How to Get a Succession Certificate in Pakistan (Step-by-Step Guide 2026)
When a person dies, their legal heirs may need a Succession Certificate to establish their entitlement to the deceased’s movable assets, such as bank accounts, deposits, shares, securities and other specified assets. For immovable property, such as land, houses and plots, the relevant document is generally a Letter of Administration.
In Pakistan, the succession process may be handled through NADRA’s Succession Facilitation mechanism where the case can be processed administratively. If NADRA declines to process the application because of a factual controversy or another issue requiring adjudication, the matter may proceed before the appropriate forum under the applicable succession law.
Succession Certificate vs. Letter of Administration
| Document | Generally Covers | Examples |
|---|---|---|
| Succession Certificate | Movable assets | Bank accounts, deposits, shares and other movable assets |
| Letter of Administration | Immovable property | Land, houses, plots and other immovable property |
If the deceased left both movable and immovable assets, the heirs may require the appropriate document or proceedings for each category of property. The exact requirements can depend on the nature and location of the assets.
Legal Framework
The modern administrative mechanism for succession documentation is based on the Letters of Administration and Succession Certificates Act, 2020, together with applicable provincial succession laws and rules.
The law provides a mechanism through which NADRA can issue Letters of Administration and Succession Certificates to legal heirs. It also provides that where a factual controversy exists that NADRA cannot resolve, the application may be declined for the heirs to approach the appropriate forum under the applicable law.
Route 1: NADRA Succession Certificate
NADRA provides a succession facilitation mechanism for eligible cases where the legal heirs and their entitlement can be established without a factual controversy requiring adjudication.
Who Can Apply?
Legal heirs of a deceased person may apply subject to the requirements of the applicable succession law and NADRA’s procedure. NADRA currently states that the deceased and legal heirs must be Pakistani citizens and that the relevant property or assets must be located within Pakistan.
Step 1: Prepare the Required Documents
- Death Certificate of the deceased
- CNIC Cancellation Certificate of the deceased
- Family Registration Certificate (FRC)
- List of legal heirs with copies of their CNICs
- Details of the movable and/or immovable assets concerned
- Authorization/affidavit in the prescribed form where one legal heir is authorized to act for the others
- Any additional documents required to establish the identity, relationship or ownership of the deceased
Step 2: Submit the Application to NADRA
The application may be submitted at a notified NADRA office/Succession Facilitation Unit according to the applicable procedure.
Under the 2020 legal framework, the application may generally be made at a notified office within whose jurisdiction the deceased ordinarily resided at the time of death or where any property or asset of the deceased is located.
In Sindh and Balochistan, NADRA currently states that succession applications are processed through legal counsel.
Step 3: Public Notice
After receiving the application, a notice to the general public is published through the NADRA web portal and newspapers as required by the applicable law.
Under the 2020 Act, if no objection or claim is received within 14 days of publication, the process may proceed to biometric verification and the remaining formalities.
Step 4: Biometric Verification
The applicant and legal heirs are required to undergo biometric verification in accordance with NADRA’s procedure.
The law also allows biometric verification of legal heirs to be undertaken at a notified office within Pakistan or abroad. Where biometric verification cannot be completed, NADRA may require the relevant heir to appear before the Authority or may use another approved method to establish identity.
Step 5: Issuance of the Succession Certificate
After satisfactory completion of the required formalities, NADRA issues the Succession Certificate in favour of the legal heirs, specifying their respective shares according to the applicable personal law.
A certificate issued under the relevant succession framework has the legal effect provided by law, including the effect specified under the Letters of Administration and Succession Certificates Act, 2020.
NADRA Succession Certificate Fees
NADRA’s current published fee information states:
| Asset Value | Fresh Application Fee |
|---|---|
| Rs. 100,000 or more | Rs. 20,000 |
| Rs. 100,000 or more in Sindh | Rs. 22,000 |
| Less than Rs. 100,000 | Rs. 10,000 |
Additional amounts may apply, including publication-related costs or other charges prescribed by the Authority. Fees can change, so applicants should verify the current fee with NADRA before filing.
How Long Does the NADRA Process Take?
NADRA currently states that processing takes approximately 14 days after publication, provided the required formalities are completed and no objection or factual controversy prevents processing.
