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Law & Justice

Apply for a certificate of inheritance

An official document that certifies one's status as an heir to banks, the land registry, and government agencies.

Processing: approx. 2 months
Success rate: 90.0 %

How to proceed

  1. 1

    File a petition with the probate court

    In person or through a notary, with an affidavit regarding the succession.

  2. 2

    Provide documentation

    Death certificate, birth certificates, and, if applicable, a will or inheritance agreement.

  3. 3

    A certificate of inheritance is issued

    Fees are based on the value of the estate.

Required documents

  • Death certificateMandatory
  • Birth certificates of the heirsMandatoryOften forgotten
  • Will/Inheritance Agreement (if any)

Responsible authority

The authority of your main place of residence is responsible.Find authority →

Fees

Varies by case

Processing time

approx. 2 months

Official: max. approx. 2 months

Online application

In person or by post

Common mistakes

  • • Affidavit regarding succession is incorrect
  • • Not all heirs/legal heirs have been identified

Common reasons for rejection

  • • Line of succession not clearly established
  • • Objections from other claimants to the inheritance

You can usually file an objection against a rejection.

The essentials before applying

Who is eligible?

Heirs who must prove their status as heirs, unless a notarized will accompanied by a probate record is sufficient.

Income limit

The limit varies by household and region – see the table at the responsible authority or in the application assistant.

Processing time

Nationwide: approx. approx. 2 months

Success rate

approx. 90.0 % (estimate)

Most common mistakes

  • •Affidavit regarding succession is incorrect
  • •Not all heirs/legal heirs have been identified

Common reasons for rejection

  • •Line of succession not clearly established
  • •Objections from other claimants to the inheritance

Alternatives

  • Check related services in the application assistant
  • Use social counselling before applying

If rejected

File a written objection within 30 days – with reasons why the decision is wrong and any missing evidence.

Questions & Answers

How much does a certificate of inheritance cost?▼

The fees are based on the value of the estate (Court and Notary Fees Act)—the higher the value of the estate, the higher the fee.

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