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Law

Apply for a European Certificate of Succession

An official certificate from the probate court confirming heir status when there is no notarized will.

Processing: approx. 4 weeks
Success rate: 90.0 %

How to proceed

  1. 1

    File a petition with the probate court (local court)

    In person with an affidavit or notarized.

  2. 2

    Submit documents

    Death certificate, proof of kinship, will, or inheritance agreement.

  3. 3

    Obtain a certificate of inheritance

    Fees are based on the value of the estate.

Required documents

  • Death certificate of the decedentMandatory

    Official death certificate.

  • Proof of kinshipMandatoryOften forgotten

    Birth and marriage certificates for the purpose of establishing lineage.

Responsible authority

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

Fees

Varies by case

Processing time

approx. 4 weeks

Official: max. approx. 1 months

Online application

In person or by post

Common mistakes

  • • Application filed with the wrong court (jurisdiction: the decedent’s last place of residence)
  • • Death certificate not certified

Common reasons for rejection

  • • Conflicting Interpretations of a Will
  • • No other heirs are known or the situation is unclear

You can usually file an objection against a rejection.

The essentials before applying

Who is eligible?

Heirs who must prove their status as heirs to banks, government agencies, or the land registry.

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. 4 weeks

Success rate

approx. 90.0 % (estimate)

Most common mistakes

  • •Application filed with the wrong court (jurisdiction: the decedent’s last place of residence)
  • •Death certificate not certified

Common reasons for rejection

  • •Conflicting Interpretations of a Will
  • •No other heirs are known or the situation is unclear

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.

Related services

Notarized Will / Inheritance Agreement

Replaces a certificate of inheritance in many situations

Read more