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BOE-A-2026-10622 ·16 May 2026 ·Resolution Low impact
Tax

Ruling on the validity of fideicommissary substitutions and the interpretation of testamentary intent

The Directorate General for Legal Certainty and Public Faith has ruled on an appeal regarding the registry classification of a sale and purchase deed. The case examines the validity of a fideicommissary substitution and the interpretation of the testator's intent concerning the establishment of a foundation (Facts I and II). The ruling determines that the foundational intent cannot be construed as an obligation for heirs to complete the incorporation process in the absence of formal registration (Facts II, section f).

In 2 key points

  1. The failure to register a foundation does not automatically impose an obligation on heirs to complete the foundational process (Facts II, section f). (Hechos II, apartado f)
  2. Fideicommissary substitutions are valid provided they do not extend beyond the second degree (Art. 781 CC). (art. 781 CC)

How it affects those involved

For heirs and legatees, the ruling limits the Administration's ability to impose an obligation to complete foundational processes based solely on intent expressed in a will (Facts II, section f). For succession law professionals, it highlights the importance of precision in fideicommissary substitution clauses and the risks associated with the lack of registration for foundations in formation (Facts II, section f).

Lifecycle

2026-05-16PublishedPublished in the BOE
Official text Based on BOE data (boe.es). Information, not advice.

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This analysis is informational only and does not constitute legal advice or create a client-adviser relationship. BM Consulting.
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