Indian banks and companies release a deceased person's deposits, shares and dues to the heirs once a civil court issues a succession certificate. Heirs in New Zealand sign the petition affidavit or no-objection affidavits before a notary public, apostilled by the Department of Internal Affairs. The court advertises the petition, waits for objections and then issues the certificate for the assets listed.
- Document route
- New Zealand notary public, then apostille from the Department of Internal Affairs
- Time difference
- New Zealand is 6h30 (NZ winter) to 7h30 (NZ summer) ahead of IST
- Law
- Part X, Indian Succession Act 1925
- Court
- District Judge where the deceased lived
Succession Certificate from New Zealand: how it works
We list the assets and their values, because the certificate covers only the assets specified and court fee is a percentage of their value. The petition is filed in the court where the deceased lived, naming every heir; each joins or consents. Heirs in New Zealand, Australia or India sign separately where they live, and we coordinate the set so it goes to court complete.
After the notice period, the court hears the petition and usually grants the certificate within a few months if nobody objects. We then present it to each bank, depository and employer and handle their indemnity requirements. The money is credited to the heir's NRO account and can be remitted to New Zealand within the annual limit with Forms 15CA and 15CB. If a relative objects to the petition, the court will hear evidence before deciding who is entitled, which takes longer, and we keep you informed at each stage.
What clients in New Zealand should know
- Check with each bank first whether a nominee was registered, as nominees can receive funds more quickly.
- A succession certificate does not cover land or houses; those pass by inheritance and are recorded through mutation.
- Inheritance is not taxed as income in India or New Zealand, but income it earns afterwards is.
Step by step from New Zealand
Video consultation
A call at a time that suits New Zealand, after we have read your documents.
Documents signed in New Zealand
New Zealand notary public, then apostille from the Department of Internal Affairs
Work in India
Our team files, appears and follows up in India, and shares scans of everything filed.
Result and handover
Certified copies and originals are couriered to you in New Zealand where needed.
The full guide
This page covers what changes when you are in New Zealand. For the law, the documents and the step-by-step procedure, read our main page on Succession Certificate, or see all services for clients in New Zealand and the Inheritance & Documents practice area.
Questions from clients in New Zealand
Do all siblings have to sign?
Yes. Every legal heir must either be a petitioner or sign a consent affidavit, wherever in the world they live.
Can I file from New Zealand?
Yes. You sign in New Zealand and we handle the court work in India.
How long does it take?
Usually three to six months if uncontested.