Navigating the Indian Embassy UAE: Your Guide to Obtaining an Inheritance Certificate

Dealing with the loss of a loved one is incredibly difficult, and the administrative tasks that follow can feel overwhelming, especially when you're in a foreign country. If you're an Indian national in the UAE and need to claim assets (like bank accounts, gratuity, or property) left by a deceased family member, you'll likely need an Inheritance Certificate, also known as a Legal Heir Certificate or Succession Certificate. This guide will walk you through the process of obtaining this crucial document from the Indian Embassy in Abu Dhabi or the Consulate General of India in Dubai.

The core purpose of this certificate is to legally identify the rightful heirs of the deceased and establish their relationship. Without it, financial institutions and other entities will not release assets, making it an essential step in settling the deceased's estate.

What Exactly is an Inheritance Certificate (and Why Do You Need It)?

An Inheritance Certificate is an official document issued by the Embassy or Consulate that confirms the legal heirs of a deceased Indian national. It's not a certificate that grants ownership of specific assets, but rather one that identifies who has the right to claim those assets.

You'll need this certificate for various reasons, including but not limited to:

• Claiming bank deposits, fixed deposits, or lockers.
• Receiving gratuity, provident fund, or pension benefits.
• Transferring ownership of property (though a separate succession certificate from a court in India might be required for major immovable properties).
• Claiming insurance policies.
• Settling other financial dues in both the UAE and India.

Essentially, any institution holding the deceased's assets will demand proof of who the legitimate claimants are, and this certificate serves that purpose.

Who Can Apply for This Certificate?

Only the legal heirs of the deceased can apply. This typically includes the spouse, children, and parents. Other relatives might be considered depending on specific circumstances and Indian succession laws, but the primary applicants are usually the immediate family.

The deceased must have been an Indian national. While the application is made in the UAE, the certificate's purpose is to facilitate claims, often in India, under Indian laws.

Essential Documents You'll Need (Don't Skip This!)

Gathering all necessary documents meticulously is the most critical step. Missing items or incorrect attestations can cause significant delays. Always bring originals and multiple sets of photocopies for all documents.

Documents Related to the Deceased:

• Original Death Certificate: Issued by the UAE authorities, duly attested by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation (MoFAIC).
• Original Indian Passport: Of the deceased.
• Original UAE Visa/Emirates ID: Of the deceased.
• Marriage Certificate: If applicable, attested by MoFAIC (for spouse).
• Any other relevant documents: Such as birth certificates of minor children, if applicable, to establish relationships.

Documents Related to the Applicants (Legal Heirs):

• Original Indian Passports: Of all applying legal heirs.
• Original UAE Visas/Emirates IDs: Of all applying legal heirs.
• Relationship Proof: Documents clearly establishing relationship with the deceased (e.g., Aadhar card, birth certificate, marriage certificate, school leaving certificate).
• No Objection Certificate (NOC): If any legal heir is not applying or is not present in the UAE, they must provide an NOC, attested by an Indian notary public and then by the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) in India, or by the relevant Indian Embassy/Consulate if they are in another country.
• Affidavit by Applicants: A joint affidavit stating the names of all legal heirs, their relationship with the deceased, and that they are the sole legal heirs. This is usually prepared at the Embassy/Consulate or a recognized typing center.

Documents Related to Witnesses:

• Original Indian Passports: Of two Indian national witnesses (not related to the deceased or applicants).
• Original UAE Visas/Emirates IDs: Of the two witnesses.
• Witness Undertaking: A statement from the witnesses confirming their knowledge of the deceased and the applicants, and their relationship.

Crucial Note on Attestations: Ensure all UAE-issued documents (like death certificates) are attested by MoFAIC. Documents originating from India (like marriage certificates, birth certificates) should ideally be attested by MEA in India before coming to the UAE, or by the Embassy/Consulate if they were originally attested in India.

The Application Process: A Step-by-Step Guide

The process requires patience and attention to detail. Personal appearance is mandatory for all applicants and witnesses.

