European UnionI need to enforce a succession certificate from one EU state in another. What's the process?
You can enforce a succession certificate from one EU state in another using the European Certificate of Succession (ECS), which is automatically recognised and enforceable across all EU Member States (except Denmark) under Regulation (EU) No 650/2012.
What the Law Says
The cross-border enforcement of succession certificates in the EU is governed by Regulation (EU) No 650/2012 on jurisdiction, applicable law, recognition and enforcement of decisions and acceptance and enforcement of authentic instruments in matters of succession.
This Regulation establishes the European Certificate of Succession (ECS) as a uniform instrument that proves the status and rights of heirs, legatees, executors, or administrators in cross-border successions.
Under Article 62, the ECS is 'automatically recognised' in all Member States bound by the Regulation — meaning no additional recognition procedure (e.g., exequatur) is required.
Article 63 states that the ECS 'shall have effect in the other Member States without any special procedure', and national authorities must accept it as proof of capacity, rights, or powers unless they have 'serious doubts' about its authenticity.
The issuing authority must deliver the ECS within three months of the application (Article 64(2)), and it remains valid for six months unless renewed.
Statutory TextThe European Certificate of Succession shall be recognised in all Member States without any special procedure.
— Regulation (EU) No 650/2012, Art. 62 — Recognition
Statutory TextThe European Certificate of Succession shall have effect in the other Member States without any special procedure.
— Regulation (EU) No 650/2012, Art. 63 — Effect
What to Do
Apply for the European Certificate of Succession (ECS) in the Member State whose courts have international jurisdiction (usually where the deceased was habitually resident at death).
Submit the ECS to the relevant authority (e.g., notary, land registry, bank) in the enforcing Member State — no translation or legalisation is required unless requested for clarity.
If challenged, the enforcing authority may request verification via the national contact point under Article 79, but cannot refuse recognition solely on formal grounds.
Renew the ECS before expiry (valid 6 months) if proceedings are ongoing.
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.