European UnionI'm an executor of a cross-border estate. How do I prove my authority in another EU country?
As an executor of a cross-border estate in the EU, you can prove your authority using the European Certificate of Succession (ECS), a standardised document recognised in all EU Member States except Denmark.
What the Law Says
The EU Succession Regulation (Regulation (EU) No 650/2012) establishes uniform rules for cross-border successions and introduces the European Certificate of Succession (ECS) as the official instrument to prove status and rights in another EU Member State.
The ECS is issued by a competent authority — usually a court or notary — in the Member State whose law governs the succession (typically where the deceased was habitually resident). Once issued, it is automatically recognised in all participating EU countries without further formalities.
It may be used to prove your status as executor (or administrator, heir, or legatee), your powers, and your rights over specific assets. You may request partial certificates — e.g., one confirming your authority to administer the estate, another confirming entitlement to a particular asset.
The certificate is valid for 10 years unless revoked or amended. It does not replace national probate procedures but simplifies recognition abroad.
Statutory TextThe European Certificate of Succession shall have effect in all Member States, without any special procedure being required.
— Regulation (EU) No 650/2012, Art. 63(1)
Statutory TextThe certificate shall be issued by the competent authority of the Member State whose law is applicable to the succession...
— Regulation (EU) No 650/2012, Art. 62(1)
Statutory TextMember States shall ensure that the certificate is issued within a reasonable time and at reasonable cost.
— Regulation (EU) No 650/2012, Art. 64(2)
What to Do
Confirm which EU country’s law applies — usually where the deceased was habitually resident at death (per Regulation (EU) No 650/2012, Art. 21).
Apply for the European Certificate of Succession in that country’s competent authority (e.g., probate court or notary), providing death certificate, will (if any), and proof of your appointment.
Specify on the application whether you need confirmation of your status, powers, or rights — or all three.
Submit certified translations if required by the receiving country (though the ECS itself includes multilingual standard headings).
Present the original or certified copy of the ECS to banks, land registries, or other institutions abroad — they must accept it under EU law.
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.