The actual time may vary depending on document verification, biometric verification, objections, asset details and other circumstances of the case.
What Happens If There Is a Dispute?
If a factual controversy arises among legal heirs, or the issue requires adjudication or recording of evidence, NADRA may decline to process the application.
Examples may include a dispute regarding legal heirship, identity of an heir, or another matter that NADRA cannot resolve through its summary process. Under the 2020 Act, where NADRA declines to process the application, the heirs may approach the appropriate forum under the Succession Act, 1925 or another applicable law.
Accordingly, a disputed succession matter should not automatically be described as a simple NADRA application. The appropriate legal forum and procedure depend on the circumstances and applicable jurisdiction.
Court Proceedings for Succession
Where NADRA declines to process the application or where court adjudication becomes necessary, the heirs may need to pursue the appropriate remedy under the applicable succession law.
The Succession Act, 1925 contains provisions relating to succession certificates and letters of administration. For example, petitions for succession certificates are governed by the relevant provisions of the Act, while the exact forum and procedure depend on the nature of the case and applicable jurisdiction.
Legal heirs should obtain jurisdiction-specific legal advice before filing court proceedings because procedural requirements, court fees and competent forums may vary.
Documents Usually Required
- Death Certificate of the deceased
- CNIC Cancellation Certificate
- Family Registration Certificate (FRC)
- CNICs of the legal heirs
- List and details of assets
- Authorization or affidavit where applicable
- Proof of relationship or other supporting documents, where required
- Additional documents required by NADRA, the relevant court or the concerned asset-holding institution
Important Practical Tips
- Obtain the Death Certificate first: Make sure the deceased’s death is properly registered.
- Update the deceased’s NADRA record: Obtain the CNIC Cancellation Certificate where required.
- Check the FRC carefully: Make sure the family information is accurate and complete.
- Prepare complete asset details: Collect relevant account numbers, certificates, share details and ownership documents.
- Keep all heirs informed: Accurate information about every legal heir is important for the succession process.
- Overseas heirs: Biometric verification and authorization arrangements may be possible under the applicable NADRA procedure and law.
- Verify current fees: NADRA fees and procedural requirements can change.
- Check asset-specific requirements: Banks, companies, registries and other institutions may require additional documentation before transferring or releasing an asset.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I get a Succession Certificate for a house or land?
Generally, a Succession Certificate relates to movable property, while a Letter of Administration is used for immovable property under the applicable succession framework. In addition, inheritance of immovable property may require mutation or other property-related proceedings with the relevant authority.
What if one legal heir refuses to cooperate?
If the matter creates a factual controversy or prevents NADRA from completing its summary process, NADRA may decline the application. The heirs may then need to approach the appropriate legal forum under the applicable law.
Can an overseas legal heir participate?
Yes, the legal framework permits biometric verification at a notified office in Pakistan or abroad. NADRA may also require specific authorization documents depending on the circumstances.
Is a NADRA Succession Certificate legally valid?
Yes. The Letters of Administration and Succession Certificates Act, 2020 provides that certificates issued under the Act have the same effect as if issued under the Succession Act, 1925.
How long is a Succession Certificate valid?
A Succession Certificate is issued in relation to the assets and legal entitlements specified in the certificate. If additional assets are discovered later, further legal or administrative steps may be required depending on the circumstances.
Conclusion
Obtaining a Succession Certificate in Pakistan requires proper identification of the legal heirs, accurate family records, documentation of the deceased’s assets and compliance with the applicable succession procedure.
For cases that can be processed administratively, NADRA provides a succession facilitation mechanism involving document verification, public notice and biometric verification. Where NADRA cannot process the matter because of a factual controversy or another legal issue requiring adjudication, the heirs may need to pursue the appropriate legal remedy.
Because succession matters can involve significant financial and property rights, applicants should verify the current requirements with NADRA or obtain advice from a qualified legal professional before filing.
Need Legal Assistance?
If you need assistance with a Succession Certificate, Letter of Administration, inheritance documentation or related legal proceedings in Pakistan, Justify.pk can help you understand the applicable procedure and documentation requirements.
Note: This article is for general legal information and does not constitute legal advice. Procedures, fees and requirements may vary according to the applicable law, jurisdiction and circumstances of the case.
