How to Apply and Get a Succession Certificate in India for NRI
For Non-Resident Indians (NRIs), dealing with the inheritance of assets in India can be a challenging process due to geographical distance, complex legal procedures, and jurisdictional issues.
To simplify asset transfer and ensure that rightful heirs can legally claim ownership, the Indian Government mandates the possession of a Succession Certificate.
This certificate serves as a legal authorization that allows heirs to inherit and manage movable assets such as:
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Funds in bank accounts
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Debts and securities
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Equities and bonds
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Other movable properties
At Legal Light Consulting (LLC Lawyer), we specialize in assisting NRIs with obtaining a succession certificate in India, ensuring a smooth and efficient process while keeping you updated at every step.
How NRIs Can Apply for and Obtain a Succession Certificate in India
Expert Legal Support from Legal Light Consulting
When a family member passes away without leaving a will, accessing their movable assets—such as bank funds, securities, debts, and equities—requires legal validation.
The Succession Certificate, mandated by the Indian Government, is the key document that empowers rightful heirs to claim these assets. For Non-Resident Indians (NRIs), navigating this process from abroad can be complex—but with Legal Light Consulting (LLC), it becomes clear, structured, and manageable
Jurisdiction and Competent Authority
A Succession Certificate is granted by the District Judge or the High Court that falls within the competent jurisdiction. The jurisdiction is determined by:
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Place of residence of the deceased at the time of death, or
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Location of the assets, if no fixed residence is available.
Petition Under Section 372 of the Indian Succession Act, 1925
The petition for a succession certificate is filed under Section 372 of the Indian Succession Act, 1925. Key points include:
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It must be filed by a Class I legal heir or the immediate successor of the deceased.
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The petition should be submitted in the form of an affidavit.
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Other relatives are not entitled to file unless they are recognized as successors under the Act.
Details Required in the Petition
The application should be in the prescribed format and must include the following details:
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Applicant’s residential information
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Legal rights of the applicant over the assets
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Confirmation of no obstacle to the grant of the certificate
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Time and place of death of the deceased
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Information about the family, including Class I legal heirs and close relatives
Documents Required to Obtain a Succession Certificate
When applying for a succession certificate, the following documents must be submitted to the competent court, duly attested and verified:
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Details of the deceased person (death certificate, last residence, etc.)
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Proof of the applicant’s claim to the assets
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Valid government-issued ID of the applicant
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Affidavit on a legal stamp paper of ₹20
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Complete details of the deceased’s debts, securities, or investments
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No Objection Certificate (NOC) from other legal heirs, if applicable
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Details and addresses of all legal heirs and family members
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Photocopy of the death certificate with details of time and place of death
Court Fee and Stamp Duty
The grant of a succession certificate is subject to court fees and stamp duty:
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As per The Court Fees Act, 1870 – applicable charges depend on the jurisdiction.
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Stamp Duty – varies from state to state.
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Standard Fee – approximately 3% of the total value of the property is charged.
Timeframe for Obtaining a Succession Certificate
The process generally involves:
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Notice Period – A public notice is issued in newspapers for 45 days to invite objections.
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Certificate Grant – If no objections are raised, the certificate is issued.
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Timeline – The process usually takes about 3 to 4 months, but can extend to 5 to 7 months if objections are filed.
How Legal Light Consulting Supports NRIs
At Legal Light Consulting (LLC Lawyer), we understand the unique challenges NRIs face in Indian legal matters. Our dedicated team of lawyers and client servicing professionals ensures:
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Accurate drafting and filing of petitions under Section 372
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Representation in succession certificate proceedings before Indian courts
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Handling disputes and objections efficiently
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End-to-end assistance for NRIs without requiring frequent travel to India
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Real-time updates on case progress through technology-enabled communication
How LLC Lawyer works and Help NRIs
At LLC, we understand the unique challenges faced by NRIs in managing legal matters across borders. Our dedicated client servicing team ensures:
- Seamless coordination with courts and authorities
- Transparent updates via digital platforms
- Personalized legal strategy based on your case
- Timely documentation and representation
- End-to-end support—from petition drafting to certificate issuance
We leverage technology to keep our NRI clients informed about every development, ensuring they make well-informed decisions without the stress of navigating Indian legal procedures alone.
Obtaining a succession certificate in India is a mandatory and legally binding step for heirs, including NRIs, to claim movable assets. With the right legal guidance, the process can be streamlined and hassle-free.
At Legal Light Consulting, we combine legal expertise with client-focused service to help NRIs secure their rightful inheritance in India with confidence.
📞 Contact us today to begin your succession certificate application with expert legal support.
This article is intended for educational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. For personalized assistance, please consult our legal experts directly.
