When a family member dies, heirs often need legal proof to claim bank accounts, property, and savings. A succession certificate in Pakistan provides that proof. It names the legal heirs and their shares in the inheritance. This guide explains how to apply through NADRA, the documents you need, the fees, and when a court is the better route.
What Is a Succession Certificate?
A succession certificate is an official document that lists the legal heirs of a deceased person and their respective shares. Under the Letters of Administration and Succession Certificates Act 2021, NADRA can issue it through Succession Facilitation Units. For Muslim families, the shares follow Islamic inheritance law.
Banks, insurance companies, and property offices usually ask for it before they release money or transfer assets to heirs.
NADRA or Court: Which Route Should You Choose?
You can get the certificate through NADRA or through a civil court. The table compares the two routes.
| Feature | NADRA | Civil Court |
|---|---|---|
| Where to apply | NADRA centres with a Succession Facilitation Unit | Civil court |
| Typical time | Reported at about 15 to 30 days | Often several months |
| Cost | Rs10,000 or Rs20,000, depending on asset value | Court fees plus lawyer charges |
| Best for | Families that agree on the heirs | Disputed or complicated cases |
Documents Required for a Succession Certificate
Keep these papers ready before you apply:
- The death certificate of the deceased.
- The CNIC of the deceased.
- The CNICs of all legal heirs.
- The Family Registration Certificate (FRC) showing the family tree.
- A letter of authorisation from all legal heirs, if one heir applies on behalf of the rest.
- Details of the assets, if the application asks for them.
- A guardianship certificate, if any heir is under 18.
Names and spellings must match across all documents. Mismatches are a common cause of delay.
How to Apply for a Succession Certificate in Pakistan
- Update the records. Make sure the death is registered and the deceased person’s NADRA record is updated.
- Check the family registration. All heirs, such as the spouse and children, should have complete NADRA records.
- Visit a NADRA centre. In August 2025, NADRA said the service is available at all its centres with Succession Facilitation Units across the country. You can apply wherever you live, regardless of where the property is located.
- Submit the application. A legal heir gives the CNICs, the death certificate, and the other documents. Then pay the fee.
- Complete biometric verification. Every legal heir must verify their identity. They can do this at a NADRA centre or through the PakID mobile app.
- Track your application. Use the tracking ID. Within Pakistan, you can also send the ID by SMS to 8400.
- Receive the certificate. NADRA issues a certificate that lists all heirs and their shares.
Succession Certificate Fee
NADRA charges the fee according to the value of the assets:
- Rs20,000 if the assets are worth more than Rs100,000.
- Rs10,000 if the assets are worth less than Rs100,000.
- Rs5,000 for a duplicate certificate, according to reports.
Fees can change, so confirm the current amount with NADRA before you apply.
Applying From Abroad
Overseas heirs can also take part. However, the application must start in Pakistan at a NADRA centre. A legal heir in Pakistan files it with the CNIC or NICOP, the death certificate, and an authorisation letter from all heirs.
After NADRA issues a tracking ID, heirs abroad complete biometric verification. They can do this at the Pakistani embassy or consulate, or through the PakID app. In May 2026, the State Bank of Pakistan also eased its rules for non-resident heirs who want to transfer inherited assets abroad.
What to Do After You Get the Certificate
The certificate is only the first step. After that, heirs can usually:
- Claim bank balances, savings, and insurance money.
- Transfer shares and other financial assets.
- Start the property transfer process, with other documents the land office requires.
The certificate records each heir’s legal share. For this reason, heirs should agree on how to divide the actual assets and avoid later disputes.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Leaving out an heir from the application.
- Using different spellings of names across documents.
- Skipping the biometric verification step.
- Paying agents who promise shortcuts.
- Waiting too long, since banks and offices may ask for the certificate at any time.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does a NADRA succession certificate take?
Reports suggest about 15 to 30 days after submission, but the time can vary.
Can I apply at any NADRA centre?
Yes. NADRA says the service is available at centres with a Succession Facilitation Unit across the country.
Do all heirs have to be present?
All heirs must complete biometric verification. They can do this at a NADRA centre, at a Pakistani mission abroad, or through the PakID app.
When should I go to court instead?
Go to court if heirs disagree or the case is complicated.
What is the fee?
The fee is Rs20,000 for assets above Rs100,000 and Rs10,000 for assets below that value.
Conclusion
A succession certificate in Pakistan helps heirs claim their rightful share without long court cases. The NADRA route is faster in most simple cases, and you can now apply at any centre with a Succession Facilitation Unit. Prepare your documents, make sure every heir verifies biometrically, and confirm current fees before you apply. For more guides on public services, keep reading Pakistan Post. You can also visit the NADRA succession portal for official details.
