Certificate of Inheritance Explained: Key Uses and How to Obtain It

Following the passing of a loved one, heirs can request a certificate of inheritance from their local town hall or a notary. This official document, suitable for straightforward successions, verifies heirs' status and allows access to funds in the deceased's bank, postal, or savings accounts—up to €5,335.72. Surviving spouses may also use it to claim benefits like a survivor's pension, widowhood allowance, or death benefit. Explore its features, practical applications, and steps to acquire one below.

What is a Certificate of Inheritance and What is Its Purpose?

A certificate of inheritance is an official administrative document issued to heirs in uncomplicated succession cases. It serves as proof of heir status, enabling them to exercise their legal rights effectively.

Heirs benefit in several key ways:

• Access funds from the deceased's bank, postal, or savings accounts, limited to €5,335.72.
• Secure a survivor's pension for the spouse, equaling 54% of the deceased's pension.
• Claim a widowhood allowance for the spouse if resource conditions are met—up to €602.12 monthly for 24 months via old-age insurance.
• Receive the death benefit from the primary health insurance fund for eligible spouses, children, or parents.

Don't confuse it with the heir attestation, which heirs sign themselves and is increasingly used as a replacement. It requires an attached certificate of no last will (€18 fee).

For estates exceeding €5,000, a notary's affidavit is mandatory (average cost: €70).

How to Obtain a Certificate of Inheritance

Available free at the town hall for simple successions. For complex cases, consult a notary. Town halls may decline (not obligated), requiring notary services at around €70.

Required Documents for a Certificate of Inheritance

Visit the civil registry at the town hall of your residence, the deceased's residence, or place of death.

Provide:

• For the deceased: Death certificate, recent birth certificate, family record book, ID.
• For the applicant: ID card, family record book, proof of address, application form, and letters from institutions specifying payable amounts.

Contact the civil registry first—some require additional documents.

Limits on Obtaining a Certificate of Inheritance

It's unavailable in certain scenarios:

• Non-simple succession (e.g., marriage contract, will, real estate, donation).
• Amounts over €5,335.72—requires notary's act of notoriety and estate management.
• Heir is a minor.
• Deceased under guardianship.
• Deceased was foreign national.
• Pending legal separation.
• Renunciation of inheritance.