Valid Will in Cyprus

Legal Requirements for a Valid Will in Cyprus

Legal Requirements for a Valid Will in Cyprus

The requirements for the validity of a will in Cyprus are primarily governed by the Wills and Succession Law (Cap. 195).

According to the provisions of the law, in order for a will to be valid in Cyprus, the following requirements must be met:

1️ Mental Capacity

The testator > that is, the person who wishes to draft a will for the distribution of their estate > as well as the witnesses required by law to co-sign the will, must:

• Be at least 18 years old.
• Have mental capacity at the time the will is made, meaning they must be able to understand the consequences of the act.

2️ Form of the Will

For a will to be valid, it must:

• Be in writing.
• Bear the signature of the testator at the end, or be signed by another person authorised by the testator, in the testator's presence.
• Be signed in the presence of at least two witnesses, who are present at the same time when the testator signs, and who also sign the will in the presence of the testator.
• Have each page signed by the testator and the witnesses, or by authorised persons on their behalf.

3️ Safekeeping of the Will

The will may:

1. Be deposited for safekeeping at the District Registrar’s Office in the district of the testator.
• A will deposited at the Registrar’s Office cannot be removed, unless it is withdrawn by the testator.
• Otherwise, withdrawal can only take place with the approval of the Court.
• For each will filed, a notification is sent to the Senior Registrar for the Probate of Wills, who maintains a register and alphabetical index of dispositions.
2. Be kept at the law office of the testator's lawyer.
3. Be kept by the testator themselves or by any other person chosen by the testator for that purpose.

4️ Opening of the Will

The will is opened upon the death of the testator, and any person who has a legitimate interest may obtain a copy of the will, subject to the payment of the prescribed fees.

Sources:

• Wills and Succession Law (Cap. 195)
• Administration of Estates of Deceased Persons Law (Cap. 189)

Documents & Info

Νομικές προϋποθέσεις για έγκυρη διαθήκη στην Κύπρο.pdf

Legal Requirements for a Valid Will in Cyprus.pdf