After the death of a family member, legal heirs need a Succession Certificate to claim bank accounts, property, and assets. Now this certificate is issued by NADRA under the Succession Act 1920.
Previously, people had to go to Civil Court which took years. Now after the amendment in 2021, NADRA has the authority to issue Succession Certificate within a few weeks.
Difference Between Succession Certificate and Letter of Administration
Succession Certificate is for movable property like bank money, shares, prize bonds. Letter of Administration is for immovable property like house, land, and shop.
Procedure at NADRA
1. Application: All legal heirs must visit NADRA Succession Facilitation Unit (SFU) with the death certificate of the deceased.
2. Biometric Verification: Biometrics of all legal heirs are verified. If an heir is abroad, his video verification and power of attorney can be used.
3. Advertisement: NADRA issues a public notice for 14 days in newspapers. If no objection is received, process continues.
4. Heirs Verification: NADRA verifies family tree through its own record.
5. Issuance: After 14 days, if no objection, NADRA issues the Succession Certificate within 7 days. Total time is about 21 to 30 days.
Required Documents
Death Certificate of deceased, CNICs of all legal heirs, CNIC of deceased, proof of properties, and affidavit.
Fee
NADRA fee for Succession Certificate is Rs. 20,000 for movable property and Rs. 10,000 for Letter of Administration. If property value is less than 1 lac, fee is reduced.
This new system has made the process very easy and has removed the long court procedure. Legal heirs can now get their right quickly and transparently.
