{"id":2452,"date":"2026-05-06T14:54:33","date_gmt":"2026-05-06T14:54:33","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/urbanthier.de\/?p=2452"},"modified":"2026-05-24T11:13:18","modified_gmt":"2026-05-24T11:13:18","slug":"recognition-of-an-american-will-in-germany-2","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/urbanthier.de\/en\/anerkennung-eines-amerikanischen-testaments-in-deutschland-2\/","title":{"rendered":"Recognition of an American Will in Germany"},"content":{"rendered":"
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Recognition of an American Will in Germany<\/h1><\/div><\/div>\n\n
\"Senior<\/span>\n

Image source: Charlize D<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n

In our consulting practice, we are often confronted with the question of whether and to what extent a will established in the USA is also valid in Germany. This is especially the case when parts of the assets (e.g., real estate or bank deposits) are located in Germany.<\/p>\n

The short answer is: Yes, American wills can be recognized in Germany, but not automatically and not without restrictions.<\/strong> A differentiated legal review is crucial.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n

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1. Formal validity of a US will in Germany<\/h3><\/div><\/div>\n\n

First, it must be clarified whether the will is formally valid. This means: Does it comply with the legal formal requirements? In terms of formal recognition, Germany is comparatively generous. According to the rules of private international law (in particular Art. 26 EGBGB), a foreign will is recognized as formally valid in Germany if it valid under one of the following legal systems.<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n

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Legal systems <\/h4><\/div><\/div>\n\n