How to apply succession for bank account: No.1 Best Guide

How to Apply for Succession for a Bank Account: No.1 Best Guide

Losing a loved one is an emotionally challenging experience, and dealing with legal and financial matters can add to the stress. One such matter is applying for succession for a bank account, which ensures that the deceased’s assets are transferred to their legal heirs. If you’re wondering how to apply succession for bank account, this comprehensive guide will walk you through the process, required documents, and important steps to follow.

What is Succession for a Bank Account?

Before diving into how to apply succession for bank account, it’s important to understand what succession means. Succession is the legal process of transferring the assets of a deceased person to their legal heirs. In the case of a bank account, this involves verifying the rightful heirs and ensuring the account balance is transferred to them.

This process is governed by the National Database and Registration Authority (NADRA) in Pakistan, which issues a Succession Certificate to the legal heirs.

For more information on succession laws, visit NADRA’s Official Website.

Documents Required for Succession

To apply for succession for a bank account, you’ll need the following documents:

Applicant’s Original and Valid CNIC: The person applying for succession must provide their original CNIC.
Legal Heir’s CNIC Copy: Copies of the CNICs of all legal heirs.
Death Certificate of All Deceased Family Members: Proof of the death of the account holder and any other deceased family members.
Cancellation Certificate: A certificate confirming the cancellation of the deceased’s CNIC.
Family Registration Certificate (FRC): This document verifies the family tree and legal heirs.
Letter of Authorization (Affidavit): An affidavit on Rs. 200 stamp paper or e-stamp, authorizing the applicant to act on behalf of the legal heirs.
Bank Statement/Account Maintenance Certificate/Balance Certificate: A stamped and signed document from the concerned bank, confirming the account details and balance.

For a detailed list of required documents, check out NADRA’s Succession Certificate Page.

Step-by-Step Guide: How to Apply Succession for Bank Account

Now that you know the documents required, let’s dive into the step-by-step process of how to apply succession for bank account.

Step 1: Visit NADRA SFU Office

The first step in the succession process is to visit the nearest NADRA Swift Registration Center (SRC) or Special Family Unit (SFU) office. These offices are located in major cities across Pakistan, including:

Karachi: Aisha Manzil, Mega Simens , Awami Markaz
Lahore: 35-Empress Road
Islamabad: Blue Area, G-7/4
Peshawar: Phase 5, Hayatabad
Quetta: Jinnah Road

At the NADRA office, you’ll need to check the family tree to ensure all legal heirs are linked. If any legal heirs are not linked, they must visit a NADRA office to create the linkage.

Documents Required for Linkage:

Death certificate of the deceased
Family Registration Certificate (FRC)
CNIC of the legal heir
Biometric attestation by one legal heir

For a list of NADRA office locations, visit NADRA Office Locator.

Step 2: Apply for Succession

Once the family tree is verified and all legal heirs are linked, you can proceed to apply for succession. Submit the following documents at the NADRA office:

Applicant’s original CNIC
CNIC copies of all legal heirs
Death certificates of all deceased family members
Cancellation certificate
FRC
Letter of Authorization (Affidavit)
Bank statement/account maintenance certificate/balance certificate

The NADRA officer will guide you through the application process and provide a receipt for your application.

Step 3: Biometric Verification of All Legal Heirs

After submitting the application, all legal heirs must complete biometric verification within 20 days. Here’s how to complete this step:

Local Heirs: Visit the nearest NADRA office to complete biometric verification.
Out-of-City Heirs: Visit the nearest NADRA office in their respective cities.
Out-of-Country Heirs: Use the Pak-ID app to complete biometric verification online.

In case biometric verification fails (e.g., due to mismatched fingerprints), the legal heir can request a video call verification. To schedule a video call, the applicant must contact the NADRA office in charge.

For more details on biometric verification, visit NADRA Biometric Services.

Step 4: Wait for 20 Days

Once all legal heirs have completed biometric verification, the succession process will take approximately 20 days to complete. During this time, NADRA will verify the documents and family tree.

Step 5: Collect the Succession Certificate

After the 20-day processing period, visit the NADRA office to collect the Succession Certificate. This certificate legally authorizes the legal heirs to access and transfer the deceased’s bank account balance.

Tips for a Smooth Succession Process

To ensure a hassle-free succession process, keep the following tips in mind:

Verify All Documents: Double-check that all required documents are complete and accurate before visiting the NADRA office.
Coordinate with Legal Heirs: Ensure all legal heirs are aware of the process and complete their biometric verification on time.
Keep Copies of All Documents: Make copies of all submitted documents for your records.
Follow Up with NADRA: If there are any delays or issues, follow up with the NADRA office for updates.

For additional tips, visit NADRA’s Help Center.

Common Challenges and Solutions

While applying for succession, you may encounter some challenges. Here’s how to address them:

1. Unlinked Legal Heirs

If a legal heir is not linked in the family tree, they must visit a NADRA office with the required documents to create the linkage.

2. Biometric Verification Issues

If biometric verification fails, request a video call verification or visit a NADRA office for manual verification.

3. Delays in Processing

If the process takes longer than 20 days, follow up with the NADRA office and provide any additional documents if required.

Final Thoughts: How to Apply Succession for Bank Account

Applying for succession for a bank account is a crucial step in ensuring the smooth transfer of a deceased person’s assets to their legal heirs. By following the steps outlined in this guide, you can navigate the process with confidence and ease.

Remember, the key to a successful succession application is preparation and coordination. Gather all required documents, ensure all legal heirs are linked, and complete biometric verification on time. With patience and persistence, you’ll be able to obtain the Succession Certificate and access the bank account.

By understanding how to apply succession for bank account, you can ensure a smooth and efficient process during a difficult time.