Indian banks and depositories release a deceased person's deposits, shares and dues to heirs once a civil court grants a succession certificate. Heirs in Singapore sign the petition affidavit or consent affidavits before a Singapore notary with an apostille from the Singapore Academy of Law. The court advertises the petition and, if no one objects, grants the certificate for the listed assets.
- Document route
- Singapore notary public, then apostille from the Singapore Academy of Law
- Time difference
- Singapore is 2h30 ahead of IST all year
- Law
- Part X, Indian Succession Act 1925
- Court
- District Judge where the deceased lived
Succession Certificate from Singapore: how it works
We list the assets with their values, since court fee is calculated on value and only listed assets are covered. The petition is filed in the district court where the deceased lived, with every heir named. Heirs in Singapore, India and elsewhere sign where they live, and we coordinate the set so it reaches court complete. We also ask each bank whether a nominee was registered, because nominees can sometimes receive funds faster.
After the notice period, the court usually grants the certificate within a few months if uncontested. We present it to each bank, depository and employer and complete their indemnity forms. The money is credited to the heir's NRO account and can be remitted to Singapore within the annual limit. If a relative objects, the court hears evidence before deciding, and we keep you informed. Where shares are held in demat form, the depository participant transmits them to your demat account on the certificate, and we help you open an NRI demat account if you do not have one.
What clients in Singapore should know
- Land and houses pass by inheritance and are recorded by mutation, not by a succession certificate.
- Small balances may be released on a bank's own indemnity procedure without a court certificate.
- Singapore has no estate duty, and inheritance is not taxed in India.
Step by step from Singapore
Video consultation
A call at a time that suits Singapore, after we have read your documents.
Documents signed in Singapore
Singapore notary public, then apostille from the Singapore Academy of Law
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 Singapore where needed.
The full guide
This page covers what changes when you are in Singapore. 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 Singapore and the Inheritance & Documents practice area.
Questions from clients in Singapore
Does every heir have to sign?
Yes, as a petitioner or by a consent affidavit.
Can I file from Singapore?
Yes. You sign before a notary with an apostille and we handle the court work.
How long does it take?
Usually three to six months if uncontested.