Last will certificate

On the death of a person with ties to Italy, the heirs must first ascertain whether any testamentary dispositions exist. The certificate from the General Register of Wills attests to any wills registered and indicates the notary or notarial archive with which they are deposited. The Firm requests it, including on behalf of persons resident abroad.

Nature of the certificate

Wills drawn up by or deposited with a notary are entered in the General Register of Wills (Registro Generale dei Testamenti), kept by the Ministry of Justice (Central Office of Notarial Archives). The certificate attests whether any wills are registered in the name of the deceased and with which notary or notarial archive they are held; on the basis of this information the heirs may request a copy.

The Register records public and secret wills, holographic wills deposited with a notary, and their revocation and withdrawal.

Italy and Spain: consulting both registers

Italy and Spain are parties to the Basel Convention of 16 May 1972 on the establishment of a scheme of registration of wills. It is therefore possible to request, from Italy, a search of the Spanish register as well. Spain provides for a similar certificate, the certificado de actos de última voluntad issued by the Ministerio de Justicia, which may be requested once fifteen working days have elapsed since the death. Where the deceased was resident in Spain, it is normally advisable to consult both registers.

Timing of the request

The Ministry of Justice recommends waiting at least three months after the death, since a holographic will may be deposited with a notary even after the death and entry in the Register takes time. A premature request may produce an incomplete result.

Documentation required

• Copy of the applicant's passport, stating full name and residential address.
• Full name, copy of the identity document and last address of the deceased.
• Death certificate (for deaths occurring in Spain, the multilingual form).
• Application form and specific power of attorney, prepared by the Firm.

Timescales

Approximately 90 days from submission of the complete application. The client indicates whether the digital copy or the paper original is required.

Costs

The Firm issues a detailed, no-obligation quote before the engagement begins.

Certificates we handle

Sources: Law 307/1981 (Basel Convention of 16/5/1972) · Ministry of Justice, General Register of Wills · Ministerio de Justicia (Spain), certificado de actos de última voluntad. Information only, updated September 2026.