Succession: Russia → Switzerland

Which law decides who gets what

Under Russia rules, money, accounts and shares are inherited by the law of the country where the person lived, while real estate follows the law of the country where it physically sits.

Who the law forces you to include

Russia: Forced share: minor or incapacitated children and incapacitated spouse/parents receive at least ½ of their intestate share.

Where tax arises

Russia: No inheritance tax in Russia (abolished in 2006).

How it is recognised and processed

Testator and heir in different countries — documents will need cross-jurisdiction recognition and legalisation (apostille, translation, sometimes a repeat procedure).

What to set up in advance

Will with a choice of applicable law

Trust

Private foundation

Insurance wrapper for assets

Part of the estate is reserved by Russia law for close relatives — it cannot be freely reallocated by will.