act on their behalf before the notary public. Capital gains taxation for non-resident sellers is governed by specific provisions, and applicable bilateral tax treaties must be considered to avoid double taxation in the country of residence.
    • Schedule a preliminary consultation
  • Cross-border property transactions between France and Verona
    • French nationals acquiring or inheriting property in Verona benefit from EU Succession Regulation No. 650/2012, which permits the choice of applicable law for succession matters. However, the Italian conveyancing system, cadastral regime, and building compliance framework remain exclusively governed by Italian law. The firm provides French-speaking clients with structured guidance through each phase of the real estate transaction or succession procedure in Verona, ensuring alignment with both Italian regulatory requirements and the client's obligations under French fiscal law, including reporting to the Direction générale des finances publiques.
    • Schedule a preliminary consultation
  • Italian property inheritance for US and Canadian heirs in Verona
    • A United States or Canadian citizen who has inherited real property in Verona or in the province of Verona is required to complete the Italian succession procedure, regardless of residence abroad. The process entails filing a declaration of succession with the competent Revenue Agency, settling applicable inheritance taxes — which differ substantially from US estate tax provisions — and registering the transfer with the local land registry. Where building code violations affect the property, preliminary regularisation may be necessary before any disposition. Remote assistance may be provided for the principal procedural steps, which may allow the heir to fulfil obligations without travelling to Veneto, depending on the specific circumstances of the case.
    • Schedule a preliminary consultation
  • Real estate acquisition near Verona for German and Swiss buyers
    • German and Swiss nationals represent a significant share of foreign property purchasers in Veneto. Whether acquiring a primary residence, a holiday home, or an investment property in the Verona area, the purchaser must contend with Italian conveyancing procedures, cadastral verifications, building compliance assessments, and a taxation framework distinct from that of Germany or Switzerland. The bilateral conventions for the avoidance of double taxation between Italy and each country have direct implications for property income and capital gains. The firm offers dedicated assistance in German legal terminology where required, with the aim of supporting the client's interests from preliminary inquiry through to registration.
    • Schedule a preliminary consultation

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS FROM INTERNATIONAL CLIENTS IN VERONA


  • What taxes apply when a non-resident inherits property in Verona?
    • Inheritance tax in Italy is determined by the degree of kinship between the deceased and the heir, with rates ranging from four to eight percent and applicable exemption thresholds. Non-resident heirs are subject to the same rates as residents. Additionally, cadastral and mortgage taxes apply at the time of succession registration. Bilateral tax treaties may affect whether the inheritance is also taxable in the heir's country of residence.
    • Schedule a preliminary consultation
  • What happens if inherited property in Verona has building code violations?
    • Building irregularities must generally be resolved before the property can be sold or mortgaged. Options include applying for a sanatoria (retroactive building permit) where the violation is eligible for regularisation, or demolition and restoration to the approved state. The firm assesses the nature of the violation and advises on available remediation options, which vary depending on the type and extent of the irregularity.
    • Schedule a preliminary consultation
  • Do I need to pay IMU property tax as a non-resident owner in Verona?
    • Non-resident property owners in Verona are generally subject to IMU (Imposta Municipale Unica) at the applicable municipal rate, which varies by municipality and property category. The primary residence exemption is not available to non-resident owners unless specific conditions are met. The firm advises on the applicable rates and filing obligations.
    • Schedule a preliminary consultation
  • Can a foreign citizen purchase property in Verona without Italian residency?
    • Yes, subject to the verification of reciprocity conditions under Italian law. Citizens of countries with which Italy maintains reciprocity agreements — including the United States, the United Kingdom, and all EU member states — may acquire real property in Verona without holding Italian residency. The purchaser must obtain an Italian fiscal code prior to the transaction.
    • Schedule a preliminary consultation
Form to request an appointment with Lawyer Liliana L’Aurora

Book a legal consultation

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Book a Meeting, in person or virtually  remotely for clients from Verona, using virtual tools

Appointments Information

The law firm of Liliana L’Aurora is located at Via Roma 116, Terracina (LT)