International estates

As a rule, the law of the State of their last habitual residence, under the European Succession Regulation, unless they chose French law, the law of their nationality, in a will.

Yes. The EU Succession Regulation, which applies to deaths since 17 August 2015, generally subjects the whole estate to the law of the State of the deceased's last habitual residence, but allows anyone to choose, in a will, the law of their nationality. Since 2021, where the applicable foreign law does not provide for a reserved share for children, the children may, under certain conditions, claim a compensatory levy on assets located in France.

Official source: EUR-Lex

Created by the EU Succession Regulation, this certificate allows heirs, legatees and executors to prove their status and rights in the other Member States bound by the Regulation without further formalities. In France, it is issued by a notary. It makes it easier, in particular, to access bank accounts and transfer assets located in several EU countries.

Official source: EUR-Lex

Usually, yes. The Hague Convention of 5 October 1961, in force in France, recognises the formal validity of a will that complies in particular with the law of the place where it was made, the law of the testator's nationality, domicile or habitual residence, or, for real estate, the law of the place where it is located. Its content, however, depends on the law applicable to the succession.