A will covering property in India is valid if signed by the testator and attested by two witnesses under the Indian Succession Act, wherever it is made. Probate is needed only in some cases, but heirs who are Afghan citizens may need RBI permission to take or sell Indian property, so the will should be drafted with each heir's nationality in mind.
- Document route
- Case by case: Indian mission in Kabul where available, or Indian documents and third-country routes
- Time difference
- IST is 1 hour ahead of Afghanistan all year
- Law
- Indian Succession Act 1925
- Witnesses
- Two attesting witnesses
Wills & Probate from Afghanistan: how it works
We draft the will under Indian law, list each Indian property and account, and appoint an executor in India who can deal with banks and registries. Where some heirs are Afghan citizens, we consider leaving property to heirs who can hold it easily, with equalisation through other assets.
When the time comes, we apply for probate or letters of administration where needed, or a succession certificate for movable assets, and handle the transfers. Registering the will in India helps against later challenges.
What clients in Afghanistan should know
- Use witnesses who will be traceable in future.
- Review the will whenever citizenship or residence changes.
- Keep the original will safe and tell the executor where it is.
Step by step from Afghanistan
Video consultation
A call at a time that suits Afghanistan, after we have read your documents.
Documents signed in Afghanistan
Case by case: Indian mission in Kabul where available, or Indian documents and third-country routes
Work in India
Our team files, appears and follows up in India, and shares scans of everything filed.
Result and handover
Certified copies and originals are couriered to you in Afghanistan where needed.
The full guide
This page covers what changes when you are in Afghanistan. For the law, the documents and the step-by-step procedure, read our main page on Wills & Probate, or see all services for clients in Afghanistan and the Inheritance & Documents practice area.
Questions from clients in Afghanistan
Can I make an Indian will while living abroad?
Yes, signed and attested by two witnesses; registration in India is optional.
Is probate compulsory in Delhi?
Not usually, but banks and registries may ask for it in some cases.
Can a will avoid the RBI permission requirement?
No, but it can direct property to heirs who do not need permission.