Guide

Applying for a certificate of inheritance: procedure and costs

Checked on 05.11.2026

Translated from German. Where anything differs, the German text counts: Deutsche Fassung

The bank wants to see it, and so does the land registry. What the certificate of inheritance (Erbschein) costs is set by law and depends solely on the value of the estate. Whoever knows the table is not surprised by the bill.

Where and how

• At the probate court (Nachlassgericht) of the deceased's last place of residence, or through a notary.
• Any heir can apply, also for a joint certificate naming all heirs and their shares.
• In lieu of an oath. The statements in the application must be affirmed in lieu of an oath, before the court or a notary (§ 352(3) FamFG).

What to bring

• the death certificate,
• documents proving the relationship: birth certificates, marriage certificates, for deceased co-heirs their death certificates,
• a will or inheritance contract, if there is one, and whether there are others,
• names and addresses of the other heirs,
• a list of what belongs to the estate and which debts exist.

What it costs

There are two fees, each one full fee under table B of the Court and Notary Fees Act (GNotKG): one for the proceedings (no. 12210 KV GNotKG) and one for the affirmation in lieu of an oath (no. 23300 KV GNotKG). What counts is the value of the estate on the day of death, less the deceased's debts (§ 40 GNotKG).

On top come expenses, for example for further certified copies. If the affirmation is made before a notary, VAT is added to the notary's fee. The costs are a debt of the estate; whoever advances them records it.

When it works without

• A notarial will or inheritance contract with the probate court's record of opening satisfies the land registry (§ 35 GBO) and usually the bank too.
• A power of attorney beyond death that the deceased gave at the bank allows dispositions over the account without a certificate.
• Small balances. Some banks pay out small amounts against other proof; there is no right to it.

More in Certificate of inheritance, bank, documents.

What helps

• First ask who really requires it. If only the land registry needs it and there is a notarial will, you save the fees.
• Draw up the list of the estate carefully. It determines the value and so the fee – and you need it anyway.
• Order several certified copies if many places want to see it.
• One applies, everyone knows. With the date and the file number.