European UnionWhat is a European Certificate of Succession and when do I need one?
The European Certificate of Succession (ECS) is a legal document issued in one EU country to prove who the heirs, legatees, executors or administrators are, and what their rights and powers are — it’s needed when dealing with cross-border succession matters in the EU.
What the Law Says
The European Certificate of Succession is established under EU Regulation (EU) No 650/2012, which applies to successions with cross-border elements in participating EU Member States.
The ECS is a voluntary instrument — you don’t have to get one, but it simplifies proving your status (e.g., as heir or executor) in another EU country without needing additional certifications or translations.
It can be issued by the competent authority — usually a court or notary — in the EU country whose law governs the succession (determined by the deceased’s habitual residence at death).
The certificate is recognised automatically in all participating EU countries (all except Denmark and Ireland), and has the same legal effect there as it does in the issuing country.
Statutory TextThis Regulation shall apply to civil-law matters relating to succession to the estates of deceased persons.
— Regulation (EU) No 650/2012, Art. 1(1)
Statutory TextThe European Certificate of Succession shall be issued by the competent authority in the Member State whose law is applicable to the succession.
— Regulation (EU) No 650/2012, Art. 62(1)
Statutory TextThe Certificate shall produce its effects in all Member States... without any special procedure being required.
— Regulation (EU) No 650/2012, Art. 63(1)
What to Do
Determine whether the deceased was habitually resident in an EU country covered by Regulation (EU) No 650/2012.
Identify the competent authority (e.g., probate court or notary) in that country to apply for the ECS.
Submit required documents: death certificate, proof of relationship, will (if any), and identification.
Use the issued ECS in other participating EU countries to register property, access bank accounts, or transfer assets — no further certification needed.
Sources
Not legal advice. This article is general information based on publicly available sources, written for educational purposes. Laws change and individual situations vary. Consult a licensed attorney in your jurisdiction before acting on anything you read here. Last reviewed: 2026-06-08.