Certificates for NRIs

Legal Heir Certificate India for NRIs: How It Works

Proof of who inherits, without flying home to queue.

Legal Heir Certificate for NRIs by We4NRI

Quick answer

A legal heir certificate names the surviving legal heirs of a person who died. In many Indian states the Tahsildar or another revenue authority issues it, though this varies by state. NRIs need it for bank accounts, property and provident fund claims. We4NRI prepares the application and follows it up.

A legal heir certificate names who inherits from a person who died. We4NRI helps your family apply to the revenue authority and sends the document abroad.

What this service covers

When a relative passes away without all accounts and assets being cleared, banks, employers and land offices ask who the legal heirs are. A legal heir certificate answers that. It lists the heirs and their relationship to the deceased. In many states the Tahsildar or another revenue officer issues it after an inquiry, but the office, form and process vary by state.

It is not the same as a succession certificate, which a civil court issues, or a probate, which relates to a will. Courts and banks often decide which one they accept, based on the amount involved and the type of asset. Check what your bank, employer or sub registrar needs before you apply.

We4NRI is a private facilitator based in Chennai, Tamil Nadu. We help families in the USA, UAE, UK, Canada, Australia, Singapore, Malaysia and Europe prepare the application, coordinate with local offices and collect the certificate. We do not give legal advice, and the issuing authority decides the outcome.

Who this is for

NRI children or spouses claiming a deceased parent or partner's bank balance or fixed deposits.
Heirs who need to transfer or sell property held in the name of the deceased.
Families claiming provident fund, pension, insurance or employer dues.
Heirs abroad who cannot travel to attend an inquiry in person.

How it works, step by step

1
Check which paper you need
Legal heir certificate, succession certificate or something else. We ask the bank or office what they accept before filing.
2
Collect the proofs
We list the documents for each heir and flag gaps, such as a missing death certificate or a name mismatch.
3
Prepare and file
We draft the application and affidavit in the form your state uses, and submit it to the revenue authority or the office that applies.
4
Inquiry and follow up
The authority usually runs an inquiry or verification. We follow up and tell you if any heir must appear or sign.
5
Certified copies and courier
We collect the certificate, arrange apostille if needed abroad, and courier the set with tracking.

Documents to keep ready

Tick what you already have. We will use it to focus your first call on what is missing.

0 of 6 ready

Death certificate of the deceased
Identity and address proof of the deceased and of each claimed heir
Proof of relationship, such as birth or marriage certificates, ration card or family records
Proof of the last residence of the deceased
Affidavit or declaration listing the heirs, as the office requires
Authorisation letter or power of attorney if a representative acts for you

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Key facts at a glance

Issued by: Tahsildar or revenue authority in many states, varies by state
Purpose: Names the legal heirs of a deceased person
Different from: Succession certificate from a civil court, and probate of a will
Common uses: Bank accounts, property transfer, provident fund, insurance
Often needed first: Death registration certificate

Legal heir certificate and succession certificate compared

People mix these two up. Which one you need depends on the asset and on who is asking.

Document	What it is
Legal heir certificate	Usually issued by a revenue authority. It names the legal heirs and is accepted for many bank, provident fund and land office claims.
Succession certificate	Issued by a civil court after proceedings. It authorises heirs to collect certain debts and securities, and some institutions insist on it.
Probate	A court order that confirms a will. It applies where the deceased left a will.
Death certificate	Issued by the registrar. It records the death and is needed first for all of the above.

Mistakes to avoid

Applying for a legal heir certificate when the bank actually wants a succession certificate.
Leaving out an heir. Missing names can stall claims later.
Starting before the death is registered and a death certificate is in hand.
Assuming one state format works in another. Forms and offices differ.

Questions about legal heir certificate for nris

It is an official document naming the surviving legal heirs of a person who died, and their relationship to that person. Banks, employers, insurers and land offices use it to decide who may claim the deceased person's assets or dues.

In many states the Tahsildar or another revenue authority issues it after verification. The office, form and process vary by state and sometimes by district. We confirm the right authority for the last residence of the deceased before applying.

A legal heir certificate usually comes from a revenue authority and names the heirs. A succession certificate comes from a civil court and authorises heirs to collect certain debts and securities. Ask the bank or office which one it accepts.

Often through an authorised representative in India, though some offices want heirs to sign or appear. Rules vary by state, and some offices want the heir to sign in person. We check what the authority allows and tell you before you spend time or money.

Usually the death certificate, identity and address proofs, proof of relationship for every heir, and an affidavit or declaration. Lists differ by state and office, and the revenue authority may ask for more. We confirm the exact list for your case.

It is commonly accepted for bank, provident fund and some property matters, but each institution sets its own rules. Some insist on a succession certificate or probate. Check with the bank or sub registrar first, before you spend time on the application.

No. We are a document assistance service, not a law firm. Who inherits depends on personal law and facts of the family. We help with the application, and refer disputes or complex cases to a practising advocate.

Last updated 27 October 2026. Rules and fees change, so we confirm the current position before we start your order.