The Greek right to a compulsory portion (Art. 1825 to 1845 grZGB) differs from the German right to a compulsory portion in that it is structured as a genuine right of inheritance. In Germany, the beneficiary of the compulsory portion is the holder of a claim under the law of obligations in the form of a monetary claim against the heir. In Greece, on the other hand, under Art. 1825 II grZGB, the beneficiary of the compulsory portion is a genuine co-heir in the amount of his or her compulsory portion immediately upon the death of the deceased. Incidentally, this legal nature of the compulsory portion is also recognised in the legal systems of Belgium, France, Italy, Luxembourg, The Netherlands, Portugal, Switzerland and Spain to find.
According to Art. 1825 I 1 grZGB, the group of persons entitled to a compulsory portion extends to the deceased's descendants, parents and surviving spouse, provided that they would also be entitled as legal heirs in the absence of a will. If these persons are excluded from succession by will, the compulsory portion pursuant to Art. 1825 I 2 grZGB is always half of the statutory portion.