How to Get Succession Certificate in Pakistan: Expert Guide
A Succession Certificate in Pakistan is a crucial legal document that authorizes rightful heirs to inherit and manage the movable and immovable assets of a deceased person. With the 2025 reforms by NADRA, the process has become faster, more transparent, and accessible nationwide. However, many families still struggle due to missing documents, unclear heirship, or confusion about procedural requirements.
This comprehensive guide explains every step in clear, formal language. We present updated laws, deeper insights, practical strategies, tables, examples, and expert-level guidance to help heirs secure a Succession Certificate smoothly. Our goal is to provide the most authoritative and detailed resource on the subject.
Understanding the Succession Certificate in Pakistan
A Succession Certificate is the official document that confirms the legal heirs of a deceased person. It empowers the heirs to access and transfer ownership of the deceased’s movable assets. These assets include:
- Bank accounts
- Fixed deposits
- Savings certificates
- National Savings schemes
- Securities and bonds
- Dividend and profit accounts
- Insurance proceeds
The document is recognized by all banks, financial institutions, and government bodies. Without it, the assets remain legally inaccessible.
Difference Between Succession Certificate & Letter of Administration
Many families confuse these two documents. Although related, they serve different purposes.
| Document | Purpose | Issued For | Issued By |
|---|---|---|---|
| Succession Certificate | Grants authority to manage and transfer movable assets | Bank accounts, securities, investments | NADRA (for uncontested cases) |
| Letter of Administration | Grants authority to manage immovable assets | Property, land, real estate | NADRA (uncontested) or Civil Court (contested) |
Both documents require verification of heirs, confirmation of assets, and absence of disputes.
Who Needs a Succession Certificate?
A Succession Certificate becomes essential when:
- The deceased left behind bank accounts or savings.
- Heirs need to claim insurance benefits.
- Transfer of movable property requires legal authority.
- Organizations require proof of inheritance.
- Profit, dividends, or investments need distribution.
In many cases, families cannot even close a bank account without presenting the certificate.
Legal Framework Governing Succession
Succession matters in Pakistan fall under several legal sources:
- Succession Act 1925
- Muslim Family Laws Ordinance (for Muslim citizens)
- NADRA Succession Certificate Regulations (Updated 2025)
- Civil Procedure Code, for matters requiring court intervention
These laws define heirs, rights of beneficiaries, distribution rules, and procedures.
NADRA’s 2025 Reforms — What Has Changed?
NADRA introduced major improvements in 2025, transforming the process.
Key reforms include:
- Nationwide Processing: Applicants may approach any NADRA centre in Pakistan.
- No Provincial Restrictions: Property location no longer determines jurisdiction.
- Court-Free for Uncontested Cases: NADRA handles the entire process unless there is a dispute.
- Modern Biometric System: Remote verification options for heirs inside and outside Pakistan.
- Digital Public Notices: Online publication for transparency.
- Faster Completion: Most cases finish within 14–21 days.
These reforms save time and eliminate unnecessary travel.
Required Documents (Complete Checklist)
Applicants must submit a complete and accurate set of documents. Missing papers often cause delays.
Mandatory Documents
- Death certificate of the deceased
- CNIC/NICOP of the deceased
- CNIC/NICOP copies of all legal heirs
- List of legal heirs with relationships
- List of assets (movable and immovable)
- Authorization letter (if one heir is applying on behalf of others)
Supporting Documents
- Family Registration Certificate (FRC)
- Heirship certificate (if requested)
- Property documents (title deed, registry)
- Bank account statements
- Investment certificates
- Insurance claim documents
- Guardianship documents (if minors are involved)
For Overseas Heirs
- Valid passport copy
- NICOP copy
- Biometric verification through overseas NADRA or Pak-ID app
A complete file ensures swift processing.
Step-by-Step Procedure (NADRA 2025 Process)
The simplified procedure involves clear and predictable steps.
Step 1: Application Initiation
We visit any NADRA Succession Facilitation Unit (SFU).
We provide:
- Applicant’s CNIC
- Deceased’s death certificate
- Deceased’s CNIC
- Authorization letter (if applicable)
A unique case number is issued at this stage.
Step 2: Submission of Heirs and Asset Details
We submit:
- Names and CNICs of all legal heirs
- Relationship proof
- Information about all movable and immovable assets
NADRA enters the data in its inheritance system and prepares a verification file.
Step 3: Biometric Verification
Each legal heir must complete biometric verification.
They may verify through:
- Any NADRA centre in Pakistan
- NADRA centres abroad
- Pak-ID Mobile App (where available)
This ensures identity confirmation.
Step 4: Public Notice
NADRA issues:
- Online public notice
- Advertisements in one Urdu and one English newspaper
This step prevents fraudulent applications.
Step 5: Objection Window (14 Days)
A mandatory 14-day period allows objections.
