Succession Certificate vs Letter of Administration in Pakistan: Key Differences Explained
Succession Certificate vs Letter of Administration in Pakistan: Key Differences Explained
Succession Certificate vs Letter of Administration in Pakistan, When someone passes away in Pakistan, their legal heirs must transfer property and assets in their names. Two legal documents come into play: the Succession Certificate and the Letter of Administration. While both relate to inheritance, they serve different purposes. Many people confuse them, which often delays property distribution. In this blog, we’ll explain the key differences in a clear, practical way.
What is a Succession Certificate in Pakistan?
A Succession Certificate is issued by the court to transfer movable property of the deceased. This usually includes:
Bank accounts
Fixed deposits
Shares in companies
Bonds and securities
Other financial instruments
Key Points:
Only covers movable assets.
Usually processed faster (2–3 months).
Protects third parties (like banks) when transferring money to heirs.
What is a Letter of Administration in Pakistan?
A Letter of Administration (LoA) is issued for immovable property such as:
Houses
Plots of land
Apartments
Agricultural land
Key Points:
Required where the deceased owned property in their name.
Legal heirs must apply through the civil court in Karachi or relevant jurisdiction.
Court may demand details of property, heirs, and objections before issuing LoA.
Core Differences Between the Two
| Aspect | Succession Certificate | Letter of Administration |
|---|---|---|
| Assets Covered | Movable assets (bank accounts, shares, deposits) | Immovable assets (land, house, plots) |
| Purpose | To authorize heirs to collect and transfer movable property | To authorize heirs to manage, sell, or transfer immovable property |
| Processing Time | Usually 2–3 months | May take longer (depends on property & objections) |
| Court Requirement | District Court/High Court (depending on jurisdiction) | Civil Court/High Court (depending on value & property) |
| Example | Transfer of deceased’s bank account | Mutation of house or land in heirs’ names |
Which One Do You Need?
If the deceased only had bank accounts or investments, you only need a Succession Certificate.
If the deceased owned land or property, you must apply for a Letter of Administration.
In many cases, heirs need both documents to cover all movable and immovable assets.
Challenges Heirs Face in Karachi
Delays in documentation (death certificate, CNIC cancellation, property papers).
Objections by family members disputing shares.
Forgery or false claims by relatives.
Overseas heirs who cannot attend proceedings easily.
At GNS Law Associates, our inheritance lawyers in Karachi assist in resolving these hurdles, ensuring rightful heirs get their share without unnecessary delays.
In Pakistan, legal heirs often face confusion when it comes to choosing between a succession certificate in Pakistan and a letter of administration in Pakistan. The key difference between succession certificate and letter of administration lies in the type of assets—movable or immovable—that need to be transferred.
The succession certificate procedure in Karachi typically covers bank accounts, shares, and securities, while immovable property like houses or land requires a Letter of Administration. Sometimes, people also refer to these documents collectively as an inheritance certificate in Pakistan, though the law treats them separately.
For movable property succession in Pakistan, heirs must secure a succession certificate, while immovable property inheritance in Karachi is settled through a Letter of Administration.
To avoid delays, forged claims, or procedural mistakes, it is always advisable to engage an experienced inheritance lawyer in Karachi who can guide heirs through court processes and ensure rightful distribution of assets.
Need Help?
If you’re unsure whether you need a Succession Certificate or Letter of Administration, don’t take chances. Wrong filing can waste months of time and money.
📞 Contact GNS Law Associates today to book your consultation with an expert inheritance lawyer in Karachi. We’ll guide you step by step through the process of securing your rightful inheritance.
A Succession Certificate covers movable assets (bank accounts, deposits, shares), while a Letter of Administration is for immovable property (house, plot, land).
When the deceased left movable assets like bank accounts or securities that must be transferred or encashed by the legal heirs.
When the deceased owned immovable property and legal heirs need court authority to administer, transfer, or mutate it.
Yes. If the estate includes both movable and immovable assets, heirs may require both a Succession Certificate and a Letter of Administration.
Typical timelines are about 2–3 months for a Succession Certificate; LoA may take longer depending on objections and property details.
Death certificate, CNICs of heirs and the deceased, proof of relationship, asset details (bank statements/shares) for Succession; title/ownership documents for LoA.
Yes. Heirs abroad can authorize a representative via power of attorney and attend hearings online in many courts.
The court hears objections, may seek evidence, and decides shares per law. Forged or false claims can be challenged and rejected.
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