Property and inheritance · For citizens
Lost a parent? Start at NADRA, not court.
In short
The Punjab Letters of Administration and Succession Certificates Act, 2021 moved the simple cases out of court.
By the FAI Legal editorial desk · 10 October 2026 · 9 slides · 2 min read
Quick quiz. Where first?
Guess first, then swipe for the answer.
- A. The civil court
- B. NADRA
- C. The patwari
Answer: B. NADRA.
No court hears it until NADRA declines (s.10).
“Notwithstanding anything contained in any other law for the time being in force, the Authority may issue Letters of Administration or Succession Certificates, as the case may be, to the legal heirs of a deceased in respect of immovable or movable property, in accordance with the Family Registration Certificate maintained by the Authority.”
Punjab Letters of Administration and Succession Certificates Act, 2021 · Section 3, Issuance of Letters of Administration or Succession Certificates
Bring these four.
Attach them to the application (s.6(3)).
- Death certificateOf the deceased.
- List of legal heirsWith copies of their CNICs.
- AuthorisationIf one heir applies for all of them (s.6(1) proviso).
- Property detailsEvery movable and immovable asset you want covered.
Step by step.
Section 6 of the Act.
- Apply at a NADRA officeWhere the deceased lived, or where the property is (s.6(2)).
- Public notice, 14 daysWeb portal plus one English and one Urdu daily. Objections within 14 days (s.6(4)-(5)).
- Biometrics, then certificateFor all heirs, with each share under their personal law (s.6(5)-(6)).
Living abroad? Still works.
Built for families spread out.
- Biometrics abroadAt any notified office in Pakistan or abroad (s.6(5) Explanation).
- One heir for allThe others authorise one heir to apply (s.6(1)).
- Same legal effectAs a certificate under the Succession Act, 1925 (s.6(7)).
Myth or fact?
When NADRA cannot help.
- Myth: NADRA can decide every inheritance case.
- Fact: If an heir objects, identity is disputed, evidence is needed, or any heir is a minor, NADRA declines and you go to court (s.2(b), s.5(b)).
Check your case. Free.
Ask FAI in your own words. It answers with the exact section and the judgments behind it.
- My father died and the bank will not release his account. What do I need?
- One of the heirs is a minor. Can NADRA still issue the succession certificate?
Example questions
What this does not mean
- This route is under the Punjab Letters of Administration and Succession Certificates Act, 2021, and the article covers Punjab.
- NADRA cannot decide every case. If an heir objects, identity is disputed, evidence is needed, or any heir is a minor, it declines and you go to court (s.2(b), s.5(b)).
- Going to court first is not the route. No court hears it until NADRA declines (s.10).
Questions people ask
How do I get a succession certificate from NADRA?
Apply at a NADRA office where the deceased lived or where the property is (s.6(2)). A public notice runs for 14 days with objections allowed in that time, then biometrics of all heirs, then the certificate with each share under their personal law (s.6(4)-(6)).
What documents are required for a succession certificate from NADRA?
The death certificate, a list of legal heirs with copies of their CNICs, an authorisation if one heir applies for all, and details of the property to be covered (s.6(3)).
Can NADRA issue a succession certificate if one heir is a minor?
No. Where any heir is a minor, NADRA declines and the matter goes to court (s.2(b), s.5(b)).
Can I get a succession certificate while living abroad?
Yes. Biometrics can be given at any notified office in Pakistan or abroad (s.6(5) Explanation), and the other heirs can authorise one heir to apply (s.6(1)).
Is a NADRA succession certificate as valid as a court one?
Yes. It has the same legal effect as a certificate under the Succession Act, 1925 (s.6(7)).
Sources
- Punjab Letters of Administration and Succession Certificates Act, 2021 · Section 3
Issuance of Letters of Administration or Succession Certificates Punjab Code
Educational legal information, not legal advice. Every case turns on its own facts. Speak to a qualified lawyer about your situation. Review status: Pending advocate review. How we check.
