General Information

In Germany, the heir proves his/her legal right by a Certificate of Inheritance which is issued by the competent German probate court upon notarized application. It is normally required by banks or land register if the inheritance includes real estate or bank account(s) in Germany.

Please see below how to proceed both in order to obtain a Certificate of Inheritance or in order to renounce the succession.

Additional Information in Restitution Matters

In restitution cases, the certificate of inheritance will be issued by the probate court (“Nachlassgericht”) free of charge. However, there is a fee for the notarization of the application either at the German mission or with a lawyer or notary in Germany.

The Certificate of Inheritance will be issued by the probate court (“Nachlassgericht”) free of charge only if it is sent directly to the German office dealing with the restitution claim (Landesamt/Amt zur Regelung offener Vermögensfragen, abbreviated: LAROV or AROV).