Apply for a certificate of inheritance
An official certificate of inheritance issued by the probate court, which serves as proof of identity for banks, land registries, and other institutions.
Wo wohnen Sie?
Damit wir Apply for a certificate of inheritance mit dem zuständigen Nachlassgericht in Ihrer Stadt anzeigen können.
Oder Großstadt wählen:
Sie werden zur geführten Suche weitergeleitet – mit Kontaktdaten, Termin und nächsten Schritten für Apply for a certificate of inheritance.
Quick answer
- 1
Documents you need
Death certificate of the decedent
- 2
Responsible authority
The authority of your main residence
- 3
How to do it
In person or by post at the office
- 4
Costs
10–80 € je nach Urkunde/Verfahren
How to proceed
- 1
File a petition with the probate court in the testator’s last place of residence
In person, with notary assistance if necessary.
- 2
Make a sworn statement
Erbe affirms the stated facts under oath.
- 3
Obtain a certificate of inheritance
For a fee (based on the value of the estate).
Responsible authority
The authority of your main place of residence is responsible.Find authority →
The essentials before applying
Who is eligible?
Heirs who are required to officially prove their status as heirs.
Income limit
Processing time
Nationwide: approx. approx. 1 months
Success rate
approx. 90.0 % (estimate)
Most common mistakes
- •Affidavit not prepared
- •Death certificate or family register is missing
Common reasons for rejection
- •Inheritance rights not established
- •There is a will or inheritance contract, but the matter has not been resolved
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
Wie lange dauert Erbschein beantragen?▼
In der Regel ca. 30 Werktage – je nach Behörde und Auslastung.
Freshness & source
- Maintenance
- Continuously reviewed & updated
- Source
- Bundesamt für Justiz
- Data quality
- 100 %