Succession Certificate
We at NRI-Planet are a team with a professional platform committed to providing a wide range of services, including utility bills, immigration services, educational documentation, and administrative documentation, to Non-Resident Indians (NRIs).
Service List
Succession Certificate for NRIs: Secure Your Inheritance from Abroad
Handling the loss of a loved one is hard. Managing their legal and financial matters from overseas makes it even more complex, especially for Non-Resident Indians (NRIs). One essential document that many NRIs require to claim the assets of their deceased relatives in India is a Succession Certificate.
We are a team of documentation specialists who understand the challenges NRIs face. Our goal is to provide a smooth, secure, and transparent process to help you obtain your Succession Certificate without stress.
What is a Succession Certificate?
A Succession Certificate is a legal document issued by a civil court in India. It establishes the rightful heir(s) of a deceased person who died without leaving a will (intestate). This certificate enables the heir(s) to claim and manage the deceased's
- Bank accounts
- Fixed deposits
- Shares and bonds
- Insurance policies
- Debts and securities
- Movable assets
It also helps settle liabilities and smooths property-related matters in the absence of a registered will.
Why NRIs Need a Succession Certificate
For NRIs, accessing the financial assets or investments of a deceased relative in India becomes extremely difficult without proper legal proof of their inheritance. The Succession Certificate is the official recognition of this right. It allows NRIs to
- Claim bank deposits or demat accounts
- Settle outstanding debts or liabilities
- Transfer ownership of investments
- Initiate property transfers if no will exists
Our experienced legal and documentation team helps NRIs through every step of the process efficiently.
Required Documents for Obtaining a Succession Certificate
You will need to gather and submit several key documents. We guide you through collecting and verifying them
- Death Certificate
Issued by the municipal authority, and the original copy is mandatory
- Proof of Relationship
Documents like a birth certificate, marriage certificate, or any official government document proving your relationship with the deceased
- List of Assets
A detailed list of the deceased’s movable and immovable assets, such as bank accounts, bonds, mutual funds, etc.
- Identity Proof of Applicant
Passport, Aadhaar card, or any valid government-issued ID
- Address Proof
Indian or international address (utility bill, bank statement, etc.)
- Legal Heir Certificate
Issued by the local revenue department, outlines all legal heirs of the deceased
- Affidavit
A sworn statement declaring your claim as a legal heir and your relationship with the deceased
- No Objection Certificate (NOC)
Required from other legal heirs if only one person is applying for the certificate
- Application Form
A formal petition submitted to the district court
- Other Supporting Documents
Depending on your case, bank statements, property documents, or previous legal paperwork may be required
Step-by-Step Process for NRIs
We help simplify what can otherwise be a time-consuming and legally intensive process
- Determine Jurisdiction
The petition must be filed in the District Court where the deceased last lived or where the majority of the assets are located.
- Drafting the Petition
Our legal experts prepare the petition professionally, detailing
- Applicant’s relationship with the deceased
- Reasons for seeking the certificate
- List of assets to be inherited
- Submit Documents
We compile and file all necessary documents with the court, ensuring no detail is missed.
- Court Proceedings
TThe court reviews the petition, verifies documents, and may require appearances. If you're abroad, we help you appoint a Power of Attorney (PoA) holder to represent you in court.
- Public Notice
The court issues a public notice in a local newspaper inviting objections. If no disputes arise within 30 days, the process moves forward.
- Issuance of Certificate
After reviewing the case, the court issues the Succession Certificate, granting you the legal right to manage the deceased’s assets.
Important Points to Remember
- A Succession Certificate is not needed if there is a valid, registered will. In that case, probate must be obtained
- A Legal Heir Certificate may be required alongside a Succession Certificate, especially for property inheritance.
- If multiple legal heirs are involved, mutual understanding and No Objection Certificates (NOCs) are crucial to avoid legal disputes.
- The court's decision is based on the authenticity of documents and the absence of objections from other heirs.
Why Choose Us?
- Experience in NRI Documentation
- Full Legal Support – From petition drafting to court representation through PoA.
- Transparent Process – Clear timelines, regular updates, and no hidden charges.
- Time-Saving – We handle the complete backend process so you don’t have to.
- Trusted Network – Strong ties with district courts, legal advisors, and verification officials.
We understand the legal sensitivities and emotional weight attached to these situations. Our goal is to offer not just a service, but peace of mind.
Get Started Today
If you're an NRI needing help with a Succession Certificate, reach out to us today. Our experts will explain the process, assess your documents, and provide a personalised plan.
Let us help you claim what is legally yours—professionally, respectfully, and without delays.
Frequently Asked Questions
Typically, 3 to 6 months, depending on the court’s schedule and document readiness.
If a will exists, you need a Probate of the Will, not a Succession Certificate.
Generally, it applies to movable assets. For immovable property, a Legal Heir Certificate or mutation application may be needed.