Arvsförordningen

Arvsförordningen is the Swedish term for the Succession Regulation (EU) No 650/2012. This European Union regulation aims to simplify cross-border successions within the EU. It establishes rules for determining which country's law will govern a succession and for the recognition and enforcement of succession decisions across member states.

The core principle of Arvsförordningen is that the law of the state where the deceased had their habitual residence at the time of death will generally apply to the entire succession. This applies regardless of where the deceased's assets are located. However, the regulation also allows individuals to choose in their will that the law of their nationality at the time of making the will or at the time of death should apply. This is known as a choice of law.

Arvsförordningen also introduces the European Certificate of Succession. This document serves as proof of the deceased's status as heir or legatee, their rights as such, and their share in the estate. It is intended to replace various national documents required to prove succession rights in different member states, thereby streamlining the process for heirs dealing with assets located in multiple EU countries.

The regulation applies to successions opened after August 17, 2015. It does not apply to Denmark, Ireland, or the United Kingdom. Its objective is to reduce legal uncertainty and procedural difficulties faced by citizens inheriting property or assets in another EU member state, making cross-border inheritance more straightforward and efficient.