A succession certificate is granted by the District Judge where the deceased lived and lets heirs collect deposits, shares and other debts. An heir posted abroad can apply through a power of attorney and affidavit signed at an Indian mission or during home leave. Where no one objects, it usually takes a few months.
- Document route
- Indian mission in Pyongyang where available, or signing in a third country
- Time difference
- IST is 3h30 behind North Korea all year
- Law
- Part X, Indian Succession Act 1925
- Court
- District Judge where the deceased lived
Succession Certificate from North Korea: how it works
We collect the death certificate, list of assets and proof of relationship, and file the petition with the consent of other heirs where possible. Notice is published and the court decides.
Once granted, we present the certificate to banks and companies and follow up until assets are transferred into your Indian accounts.
If you cannot be reached easily, the court may still proceed on the basis of your affidavit and power of attorney; we make sure your contact details and an alternative contact in India are on record.
What clients in North Korea should know
- If there is a will, probate may be needed instead.
- Nominees may hold funds for the legal heirs.
- Land is transferred by mutation, which is separate.
Step by step from North Korea
Video consultation
A call at a time that suits North Korea, after we have read your documents.
Documents signed in North Korea
Indian mission in Pyongyang where available, or signing in a third country
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 North Korea where needed.
The full guide
This page covers what changes when you are in North Korea. 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 North Korea and the Inheritance & Documents practice area.
Questions from clients in North Korea
Can I apply while posted abroad?
Yes, by appointing an attorney holder in India.
How long does it take?
Typically a few months when no one objects.
Do my siblings need to agree?
Their consent speeds things up but is not essential.
What if the court needs me to confirm something?
Your attorney holder and an affidavit usually suffice; we arrange anything further by email.