Inheritance Tax in the Balearic Islands
↓ Jump to Frequently Asked QuestionsTurner Insurance does not provide inheritance tax advice or services. This information is provided as a rough guide only for educational purposes, accurate as of 2026. Regional tax rules change — always consult a qualified gestoría, abogado or tax adviser for advice specific to your situation.
Balearic Islands ISD — 100% Bonification for Direct Family
Since July 2023, the Islas Baleares (Mallorca, Menorca, Ibiza and Formentera) apply a 100% bonification on inheritance tax for Group I and Group II beneficiaries — descendants, spouses, registered partners and ascendants — with no upper limit. The effective rate for direct family is therefore zero. The Balearics are one of the most favourable Spanish regions in 2026 for direct-family inheritance.
ISD Groups in the Balearic Islands
- Group I (direct descendants under 21): 100% bonification — no limit. Effective rate: 0%.
- Group II (direct descendants 21+, spouse, registered partner, ascendants): 100% bonification — no limit. Effective rate: 0%.
- Group III (siblings, uncles, aunts, nieces, nephews by blood): 50% bonification — but only when no Group I or II heirs exist.
- In-laws and third-degree collaterals (sons/daughters-in-law, brothers/sisters-in-law, etc.): 25% bonification — also only when no Group I or II heirs exist.
- Group IV (unrelated persons): Standard high rates apply with minimal reductions.
Donations (gifts during lifetime)
The 100% bonification extends to donations to Group I and Group II beneficiaries provided the donation is formalised in a notarised escritura pública. This makes the Balearics attractive for lifetime gifting of family assets — provided the formalities are observed. Modelo 651 must be filed within 30 days.
Pactos Sucesorios (Inheritance Pacts)
The Balearic Islands recognise pactos sucesorios — binding agreements between living people that transfer assets on the donor's death, but with the legal treatment of an inheritance rather than a donation. These have specific Balearic-civil-law nuances (Mallorca, Menorca, Ibiza and Formentera each have minor variations under their compilación de derecho civil). Pactos sucesorios are a powerful planning tool for Balearic residents but require specialist legal advice.
Key Reductions Available in the Balearic Islands
- 100% bonification on inheritance for Group I and Group II — no upper limit
- State minimum personal reductions still apply (Group I €25,000 + age uplift; Group II €25,000; Group III €8,000)
- Habitual residence reduction up to 100% (subject to limits and 5-year hold period)
- Family business and agricultural assets reductions of up to 95%
- Pactos sucesorios — Balearic-specific planning tool with inheritance-tax treatment
Life Insurance and Balearic Islands ISD
Life insurance proceeds form part of the ISD base in the Balearics, but with the unlimited 100% bonification for Group I and II beneficiaries, the effective tax on family life-insurance payouts is zero. Direct beneficiary nomination in the policy remains best practice. Consult a Balearic-licensed tax adviser for non-family beneficiaries or non-resident scenarios.
Frequently Asked Questions — Inheritance Tax in the Balearic Islands
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Inheritance Tax by Region — Across Spain
Inheritance tax (ISD) rules vary by autonomous community. Compare the rules that apply in other regions of Spain: