Inheritance in Vaud: what you need to know to organize the transfer of your assets

Introduction

The canton of Vaud is characterized by a great diversity of asset situations. Between real estate in the Lake Geneva basin, international assets, expatriate families, agricultural and wine estates, as well as the constant increase in the number of couples living together, inheritance issues are often more complex than they seem.

However, many people have made no special arrangements. In the absence of a will or inheritance agreement, the legal rules of the Swiss Civil Code determine the heirs, their rights, and the terms of the transfer.

This legal solution is not necessarily the one the deceased would have chosen. In particular, it does not take into account partners, stepchildren, close friends, or organizations that one might wish to support.

Estate planning allows you to adapt the transfer of your assets to your personal and family situation.

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1. Inheritance rules applicable in Vaud

The inheritance rules applicable in the canton of Vaud are those of Swiss federal law.

Whether you reside in Lausanne, Nyon, Morges, Yverdon-les-Bains, Vevey, Montreux or elsewhere in the canton, the same principles apply.

In the absence of provisions for death, the estate is settled by law.

The legal heirs are called in the following order:

• descendants (children, grandchildren);
• parents and their descendants (brothers and sisters, nephews and nieces);
• grandparents and their descendants.

The surviving spouse inherits jointly with these different orders according to the rules laid down by the Civil Code.

2. Inheritance rights since the 2023 reform

Since January 1, 2023, the reform of inheritance law has strengthened the freedom to dispose of one's assets.

The reserved portions of the estate are now as follows:

• descendants: half of the legal share;
• surviving spouse: half of the legal share;
• Registered partners: half of the legal share.

Parents no longer benefit from a reserved portion of the estate.

This development has increased the disposable portion, that is, the part of the estate that can be freely allocated to any person or institution chosen by the testator.

This freedom makes it possible, in particular, to promote:

• a partner;
• a son-in-law or a daughter-in-law;
• a close friend;
• a foundation or an association;
• a public service organization.

→ Simulate the impact of your matrimonial property regime on your inheritance
Our module accurately calculates what your spouse is entitled to before inheritance division.

3. Cohabitation and blended families

Cohabitation is now an important reality in the canton of Vaud.

However, contrary to popular belief, the surviving partner is not a legal heir.

In the absence of a will or inheritance agreement, he receives nothing from the estate.

This situation can be particularly problematic when:

• the couple lives in a dwelling owned by only one partner;
• a significant real estate portfolio was built up during their life together;
• Children from previous marriages are present.

Blended families also face specific challenges. Swiss law protects biological and adopted descendants, but does not grant any automatic inheritance rights to stepchildren.

Appropriate planning makes it possible to organize these situations while respecting inheritance rights.

📦 Do you live with your partner in Vaud?

Without a will, your partner inherits nothing. With a will, they can inherit — but will be taxed up to 50%.

There are strategies to reduce this burden and secure your partner.

→ Analyze my cohabiting relationship status in the canton of Vaud

4. Real estate and wealth transfer

In the canton of Vaud, real estate often represents the main component of family assets.

Whether :

• from an apartment in Lausanne;
• of a villa on the coast;
• of a property on the Riviera;
• of an income-producing building;
• or a vineyard in Lavaux,

The transmission of these assets deserves special consideration.

Difficulties often arise when several heirs want different solutions:

• preserve the property;
• sell it;
• rent it;
• or receive their share in cash.

Estate planning can allow you to:

• to allocate property to a specific heir;
• to specify the methods for calculating a balancing payment;
• to organize a joint ownership;
• or to set the conditions for a future sale.

Your real estate in the inheritance

In the canton of Vaud, real estate often represents the largest part of an inheritance. The tax value used by the cantonal administration can differ significantly from the actual market value — with direct consequences for the inheritance tax calculated and the division of assets among heirs.

A preliminary estimate allows you to anticipate these issues and adapt your planning accordingly.

→ To have my property in the canton of Vaud appraised as part of my inheritance

5. Agricultural and wine-growing areas

The canton of Vaud has an important agricultural and wine-growing heritage, particularly in the Lavaux, Gros-de-Vaud and La Côte regions.

These properties are subject to specific rules, particularly those relating to rural land law.

The value taken into consideration during the transfer may differ from the market value.

In certain situations, the law aims to promote the continuation of operations by an heir.

The transfer of an agricultural or wine estate generally requires specific analysis in order to avoid conflicts or imbalances between heirs.

6. International Successions and Expatriates

The canton of Vaud hosts a significant number of foreign residents and international families.

Many inheritances thus involve cross-border elements:

• heirs domiciled abroad;
• real estate located outside of Switzerland;
• multiple nationalities;
• accounts or investments held in multiple countries.

In these situations, the rules of private international law can play a decisive role.

The law applicable to the inheritance, the jurisdiction of the authorities and the taxation may vary depending on the circumstances.

Early planning often makes it possible to greatly simplify the future settlement of the estate.

7. Inheritance taxation in the canton of Vaud

Vaud inheritance tax distinguishes beneficiaries according to their relationship to the deceased.

The surviving spouse and descendants are exempt from inheritance tax.

However, taxes may be due when the beneficiaries are:

• brothers and sisters;
• nephews or nieces;
• cohabiting partners;
• or third parties with no family relationship.

The amount actually owed depends in particular on:

• of the quality of the beneficiary;
• of the amount transmitted;
• any applicable municipal rules;
• of the composition of the heritage.

When significant real estate assets are involved, it is generally recommended to assess the tax implications before any estate planning.

