A succession certificate from an Indian civil court is what banks, depositories and employers need before paying a deceased person's money to the heirs. Heirs in Germany sign the petition affidavit or consent affidavits before a German notary, with pre-certification and Indian mission attestation, or at the mission itself. The court advertises the petition and, if there is no objection, grants the certificate for the listed assets.
- Document route
- German notary, pre-certification, then Indian mission attestation
- Time difference
- India is 3.5 hours (summer) to 4.5 hours (winter) ahead
- Law
- Part X, Indian Succession Act 1925
- Court
- District Judge where the deceased lived
Succession Certificate from Germany: how it works
We list the assets and their values, because court fee depends on value and only listed assets are covered. The petition is filed in the district court where the deceased lived, naming every heir. Heirs in Germany should sign in one round because of the time the legalisation chain takes, and we prepare a complete set accordingly. We also check whether each account had a nominee, as banks may release funds to nominees more quickly.
If nobody objects within the notice period, the certificate generally follows within a few months. We present it to each bank, depository and employer and handle their indemnity forms. The money is credited to the heir's NRO account and can be remitted to Germany within the annual limit with Forms 15CA and 15CB. If a relative objects, the court takes evidence, and we keep you informed.
What clients in Germany should know
- Land and houses pass by inheritance and are recorded through mutation, not by a succession certificate.
- Heirs resident in Germany may need to consider German inheritance tax on assets received from India.
- For modest balances, some banks pay heirs on an indemnity and affidavit without insisting on a court certificate.
Step by step from Germany
Video consultation
A call at a time that suits Germany, after we have read your documents.
Documents signed in Germany
German notary, pre-certification, then Indian mission attestation
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 Germany where needed.
The full guide
This page covers what changes when you are in Germany. For the law, the documents and the step-by-step procedure, read our main page on Succession Certificate, or see all services for clients in Germany and the Inheritance & Documents practice area.
Questions from clients in Germany
Must every heir consent?
Yes, as a petitioner or by a consent affidavit.
Can I file from Germany?
Yes. You sign through the German legalisation route or at the Indian mission, and we handle the court work.
How long does it take?
Usually three to six months if uncontested, plus the time for legalisation in Germany.