European UnionI want to register my inherited property in another EU country. Does the Certificate of Succession help?
Yes, the European Certificate of Succession (ECS) helps you register inherited property in another EU country by proving your status as heir or executor without needing additional national certificates.
What the Law Says
The European Certificate of Succession is established under Regulation (EU) No 650/2012, which applies to succession matters with cross-border elements in the EU. It enables heirs, legatees, executors, and administrators to prove their status and rights across borders without further formalities.
The ECS is issued by a competent authority — usually a notary or court — in the EU country where the deceased was habitually resident at death, or where the succession is being administered. Once issued, it is automatically recognised in all EU Member States (except Denmark and Ireland, which opted out).
It can be used to register real estate, access bank accounts, transfer shares, or otherwise exercise succession rights abroad. The certificate is issued in one official EU language and does not require translation or legalisation (e.g., apostille) for use in another EU country.
The certificate remains valid for 10 years from issue, unless revoked or amended. Authorities in the receiving country must accept it as proof of status unless they have serious doubts about its authenticity or content — in which case they may request verification via the European e-Justice Portal.
Statutory TextThe certificate shall be issued by the competent authority of the Member State whose law applies 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)
Statutory TextThe certificate shall remain valid for 10 years from the date of its issue unless it is withdrawn or amended.
— Regulation (EU) No 650/2012, Art. 65(2)
What to Do
Identify the competent authority (e.g., notary or court) in the EU country where the deceased was habitually resident or where the succession is opened.
Submit an application for the European Certificate of Succession with supporting documents (death certificate, will, family tree, ID).
Wait up to 4 months for issuance — authorities must process applications without undue delay.
Use the issued certificate directly with land registries, banks, or other institutions in the target EU country; no translation or apostille is required.
If challenged, request verification via the European e-Justice Portal’s ‘Succession Certificate’ module.
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.