Succession Certificate and Letters of Administration in Pakistan
How legal heirs obtain a succession certificate or letters of administration to collect a deceased person’s bank balances, shares and property — including NADRA succession facilitation.
When a person dies, banks and companies release the deceased's movable assets to legal heirs only on production of a succession certificate or letters of administration. Immovable property is usually transferred through revenue or housing authority records on the basis of inheritance mutation.
Two routes
1. NADRA Succession Facilitation Units
Under the Letters of Administration and Succession Certificates Act, 2020 (Islamabad) and the corresponding provincial law in Punjab (2021), NADRA can issue succession certificates and letters of administration for uncontested cases where all legal heirs agree. Heirs apply at a facilitation unit with their documents and biometric verification.
2. Civil court under the Succession Act, 1925
Where the matter is contested, or NADRA cannot issue, a petition is filed before the civil court (District Judge) under Part X of the Succession Act, 1925.
Court procedure in brief
- Petition listing the deceased, date and place of death, legal heirs and the debts/securities for which the certificate is sought.
- Notice to the heirs and publication in a newspaper inviting objections.
- Evidence, including a report on the heirs.
- Grant of certificate, usually on furnishing security, and payment of the applicable court fee.
Documents checklist
- Death certificate of the deceased
- Family Registration Certificate (FRC) from NADRA
- CNICs (or B-forms) of all legal heirs
- Bank statements, share certificates or other proof of assets
- Affidavits of heirs; consent of heirs where applicable
Practical tips
Confirm the exact list of heirs under the applicable personal law before filing — omissions cause objections and delay. Keep each asset listed clearly with account numbers, since banks release only what the certificate specifies.
Sources & references
- Succession Act, 1925 — Part X
- Letters of Administration and Succession Certificates Act, 2020 (ICT)
- Punjab Letters of Administration and Succession Certificates Act, 2021
Frequently asked questions
Can I get a succession certificate from NADRA?
In jurisdictions where the succession certificates laws of 2020–2021 have been implemented, NADRA Succession Facilitation Units issue certificates for uncontested cases. Contested matters, or where NADRA cannot issue, go to the civil court.
What documents are needed?
Typically the death certificate, family registration certificate (FRC), CNICs of all legal heirs, details of the assets (bank accounts, shares, property) and, for court applications, an affidavit and publication in a newspaper.