How to Get Succession Certificate from NADRA – Step-by-Step Guide for Pakistan

Losing a loved one is never easy, and dealing with legal matters afterward can feel overwhelming. One important legal step for heirs in Pakistan is obtaining a Succession Certificate from NADRA (National Database and Registration Authority). This certificate officially declares the rightful heirs and their share in the deceased’s movable assets such as bank accounts, shares, bonds, and vehicles.

In this guide, we’ll walk you through the entire process of getting a succession certificate from NADRA in Pakistan, from eligibility requirements to application submission so you can save time, avoid mistakes, and get it right the first time.

Table of Contents

What is a Succession Certificate from NADRA?

A Succession Certificate is a legal document issued by NADRA that confirms the legal heirs of a deceased person. This certificate allows heirs to transfer or claim ownership of movable assets without going to court, thanks to NADRA’s Succession Facilitation Units.

Why It’s Important

It officially recognizes the heirs.
It allows smooth transfer of bank balances, securities, and other movable assets.
It avoids lengthy court procedures.

Who Can Apply for a NADRA Succession Certificate?

The certificate can be applied for by:

Any legal heir of the deceased (spouse, children, parents, siblings, etc.).
A representative authorized by the legal heirs.

Note: All heirs must be CNIC holders and present in Pakistan for biometric verification, or they must verify through Pakistani embassies abroad.

Documents Required for NADRA Succession Certificate

Before starting the process, keep these documents ready:

Document	Purpose
Death Certificate of the deceased	Proof of death
CNIC of deceased	Identity verification
CNICs of all legal heirs	Verification of heirs
Asset details (bank statements, share certificates, etc.)	Proof of assets to be inherited
Family registration certificate (FRC)	To confirm family structure

Step-by-Step Process to Get a Succession Certificate from NADRA

Step 1: Visit NADRA’s Succession Facilitation Unit

Find the nearest NADRA Succession Facilitation Unit in your city. Currently, these centers are available in major cities like Islamabad, Lahore, Karachi, Peshawar, and Quetta.

Step 2: Submit Application

Provide details of the deceased, list of heirs, and asset information.
NADRA will prepare a draft of the application.

Step 3: Biometric Verification of All Heirs

All legal heirs must undergo biometric verification.
Heirs living abroad can verify through Pakistani missions.

Step 4: Public Notice Issuance

NADRA will publish a notice in newspapers to invite objections.
If no objection is received within 14 days, the process continues.

Step 5: Certificate Issuance

Once the waiting period ends without disputes, NADRA issues the Succession Certificate.
The certificate can be collected in person or sent by courier.

Timeframe for NADRA Succession Certificate

In most cases, the process takes 15 to 20 working days if there are no objections.

Cost of NADRA Succession Certificate in Pakistan

Service	Fee
Application Processing	Around PKR 20,000 – 25,000 (varies by case)
Newspaper Publication	Included in fee

NADRA vs. Court-Issued Succession Certificate

Feature	NADRA	Court
Processing Time	15-20 days	3-6 months
Ease of Process	Quick and digital	Lengthy paperwork
Availability	Only in major cities	Available nationwide

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Not including all heirs in the application.
Providing incorrect asset details.
Missing biometric verification.
Not responding to public notice objections.

Final Thoughts

The NADRA Succession Certificate has made asset transfer much easier for Pakistani families. Instead of months of court visits, you can now get it done within a few weeks provided all documents are in order.

If you’ve recently lost a family member, start by gathering documents, confirming all heirs, and visiting your nearest Succession Facilitation Unit. This small effort will save you from legal complications in the future.

FAQ

1. What is a Succession Certificate from NADRA?

A succession certificate from NADRA is a legal document issued to the legal heirs of a deceased person, allowing them to claim movable and immovable assets such as bank accounts, property, and vehicles.

2. Who can apply for a NADRA succession certificate?

Only the legal heirs of the deceased can apply. These include the spouse, children, and parents, depending on the family structure and Islamic inheritance laws