Simplification for Issuance of Letters of Administration/Succession Certificates

Along with Pakistan-Identity card services, PAKISTAN CONSULATE GENERAL, HOUSTON now receives biometrics for Letters of Admission and Succession Certificate onsite effective August 1, 2021.

Issuance of the Succession Certificate/Letter of Administration in a transparent, secured, systematic and simplest way for Legal heirs of the deceased is the aim. It will also result in the satisfaction of the applicant, which is the prime aim of the Government of Pakistan. This certificate will identify the legal heirs of the deceased for the distribution of his moveable assets. The digital certificate has various security features and has a real-time verification facility.

However, the initiation of an application is in Pakistan. Depending upon the domicile of the deceased, the legal heirs can apply: (a) through an attorney in Sindh and (b) at least one legal heir has to visit the specified center to apply for the certificate for applicants in ICT (Islamabad), Punjab and KPK.

For details please visit the NADRA website: https://succession.nadra.gov.pk

What is a Letters of Administration and Succession Certificate

Upon death of any family member, legal heirs used to go through courts for a lengthy procedure before they are able to obtain Letters of Administration (for immovable properties) and Succession Certificates (for movable properties). Now without going to the Courts, the legal heirs can obtain Letters of Administration or Succession Certificates, as the case may be. This is enabled through a quick five-stage process facilitated by Succession Facilitation Units operated by the National Database Registration Authority (NADRA) in Sindh, ICT (Islamabad), Punjab and KPK.

How it works

Applicants have to submit a simple application form after which NADRA will issue public notice in leading local newspapers and on its website. Where no objections are received within fourteen days, the legal heirs, whether in Pakistan or abroad can visit their local NADRA office in Pakistan or the Pakistan Missions abroad, as the case may be. Pakistan Consulate General Houston and all the other Missions in the USA do conduct biometric verification. Once verification of the legal heirs is complete through biometrics, Succession Certificate or Letter of Administration will be issued in Applicant’s favor.

Procedure for applying the Letters of Administration/Succession Certificates is as follows:

Step 1 :Application Initiation:

The applicant will provide his/her National Identity number, deceased person’s death certificate and National Identity number. Along with the application, the Applicant shall submit a letter of authorization from all the legal heirs to file application on their behalf. This has to be done in Pakistan in-person less Sindh, which allows imitation through an attorney too.