Overview — Inheritance tax in Vaud by beneficiary

Indicative rates including additional municipal taxes. They vary according to the amount inherited and the municipality of the deceased's last residence — Lausanne, Nyon, Morges, Yverdon, Montreux, Renens, Prilly, Pully, etc.

Details by profile

Surviving spouse, children and parents Total exemption, without any limit on the amount, subject to situations involving assets abroad or in another canton.

Brothers and sisters

• Up to CHF 500,000: between 10% and 13%
• Between CHF 500,000 and CHF 1,000,000: between 12% and 15%
• Above CHF 1,000,000: between 14% and 18%

Uncles, aunts, nephews, nieces

• Up to CHF 500,000: between 20% and 24%
• Between CHF 500,000 and CHF 1,000,000: between 24% and 27%
• Above CHF 1,000,000: between 27% and 30%

Other family members

• Up to CHF 500,000: between 35% and 42%
• Between CHF 500,000 and CHF 1,000,000: between 40% and 47%
• Above CHF 1,000,000: between 45% and 50%

Partner, friends, third party

• Up to CHF 500,000: between 40% and 45%
• Between CHF 500,000 and CHF 1,000,000: between 45% and 48%
• Above CHF 1,000,000: between 48% and 50%

A partner who inherits a Lausanne apartment worth CHF 800,000 could face inheritance tax of over CHF 360,000. Without a prior strategy, this could force them to sell the property.

Nonprofit organizations Totally exempt, provided that they pursue a public utility purpose, have their headquarters in Switzerland and benefit from a tax exemption on profits.

When significant real estate assets are involved, it is generally recommended to assess the tax implications before any estate planning.

→ Analyze my personalized inheritance tax situation

8. How to effectively organize your succession in Vaud?

Writing a will is often an important first step, but it is only one element of estate planning.

A thorough analysis generally involves:

• the identification of the legal heirs;
• analysis of the matrimonial property regime;
• the calculation of the reserved portions of an estate;
• the valuation of real estate assets;
• the examination of the tax consequences;
• coordination with other social protection instruments.

Depending on the situation, different tools can be considered:

• will;
• inheritance agreement;
• donation;
• usufruct;
• appointment of an executor of a will;
• mandate due to incapacity;
• advance directives.

Here are the 6 steps to follow to organize your succession in the canton of Vaud:

Step 1 — Take stock in 1 minute

The estate planning assessment gives you an immediate picture of your situation: who inherits what today, without any action required from you. It's the essential starting point.

Step 2 — Analyze your situation in detail

Matrimonial property regime, forced heirs, disposable portion, taxation per heir: the inheritance simulator calculates your precise situation and identifies optimization levers.
→ Access the inheritance simulator

Step 3 — Writing your will

In Switzerland, a holographic will (entirely handwritten, dated, and signed) is legally valid without a notary. Our generator guides you through 10 steps: designating heirs, making specific bequests, bequests to NGOs, and appointing the executor.

Step 4 — Protecting your life

Advance directives allow you to express your medical wishes should you become incapable of making decisions. A power of attorney for incapacity designates the person who will manage your affairs if you are no longer able to do so. These are two separate documents from a will, but equally essential.
→ Write my advance directives
→ Create my power of attorney for incapacity

Step 5 — Centralize and secure your documents

Wills, marriage contracts, insurance policies, property deeds: your loved ones need to be able to access these documents. Our digital vault allows you to store them securely and define who has access.
→ Access secure storage

Step 6 — Consult a professional

For complex situations—international assets, blended families, businesses, or gifts with division of property—the guidance of a notary or estate planning advisor remains essential. We connect you with professionals in Swiss law.
→ Book your free 15-minute career guidance assessment

9. Frequently Asked Questions about Inheritance in Vaud

Is it possible to make a will without a notary in Vaud?

Yes. A holographic will is valid in Switzerland provided it is entirely handwritten, dated and signed.

Can a child be disinherited?

In principle, no. The descendants benefit from a reserved portion of the estate corresponding to half of their legal share.

Does the partner automatically inherit?

No. A cohabiting partner is not a legal heir and must be favored by will or inheritance agreement.

Should assets located abroad be taken into account?

Yes. An international inheritance often requires a comprehensive analysis of the entire estate.

Where should I keep my will?

The will can, in particular, be deposited with the competent authority, kept with a notary or registered in a system allowing its location after death.

10. Take control now

Inheritance concerns any person who has assets or wishes to protect their loved ones.

In the canton of Vaud, the frequent presence of significant real estate assets, international families and cohabitation situations makes estate planning particularly useful.

Early planning can help avoid often costly difficulties and ensure a transfer in accordance with one's wishes.

The will is generally the starting point for this process, but it benefits from being part of a broader family and estate planning strategy.

→ Start with a free estate planning assessment in 1 minute
Discover in 60 seconds what your loved ones would inherit today without a will.

Prepare your estate plan in 1 minute

→ Next, create your will
Discover in 60 seconds what your loved ones would inherit today without a will.

Start your will

And then what? Think about your funeral too.

Planning your estate also means relieving your loved ones of difficult decisions that would otherwise have to be made in a hurry. Funeral pre-planning allows you to organize the type of funeral you want and its financing in advance, sparing your family an additional emotional and financial burden during the time of mourning.

→ Receive a funeral pre-planning quote
No commitment, in just a few minutes.

Legal Testa is an online estate planning service. It does not replace the advice of a notary or a specialist lawyer for complex situations.