Your Moscow Contact
Inheritance in Russia: Practical Support for Heirs and Lawyers Abroad
For heirs, executors and advisers handling an estate with a Russian component — someone reliable in Moscow to verify facts, coordinate professionals and report clearly.
When an estate includes assets in Russia
A flat in Moscow. A bank account. A share in a Russian company. A car. Or simply documents that are still in Russia. International estates often have a Russian component, and the people handling them are usually abroad.
The questions are practical: does the asset exist and in what condition? Who occupies the flat? Which notary has the estate file? Which documents are needed, by when, and who can act on the heir's behalf?
Answering them from abroad, in another language and legal system, takes months. Often what is needed first is simply someone in Moscow who can go, ask, verify and report back.
One deadline matters more than the rest: six months
In Russia, an inheritance must be formally accepted before a notary within six months of the estate opening — normally the date of death. This is a statutory deadline, not a formality.
A foreign heir can act through a representative with a power of attorney valid in Russia: issued at a Russian consulate abroad, or before a local notary with an apostille and a certified Russian translation. The scope of the power of attorney matters — it should cover the concrete steps: accepting the inheritance, collecting certificates, signing at specific bodies.
If the six-month window is missed, restoring the right requires a court process in Russia with proof of a valid reason for the delay. It is far better to accept on time and sort out the details afterwards.
What I handle on the ground
My role is the practical and factual side, in coordination with the lawyer or adviser who owns the case:
- Verifying the property: address, visible condition, apparent occupancy, access, photographs.
- Contacting the notary's office to confirm what documents are requested in this specific estate file.
- Gathering publicly available Russian-language information relevant to the estate and presenting it in order.
- Following the procedural steps: what has been filed, what is missing, which deadlines are running.
- Coordinating the professionals the case requires: Russian lawyer, notary, certified translator, valuer.
- Reporting to the heir, lawyer or adviser abroad in English or Spanish: what was done, what was found, what comes next.
For lawyers and professional advisers: you keep the client
Many enquiries come from law firms and advisers abroad who need a Russia-side resource for one file. Instructions come from you; reports go back to you. I do not contact your client outside the scope you define.
This lets you handle the Russian component of the estate without travel and without relying on unknown intermediaries.
What I do not do
To keep expectations precise:
- I do not replace the notary or a Russian lawyer, and I do not provide legal representation.
- I do not access private banking information or closed registries.
- I do not guarantee outcomes that depend on authorities or third parties; I guarantee careful work and honest reporting.
How it works
Tell me the problem.
Send a short description of what needs to be handled in Russia.
I assess the task.
I determine what can realistically be done, what information or authority may be required and whether a specialist is needed.
We agree scope and fee.
Before substantive work begins, we agree the deliverables, timeframe, professional fee and expected expenses.
The local work is carried out.
I handle the agreed practical task and/or coordinate the appropriate professionals.
You receive a clear report.
Factual updates, appropriate documentation and a clear explanation of the result and next steps.
Why trust me with it
Clients are trusting me with matters they cannot see for themselves, so it is fair to explain who I am.
- 18+ years in security, investigations and verification work.
- Alfa-Bank, October 2012 – June 2022: Senior Security Officer, then Chief Expert / Head of Polygraph Screening. I built the bank’s screening function from the ground up and later led it, including its quality control.
- Rosbank, Internal Security Office, August 2022 – December 2024: Chief Specialist.
- International professional assignments in Europe, Africa and Latin America, and extensive work across Russia.
- Russian (native), Spanish (C2), English (B2) — you deal with me directly, without an interpreter.
- Law degree and professional security education.
Frequently asked questions
Can I accept an inheritance in Russia without travelling?
In most cases, yes. A representative with a valid power of attorney can accept the inheritance and handle the procedure. Personal presence is only required for specific acts, and you will know in advance which ones.
What documents may be requested by a foreign heir?
Typically: a death certificate (Russian, or a foreign one with apostille and certified translation), proof of kinship, the heir's passport, a power of attorney where applicable, and documents for the assets. The exact list is confirmed with the notary handling the estate.
Can someone inspect an apartment in Moscow on my behalf?
Yes. I can visit the address, record the visible condition, read the meters, speak with the building management where possible and deliver a written report with photographs.
How long does the Russian inheritance process take?
The acceptance period is six months from the estate opening. The inheritance certificate is issued after that period, and ownership registration follows. Straightforward estates conclude in months; contested or complex ones take longer.
Do I need a Russian lawyer?
For disputes, missed deadlines or complex title questions, yes. For a straightforward acceptance, a notary plus a power of attorney is often sufficient. Part of my job is telling you which situation you are in before you spend money on the wrong one.
What do you need handled in Russia?
Describe the problem in your own words. I will tell you what can realistically be done locally, what it would require and what the next step is.
WhatsApp username: yourmoscowcontact