Crypto in an inheritance
I locate the deceased's crypto, tell apart what is held at an exchange from what is in self-custody and value it at the date of death, in a report for heirs, notaries and lawyers.
Member of AEPEJU (no. 1556). Barcelona and across Spain.
Indicative fee: from €750. See prices
Where to look for a deceased person's crypto
In the trail they left: devices, emails, bank statements and documents.
- Bank transfers to an exchange, which reveal an account on that platform.
- Confirmation emails for purchases, deposits or withdrawals.
- Wallet apps on the phone or computer.
- Hardware wallets and sheets of paper with loose words, which may be a seed phrase.
- Tax returns, such as the Spanish return for crypto held abroad (form 721) or gains declared in income tax.
Exchange or self-custody: two different paths
What is held at an exchange can be claimed; what is in self-custody can only be moved with the seed phrase.
If the deceased used an exchange, the heirs can request the funds by proving the succession to the platform; the report helps identify the account and its balance. If they used their own wallet, the funds are on the chain, visible to everyone, but only whoever has the seed or the private key can move them.
Valuation at the date of death
Crypto is valued at the market price on the day of death, which is when Spanish Inheritance Tax accrues.
As there is no specific official rule for crypto, I document the price source, the time and the method (closing price or average price for the day) so the valuation can be defended before the tax authorities or another heir. The return and the tax are handled by your adviser; I provide the technical valuation.
No seed, no access
Without the seed phrase or the private key, nobody can move the funds in a self-custody wallet, an expert included.
Be wary of anyone promising to recover them without the seed. What I can do is look for it on the deceased's devices and documents, with a forensic copy and without altering their contents, and, if it does not turn up, record the existing balance for the distribution of the estate.
How I work
In stages, so you only pay for what your case really needs.
- A free 30-minute consultation to see what indications exist.
- Review of documents and bank statements looking for exchanges and purchases.
- Forensic analysis of the devices, only if needed and with authorisation.
- Identification of accounts and addresses, and valuation at the date of death.
- An expert report and, if there is litigation, testimony in court.
What you receive
A signed expert report, useful for the notary, for the distribution or for a dispute between heirs.
- An inventory of exchange accounts and identified addresses.
- The balance and valuation of each asset at the date of death.
- The method and price sources, documented.
- The chain of custody of the devices analysed.
Frequently asked questions
Common questions about this kind of report.
Can crypto be inherited in Spain?
Yes. It is part of the deceased's estate and is inherited like any other asset; the practical problem is finding it and being able to access it.
How is it recovered without the password or seed phrase?
If it is at an exchange, by requesting it from the platform with the probate documents. If it is in a self-custody wallet, only with the seed: without it there is no lawful way to move it.
Will the exchange release the funds to the heirs?
Normally yes, if the succession is proven with the documents the platform asks for. The report helps establish which exchange held the account and what balance it had.
Can I lawfully access a deceased relative's phone?
It depends on who is entitled to do so and on any instructions the deceased left; check with your lawyer. I only work with lawful access and document the chain of custody.
Which value is declared for Spanish Inheritance Tax?
The market value at the date of death. The report documents which price was used and where it comes from.
What if one heir believes another has hidden crypto?
The bank and on-chain trail can be analysed to detect movements after the death, and documented in a report for the lawyer.
Tell me about your case
Free 30-minute consultation and a free quote within 24 working hours.