What a succession certificate is, and when you need one

Asma Qureshi, Qureshi & Malik Associates
3 Sep 2026 · 6 min read

iWritten by the advocate, not by Wakeel. Not advice about your case. Wakeel’s own guide: Succession certificate →

When a relative dies in Pakistan and leaves money in a bank, the bank will not give it to the heirs on a death certificate alone. It asks for a succession certificate from a civil court.

Who can apply

Any legal heir. If you live abroad you do not have to travel. A power of attorney, attested at a Pakistani mission near you, lets an advocate file and attend for you.

What the court wants to see

The death certificate, the family registration certificate from NADRA, the bank details, and identity documents for each heir.

How long it takes

In Lahore, usually two to four months if nobody objects. A notice is published and other heirs get a chance to respond.

Photo: Taha Asamett, Pexels