You can accept an inheritance in Ukraine while abroad without travelling: the heir files a **statement of acceptance of inheritance**, with the signature certified by a Ukrainian consul or a local notary. The key is to meet the **six-month deadline** from the date of the deceased's death (Article 1270 of the Civil Code of Ukraine). Current as of Q2 2026.
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Disclaimer. This material is informational and reflects practice as of Q2 2026; it is not legal advice. Inheritance rules and consular procedures may change — verify with official sources (Ministry of Justice, the notary at the place of opening, e-Consul, your consulate) before filing.
Key Takeaways
- The deadline to accept an inheritance is 6 months from the date of death (Art. 1270 Civil Code). Missing it is the main risk.
- The acceptance (or renunciation) statement is filed via a Ukrainian consulate, e-Consul, or a local notary + apostille + translation.
- A statement with the signature certified by a consul is sent to a notary in Ukraine without an apostille.
- A power of attorney to a representative in Ukraine is convenient for running the case.
- An heir who lived with the deceased is deemed to have accepted; but those abroad usually need the statement filed on time.
Why the 6-month deadline matters most
Under Article 1270 of the Civil Code of Ukraine, an inheritance must be accepted within six months of its opening (the date of death). For an heir abroad this is the biggest risk: while you learn of the death, work out the procedure and wait for a consular appointment, the deadline can pass. The takeaway: as soon as you know of the inheritance, choose a filing route immediately rather than delaying. A missed deadline can sometimes be restored — by written consent of the other heirs or through court for valid reasons — but that is a separate, harder process.
Step 1 — the acceptance statement
Acceptance is made by a statement to the notary at the place where the inheritance opened in Ukraine (usually the deceased's last residence). From abroad, the heir files this remotely: the essential point is that the authenticity of their signature on the statement is properly certified, by one of three routes.
- Ukrainian consulate — the consul certifies the signature on a statement drawn up in Ukrainian; it is sent to a notary in Ukraine without apostille or translation. Inheritance statements are explicitly within consular notarial acts.
- e-Consul (online, since 1 July 2025) — signature certification on inheritance statements can be submitted online; you fill in the draft, upload scans, the consul reviews. Check availability by country on the portal.
- Local notary + apostille — if the consulate is unavailable, a local notary certifies the signature; the document is then apostilled (Hague Convention countries) and translated into Ukrainian.
Step 2 — running the estate case and a power of attorney
Accepting by statement is only the start. You then gather documents (proof of kinship and of the assets), obtain a certificate of the right to inheritance, and register the property if needed. Doing all this from abroad at each step is awkward, so heirs often issue a power of attorney to a representative in Ukraine (a relative or lawyer) who runs the case. That power of attorney is issued by the same routes. See our guide on a power of attorney from abroad.
Renouncing an inheritance
An heir may also renounce an inheritance — for example, if debts pass with the property. Renunciation is likewise filed by statement within the same six-month period, with the signature certified by a consul or notary. It is unconditional and generally cannot be withdrawn after the deadline, so weigh the decision in advance.
Documents, cost and how notaryk helps
A rough package: the acceptance (or renunciation) statement; the heir's identity document; proof of kinship (birth, marriage certificates); information on the estate; and a will, if any. The exact list is set by the notary at the place of opening. On cost: the consular fee or notary's charge, plus apostille and translation on the local-notary route, and possible state duty and taxes during the estate process depending on kinship and asset type. notaryk helps accept an inheritance remotely: it suggests the fastest filing route for your country, prepares the statement and the power of attorney, arranges apostille and translation where needed, and helps you not miss the deadline.
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