Inheritance · Succession Certificate

Succession Certificate for NRIs in India

Collect a deceased family member’s bank deposits, shares and other debts and securities in India — with a court-issued succession certificate obtained while you live abroad.

  • Bank deposits and fixed deposits
  • Shares, debentures and mutual funds
  • Money owed to the deceased
  • Petition signed abroad

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Tell us who has passed away and what assets need to be collected.

In short

What a succession certificate does

A succession certificate is granted by a court under the Indian Succession Act, 1925. It authorises the holder to collect debts and securities of a deceased person and protects the bank or company that pays. It is used mainly where there is no will, and it does not transfer immovable property such as a house or land.

Common situations

When Heirs Usually Need One

Institutions ask for it when there is no nominee, the amount is large, or heirs disagree.

Bank deposits

Savings and fixed deposits without a nominee, or above the bank’s threshold.

Shares and securities

Shares, debentures and other securities in the deceased’s name.

Money owed to the deceased

Loans, dues or claims payable to the person who died.

Several heirs abroad

Heirs living in different countries who need one authorised collector.

Disputed heirship

Where relatives disagree about who is entitled.

Old or dormant assets

Accounts or investments discovered years later.

Your options

Choosing the Right Document

The succession certificate is one of several options.

Succession certificate

For debts and securities where there is no will.

Probate

Where there is a will naming an executor.

Letters of administration

Where there is a will but no executor, or no will, for administering the estate.

Legal heir certificate

An administrative certificate identifying heirs, used for records and smaller claims.

Nominee claims

Some institutions pay the nominee, who holds the money for the legal heirs.

Transmission of shares

Companies and depositories have their own documentation thresholds.

The law

Laws That Commonly Apply

Part X of the Indian Succession Act, 1925 governs succession certificates.

The process in law

  • Petition to the District Judge where the deceased ordinarily resided, or where the property is if they had no fixed residence.
  • The court issues public notice and notice to other heirs.
  • The court may require security from the applicant.
  • The certificate specifies the debts and securities it covers.

Who is entitled

  • Entitlement follows the personal succession law — for Hindus, Sikhs, Jains and Buddhists the Hindu Succession Act, 1956.
  • Muslims follow Muslim personal law; Christians and Parsis generally the Indian Succession Act.
  • A nominee does not become the owner merely by nomination in most cases.
  • Court fees are usually a percentage of the value of the assets and vary by state.

Step by step

How the Petition Usually Works

Typical stages

  1. Collect the death certificate, family tree and details of each asset.
  2. Sign the petition affidavit and vakalatnama abroad; get them attested or apostilled.
  3. Your lawyer files the petition with the court fee.
  4. Public notice and notice to other heirs.
  5. Other heirs file no-objection affidavits, where they agree.
  6. Grant of the certificate and collection from the bank or company.

Documents usually needed

  • Death certificate
  • Family tree / list of legal heirs
  • Statements or certificates for each deposit and security
  • Identity documents of the petitioner and heirs
  • No-objection affidavits from other heirs
  • Power of attorney and vakalatnama

How long it takes depends on the court and on whether anyone objects.

From abroad

Handling It While You Live Overseas

Power of Attorney

A trusted person in India can handle local steps under a specific power of attorney, attested or apostilled abroad and stamped in India.

Vakalatnama

Your lawyer appears for you on a vakalatnama, which can usually be signed abroad and sent to India.

Video appearance

Many courts and authorities allow parties abroad to join hearings by video, with permission.

No-objection affidavits

Other heirs abroad can sign no-objection affidavits before their Indian mission or a notary with apostille.

Asset list

List every deposit and security; the certificate covers only what is specified.

Country guides

See how to sign documents where you live.

Avoid these

Common Mistakes with Succession Certificates

Common pitfalls

  • Applying for it to transfer a house or land — it does not cover immovable property.
  • Leaving out an heir, which invites objections.
  • Not listing every asset in the petition.
  • Assuming a nominee owns the money.

How LegalCops can help

  • Explain the routes available for your situation and state
  • Connect you with a lawyer in India from the LegalCops directory
  • Arrange a phone or video consultation across time zones
  • Point you to guides on documents signed abroad

FAQs

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I apply while living abroad?

Yes. The petition can be filed through your lawyer with documents signed abroad.

Is a succession certificate needed if there is a nominee?

Not always. Some banks pay nominees; others ask for a certificate, especially for large amounts or disputes.

Does it cover the family house?

No. Immovable property passes through other routes — mutation, a release deed, probate or a partition.

What if relatives object?

The court hears the objection; the petition may become contested and take longer.

Related

Related Services and Guides

NRI inheritance

Rights of heirs abroad.
Explore →

Legal heir certificate

For records and pensions.
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Guide: which certificate?

Succession certificate, legal heir or probate.
Read →

Guide: can NRIs inherit?

Inheritance rights explained.
Read →

NRI documentation

Documents for Indian authorities.
Explore →

Wills & probate

Proving a will in India.
Explore →

Collect What Your Family Is Owed — From Abroad

Speak to a lawyer in India by phone or video about a succession certificate.
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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. Last reviewed: November 2026.