Family & litigation
International succession in Luxembourg
For a cross-border succession in Luxembourg, EU Regulation 650/2012 in principle designates the law of the deceased's last habitual residence, unless the law of their nationality has been chosen (professio juris). The Regulation also created the European Certificate of Succession, which makes it easier to exercise rights across the EU. The firm secures both planning and settlement.
Legal content reviewed by Maître Cora Maglo, Avocate à la Cour, Liste I du Barreau de Luxembourg depuis 2009.
As soon as a succession involves a foreign element (residence, assets or heirs abroad), the question of the applicable law becomes central and may upset the heirs' expectations.
Cerno Law Firm anticipates these questions (drafting of dispositions, choice of law) and coordinates the cross-border settlement.
The need
A succession involves several countries (residence, assets, heirs).
The applicable law may differ from the one expected and change the shares.
The risk
Application of an unanticipated law, conflict between heirs, freezing of assets abroad, double taxation.
Without planning, the succession may follow unfavourable rules.
Our involvement
Determination of the applicable law, advice on the professio juris, obtaining the European Certificate of Succession, and coordination of the settlement.
Liaison with notaries and foreign advisers.
Practice areas
When to call on the firm
- Plan a succession with assets in several countries.
- Choose the applicable law (professio juris).
- Obtain a European Certificate of Succession.
- Settle a contentious cross-border succession.
Method
Our engagement process
- 1
Information intake
You describe your need via a structured form or an initial call. Our digital tools serve only to organise this information and save time.
- 2
Lawyer qualification
Maître Maglo reviews your situation, identifies the legal issues and confirms the feasibility and exact scope of the engagement.
- 3
Transparent quote
You receive a clear fee proposal, a fixed fee or a range, before any engagement. Nothing is billed without your approval.
- 4
Legal work
The firm drafts, negotiates or litigates as required. Every deliverable is designed and approved by a lawyer admitted to the Luxembourg Bar.
- 5
Tracking and delivery
You follow your matter transparently and receive your finalised documents with the explanations you need.
Documents required
- • Civil status records and any will
- • Inventory of the assets and their location
- • List of the heirs and their residence
Deliverables
- • Analysis of the applicable law
- • Planning advice
- • Coordination of the settlement
Indicative timing
Variable depending on the countries involved and the complexity; upstream planning reduces deadlocks.
On a fee quote
Depending on the number of jurisdictions and the complexity of the estate.
FAQ
Frequently asked questions
Which law governs an international succession in Luxembourg?
Under EU Regulation 650/2012, in principle the law of the deceased's last habitual residence, unless the deceased chose the law of their nationality (professio juris).
What is the European Certificate of Succession?
A document created by Regulation 650/2012 that allows heirs and executors to prove their status and exercise their rights in other Member States.
Can you choose the law applicable to your succession?
Yes, you can choose the law of your nationality (professio juris), preferably through a clear testamentary disposition. The firm advises you on this.
Member of
Affiliations & réseaux professionnels
Free guide · PDF
The practical guide to secure your next step
Checklists, key steps and points to watch, prepared by the firm. Get it instantly, no strings attached.
- The key steps, explained simply
- The documents to prepare
- The common mistakes to avoid
Go further
Related pages
Free diagnostic
Not sure where you stand? Get an answer in 2 minutes.
A few questions are enough to identify your need and the right legal answer, with no sign-up and no commitment.
Choosing Cerno means choosing over 17 years of experience
- 2013
- independent firm
- 2009
- at the Bar since 2009
- 7
- working languages
- 100+
- companies & SOPARFI structured
- 200+
- visas & residence permits obtained
- 170
- client nationalities served
- 300+
- due diligence reviews conducted
Around twenty M&A transactions supported · one of the best visa approval rates in Luxembourg.
Since 2009, we devote our expertise to your satisfaction: more than 85% of our clients renew their trust in us.
Our work
Representative matters, anonymised
Typical examples of engagements handled by the firm, presented in an anonymised and illustrative manner. Each matter is handled and validated by a lawyer registered with the Luxembourg Bar.
A holding company and a residence permit, in a single process
Incorporation of a SOPARFI for a non-resident investor, combined with obtaining their residence permit. A single point of contact across both fronts.
Permit obtained in 6 weeksA similar matter? Companies & governanceFounders protected before the funding round
Structuring a shareholders’ agreement and governance for a young company with several founders, ahead of a funding round.
Shareholders’ agreement signed before the roundA similar matter? Debt recoveryA debt recovered across borders
Cross-border recovery of unpaid debts for an SME, through an order for payment and coordination with a foreign colleague.
Receivable recovered in full (100%)A similar matter? Employment lawAn executive defended before the Labour Tribunal
Supporting an executive in a contested dismissal, from strategy to representation at the hearing.
Case argued at the hearingA similar matter? ContractsA secured international distribution
Negotiating and securing an international framework distribution agreement, from liabilities through to the competent jurisdiction.
Competent jurisdiction securedA similar matter?Typical, anonymised examples, for illustration only. They do not prejudge the outcome of a matter, which depends on each situation.
Entrust my matter to the firmExpertise & authority
Ongoing review and analysis of Luxembourg and European case law
Avocate à la Cour, List I of the Luxembourg Bar since 2009
Trained at the London School of Economics, formerly at Clifford Chance and Bonn Steichen & Partners
Member of international networks: EILN, AEA, Cross Border Advisory Solutions
Every matter handled and approved by a lawyer admitted to the Bar
Support in 7 languages, clients of 170 nationalities
Testimonials
What our clients say
Had a consultation with Me Cora Maglo about my Luxembourg Blue Card application. She explained everything clearly: the process, timeline and documents I need, and helped me with my wife’s family reunification too. Honest and practical advice. I felt confident after talking to her.Farshid Pourlatifi
J’ai beaucoup apprécié le service de Maître Maglo : son sérieux, sa sympathie, son professionnalisme et sa disponibilité. Toujours répondu rapidement et clairement, avec des conseils pragmatiques, sans pousser à des procédures longues et coûteuses lorsqu’elles ne sont pas justifiées.Nathan Wirtzfeld
Super assistance and great support! Highly recommend. All my questions were answered, Cora and her team kept me updated all the time. I will definitely reach out to them next time for my residency.Tatiana
They talk about us
The firm referenced and cited
Professional directories, business press and legal publications where Cerno Law Firm and Maître Cora Maglo are referenced.
Let’s talk about your matter
Describe your situation: you receive an initial analysis and a transparent quote, with no obligation. One dedicated lawyer, from start to finish.