When a family member dies, banks, insurance companies, and offices often ask the family to prove who the legal heirs are. In Pakistan, NADRA can issue this proof. It is officially called a succession certificate (or a letter of administration), and many people search for it as a “NADRA legal heir certificate.” This guide explains how to get one, which documents you need, how much it costs, and when you may need to go to court instead.
What Is a NADRA Legal Heir Certificate?
It is an official document that names the legal heirs of a person who has died and shows their right to the person’s assets. Heirs use it to claim bank accounts, shares, insurance money, vehicles, and other property. NADRA’s own page describes it as proof of the heirs’ ownership over the deceased person’s movable and immovable property.
It is different from a Family Registration Certificate (FRC). The FRC only shows how family members are related. The succession certificate is the document that lets heirs claim assets.
NADRA or Court: Which Route?
One legal guide says a 2025 amendment to the succession law now lets heirs approach either NADRA or the civil court directly. In general, NADRA suits families who agree, and the court suits cases with disputes.
| Question | NADRA Route | Court Route |
|---|---|---|
| Best for | Heirs are clear and no one objects | Heirship is disputed, or NADRA cannot proceed |
| Who handles it | NADRA Succession Facilitation Unit | Civil court (District Judge) |
| Heirs’ role | All adult heirs verify by biometrics | Court notices, evidence, and hearings |
| Notice | NADRA public notice for objections | Controlled by the court |
Documents You Need
- The death certificate of the deceased, issued by NADRA or the union council
- A copy of the deceased person’s cancelled CNIC
- Valid CNIC, SNIC, or NICOP of every legal heir. Expired cards must be renewed first.
- A fresh Family Registration Certificate (FRC) that shows all family members correctly
- The nikah nama for a surviving spouse
- Guardianship documents, where an heir is a minor
- Details of every asset, such as bank names and account numbers, share or CDC account details, insurance policy numbers, vehicles, and property
- A letter of authorization from the other heirs, if one heir applies for everyone
List all assets carefully. The certificate covers only the assets named in the application, so one you forget needs a separate application later.
How to Get a NADRA Succession Certificate: Step by Step
- Get the death certificate. If the death is not yet registered, get a computerized certificate from NADRA or the union council first.
- Check the family record. Make sure the FRC lists every heir correctly. If it is incomplete, correct it before applying.
- List the assets. Write down every account, share, policy, vehicle, and property.
- Agree on who applies. One heir can start the application with written authorization from the others.
- Apply at NADRA. Visit a NADRA Succession Facilitation Unit or use NADRA’s succession portal. Give your CNIC and the deceased person’s death certificate. Then add the heirs’ details and the asset details.
- Wait for family verification. NADRA checks the heirs against its family records.
- Complete biometrics. Every adult heir must verify and give consent by biometrics. This step often causes delays, especially when an heir lives abroad.
- Public notice. NADRA publishes a notice inviting objections. NADRA’s succession page says that if there is no objection within 14 days of publication, the certificate is printed and issued.
- Collect your certificate. You can also get it checked later through NADRA’s verification service.
Fees
NADRA’s succession page has listed these fees:
- Initial processing fee of Rs. 10,000 if the asset value is under Rs. 100,000
- Initial processing fee of Rs. 20,000 if the asset value is over Rs. 100,000
- Duplicate certificate fee of Rs. 5,000
- Online verification of a certificate for Rs. 50
That page may be out of date, and other guides do not give a safe current figure. Confirm the exact fee with NADRA before you pay. The court route has its own court and lawyer fees, which vary by province and by the value of the estate.
Can One Heir Apply Without the Others?
One heir can start the application, but the process still involves everyone. NADRA needs the consent of all adult heirs through biometrics. A certificate cannot be used to leave out a co-heir. NADRA will not issue one that skips a legal heir.
What About Land and Houses?
For land and houses, the revenue office may ask for its own inheritance document or inheritance mutation. Ask the office or bank which document it accepts before you apply, so you do not pay for the wrong one.
Tips to Avoid Delays
- Fix any mistake in the FRC before you start.
- Renew any expired CNIC of an heir early.
- Plan biometrics for heirs who live far away or abroad.
- Keep copies of every document and receipt.
- Talk to all heirs first, so no one objects after the public notice.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is a legal heir certificate the same as a succession certificate?
In everyday use, yes. NADRA’s official name for the document is a succession certificate or letter of administration.
How long does it take?
It depends on how quickly all heirs complete biometrics and on the public notice period, which NADRA’s page lists as 14 days without objection.
Do all heirs need to be present?
All adult heirs must complete biometric verification. Minors need guardianship documents.
What if someone objects?
If there is an objection or a dispute, the NADRA route may stop, and you may need to go to the civil court.
Does the certificate cover all assets?
Only the assets listed in the application. Add any missing asset in a new application.
Getting a NADRA legal heir certificate takes careful preparation. Gather the documents, correct the family record, list every asset, and keep all heirs informed, and the process should go smoothly.