1. Gather All Documents: Refer to the list above and ensure you have originals and photocopies. Organize them neatly.
2. Book an Appointment:
   • For the Indian Embassy, Abu Dhabi, visit their official website or the BLS International website (their outsourced service provider) to book an appointment for "Attestation/Miscellaneous Services."
   • For the Consulate General of India, Dubai, similarly, visit their official website or the BLS International website.
   • Do not go without an appointment.
3. Complete the Application Form: Fill out the online application form for "Miscellaneous Services" on the respective Embassy/Consulate website. Print it out and sign it.
4. Visit the Embassy/Consulate (or BLS Center):
   • Arrive on time with all your documents.
   • You, all co-applicants, and both witnesses must be present.
   • A staff member will verify your documents. If anything is missing or incorrect, you'll be asked to rectify it, which could mean another visit.
5. Draft the Affidavit: You will typically be directed to a typing center near the Embassy/Consulate to draft the required joint affidavit and witness undertaking. This document lists all legal heirs, their relationship, and confirms they are the only heirs.
6. Submission and Interview:
   • Submit the completed application form, affidavit, witness undertaking, and all supporting documents.
   • The Consular Officer might conduct a brief interview with the applicants and witnesses to confirm the details.
7. Pay the Fees:
   • The fee for an Inheritance Certificate is usually around AED 90-100.
   • There might be additional service charges if applying through BLS International.
   • Payment is often by card.
8. Collect the Certificate:
   • You will be given a receipt with a collection date.
   • Processing time typically ranges from 3-7 working days but can vary.
   • You'll need to present your receipt to collect the certificate.

Fees and Processing Time

• Fees: Expect the official Embassy/Consulate fee to be around AED 90-100. BLS International charges a service fee, usually around AED 9-10, plus a courier fee if you opt for that.
• Processing Time: Generally, it takes 3-7 working days after successful submission and interview. However, complex cases, missing documents, or busy periods can extend this. Always build in some buffer time.

Important Considerations & Practical Tips

• Prepare Early: Start gathering documents as soon as possible. Some documents might require attestations from India, which takes time.
• Make Copies: Always keep multiple sets of photocopies of all documents, including the application form and the final certificate.
• Be Accurate: Double-check all names, dates, and passport numbers on every document and form. Even minor discrepancies can cause rejection.
• Witnesses are Key: Ensure your witnesses are reliable, available, and have valid Indian passports and UAE residency. They should know the deceased and the applicants well enough to verify their identities and relationships.
• Minors as Heirs: If a legal heir is a minor, their guardian (usually the surviving parent) will apply on their behalf. Their birth certificate and passport will be required.
• Disputes Among Heirs: The Embassy/Consulate will generally not issue the certificate if there are disputes among legal heirs. All heirs must agree and sign the application/affidavit. If a dispute exists, you may need to seek a succession certificate from a competent court in India.
• Succession Certificate vs. Inheritance Certificate: The document issued by the Embassy/Consulate is often referred to as an "Inheritance Certificate" or "Legal Heir Certificate." For very complex estates, especially involving immovable property in India, a formal "Succession Certificate" from an Indian court might be required. The Embassy's certificate is usually sufficient for movable assets like bank accounts and gratuity.
• Check Official Websites: Always refer to the official websites of the Indian Embassy Abu Dhabi or the Consulate General of India Dubai and BLS International for the most up-to-date requirements, forms, and fees. Requirements can change.

After You Get the Certificate

Once you have the Inheritance Certificate, make several attested copies if needed. You will then present this certificate to the relevant financial institutions, employers, or government bodies to claim the deceased's assets in the UAE or India. They will then proceed according to their internal policies and the applicable laws.

Common Questions Answered

• Can I apply from India? No, this specific service is for Indian nationals residing in the UAE, for processing claims related to a death in the UAE. If the deceased passed away in India, you would typically apply for a legal heir certificate or succession certificate in India.
• What if one of the legal heirs is unwilling to sign the NOC? The Embassy/Consulate will not issue the certificate if there isn't unanimous consent from all legal heirs. In such cases, you will likely need to pursue a succession certificate through a court in India.
• Is this certificate legally binding in India? Yes, the certificate issued by the Indian Embassy/Consulate is recognized in India for identifying legal heirs and facilitating claims for movable assets.
• Do I need a lawyer for this process? While not strictly required for the Embassy/Consulate process itself, consulting a lawyer specializing in Indian succession law can be helpful if the estate is complex, involves disputes, or large immovable properties.

The process of obtaining an Inheritance Certificate can be emotionally taxing, but by understanding the requirements and following these steps diligently, you can navigate it more smoothly. Remember, accuracy and patience are your best allies. If in doubt, always contact the Embassy or Consulate directly for clarification.