Key takeaway
Gather documents in four groups: proof of death, proof of who the heirs are, documents for each asset, and identity papers for every heir. Heirs abroad will also need documents signed and authenticated overseas. Getting this set together early saves months later.
1. Proof of death
- Death certificate from the municipal or panchayat registrar (several certified copies)
- For a death abroad: the foreign death certificate, apostilled or attested, and registration with the Indian mission where applicable
2. Proof of heirship
- Will (original), codicils and, where obtained, probate or letter of administration
- Succession certificate or legal heir certificate, as institutions require
- Family tree (genealogy) affidavit
- Birth and marriage certificates linking heirs to the deceased
- Death certificates of predeceased heirs
- Family settlement, partition or release deeds among heirs
See which heirship document do you need?
3. Asset documents
Property
- Title deed and chain of title; encumbrance certificate
- Revenue and municipal records (khata, 7/12, jamabandi, record of rights, property card)
- Property tax and utility receipts; society share certificate and no-objection
Bank and investments
- Passbooks, statements, fixed deposit receipts, locker details
- Demat statements, share certificates, mutual fund statements
- Insurance policies, pension and provident fund details
- Income tax returns, Form 26AS or AIS (helpful to trace assets)
Liabilities
- Loan statements, credit cards, outstanding taxes
4. Identity documents of each heir
- Passport (and OCI card, if any); PAN (or Form 60)
- Proof of address — Indian and overseas
- Photographs
5. Documents signed abroad
- Power of Attorney for a representative in India
- Affidavits, consents, no-objection and disclaimer letters
- Relinquishment deeds where shares are given up
These must be notarised and apostilled, or attested at an Indian mission. See preparing Indian legal documents from overseas.
Tips
- Use the same spelling of names across all documents; prepare a “one and the same person” affidavit where spellings differ.
- Keep originals with one trusted person and maintain a shared scanned folder.
- Check each institution’s claim form before collecting documents — requirements differ.
Not sure which documents your case needs?
Tell us the assets involved and whether there is a will.
Related guides
- All NRI legal guides
- Inheritance and succession in India: the complete guide
- Managing a parent’s estate from abroad
- Claiming bank deposits of a deceased parent
- NRI legal heir certificate (service)
References
- Indian Succession Act, 1925; Registration of Births and Deaths Act, 1969 — India Code
- State rules on legal heir and family member certificates
Last reviewed: November 2026.
The information provided is for general educational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Applicable laws and procedures may vary depending on the facts, jurisdiction, and circumstances of each matter. Consult a qualified legal professional before taking action.