If no objections are received, the case proceeds.
Step 6: Issuance of Certificate
NADRA issues:
- Succession Certificate for movable assets
- Letter of Administration for immovable assets
Heirs may collect the document or request dispatch where available.
Biometric Verification Options for Heirs
NADRA offers flexibility for heirs in different locations.
For Heirs in Pakistan
- Visit any NADRA centre
- Use designated verification booths
For Overseas Heirs
- NADRA overseas centres
- Pakistan consulates
- Pak-ID mobile app (if eligible)
In Exceptional Cases
If an heir is hospitalized, bedridden, or unable to attend:
- NADRA may verify through field verification
- Medical proof may be required
This flexibility ensures inclusion of all heirs.
Public Notice, Objections & Clearance Period
The public notice serves two purposes:
- Ensures transparency
- Prevents fraudulent claims
Objection Procedure:
- Third parties may file an objection within 14 days
- NADRA reviews the objection
- If the objection is valid, the case may shift to civil court
- If the objection is baseless, NADRA dismisses it and proceeds
This step protects rightful heirs.
Issuance Timeline — How Long the Process Takes
Most uncontested applications complete within:
| Process Stage | Estimated Time |
|---|---|
| Application initiation | 1 day |
| Data entry & documentation | 1–2 days |
| Biometric verification | 1–5 days |
| Public notice period | 14 days |
| Final processing | 2–3 days |
| Total | 18–25 days |
Complex files may take longer if documents are missing.
Cases Where NADRA Cannot Issue the Certificate
NADRA issues certificates only in uncontested cases. It cannot issue a certificate if:
- There is a legal dispute among heirs
- Property ownership is unclear
- Heirs challenge asset details
- A third party claims rights
- An heir refuses biometric verification
In these cases, civil court intervention is required.
Court Procedure for Contested Inheritance
If NADRA cannot proceed, the case must move to civil court.
Court Method Includes:
- Filing a petition
- Publishing a notice
- Hearing of heirs
- Recording of evidence
- Verification of assets
- Appointment of an administrator
- Issuance of the certificate by court order
The process may take several months.
Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them
Avoid These Errors:
- Submitting incomplete heir information
- Missing original death certificate
- Not matching CNIC details
- Providing wrong asset details
- Failing to coordinate biometric verification
- Not preparing an authorization letter
How to Avoid Delays:
- Confirm all CNICs are active and updated
- Prepare a complete list of heirs
- Gather bank statements in advance
- Ensure overseas heirs verify biometrics early
These precautions save significant time.
Special Cases
Some applications require extra steps.
1. Overseas Pakistani Heirs
They can verify identity through:
- Overseas NADRA
- Embassies
- Pak-ID app
2. Minor Heirs
A guardian must:
- Submit guardianship documents
- Manage inheritance on their behalf
3. Missing or Untraceable Heirs
NADRA may request:
- Legal affidavits
- Court orders
4. Missing CNIC of Deceased
NADRA can trace identity using:
- Old records
- FRC
- Manual verification
5. Joint Family Asset Structures
Heirs must provide clear division records.
How to Prepare a Strong Application (Expert Tips)
We use several proven strategies to ensure smooth approval.
Tip 1: Organize All Documents Before Applying
This prevents repeated visits.
Tip 2: Prepare a Complete Asset Summary
List all bank accounts, investment certificates, and properties.
Tip 3: Ensure FRC is Updated
This confirms relationships clearly.
Tip 4: Secure Authorization Letters
If a single heir represents others, prepare signed letters early.
Tip 5: Verify CNIC Data
Check spellings, dates, and family tree accuracy on CNICs.
Tip 6: Create a Communication Plan
Coordinate with all heirs to ensure timely biometric verification.
Tip 7: Maintain Copies of All Submissions
This helps resolve queries quickly.
Also read: How to Cancel NADRA CNIC After Death? The Ultimate Guide
Frequently Asked Questions
1. How long does NADRA take to issue a Succession Certificate?
Most cases complete within 18–25 days.
2. Can heirs apply from different cities?
Yes. NADRA allows nationwide applications.
3. Can overseas Pakistanis complete biometric verification?
Yes. They can verify through the Pak-ID app or overseas NADRA centres.
4. What happens if an heir does not cooperate?
NADRA may require civil court intervention.
5. Is court involvement necessary?
Only in disputed cases.
6. Can NADRA issue a certificate for property?
Yes. NADRA can issue Letters of Administration for immovable property.
Final Insights
The 2025 reforms have revolutionized inheritance procedures in Pakistan. With nationwide access, simplified documentation, and modern biometrics, obtaining a Succession Certificate has become faster and more efficient. By preparing the required documents, coordinating with heirs, and following each step carefully, families can secure the certificate without complications.
This guide provides everything needed to navigate the process confidently.
Also read: How to Transfer Car Title of a Deceased Person in Pakistan?