Fill and sign ECS forms online
Applies for a European Certificate of Succession to prove your status as heir or executor in other EU countries.
ECS forms at a glance
- Official name
- European Certificate of Succession forms
- Issued by
- European e-Justice Portal
- Country
- European Union
- Category
- Legal and powers of attorney
- Language
- All EU languages
- Who uses it
- Heirs and executors of cross-border estates.
- Signature
Check with the recipient
Not stated at EU level. Each country's authority sets how the application is made; in Germany, for example, the probate court accepts written or electronic applications but usually requires a sworn declaration before the court or a notary.
- Instructions
- Official European e-Justice Portal page
The European Certificate of Succession (ECS) proves your status as heir, legatee, executor or estate administrator in other EU countries. Heirs and executors of cross-border estates apply for it to the authority handling the succession, using the EU standard application form (Form IV). Download the form from the European e-Justice Portal, open it in BunnyDoc's free Sign PDF tool, type into its fillable fields, add your signature and date, and download it. The PDF is handled in your browser and never leaves your device.
How to fill in and sign ECS forms
Find the competent authority
Apply to the court or other authority, such as a notary, in the EU country with jurisdiction over the succession, usually where the deceased last lived. The European Judicial Atlas lists them.
Get the application form
The e-Justice Portal offers the ECS forms online and as a blank Word file. Filling them in online is recommended, and the text should not be altered.
Enter the applicant and the deceased
Give your details, any representative's details and the deceased's details, including last habitual residence and date of death.
Describe the succession
Say whether there is a will, which law applies, who the heirs and other beneficiaries are, and what the certificate is needed for.
Sign and submit with supporting documents
Sign and date the application and send it with the documents the authority asks for. In some countries you must also make a sworn declaration in person, for example before the court or a notary in Germany.
What you need before you start
- The death certificate.
- The will or other testamentary disposition, or where the original is kept.
- Proof of your relationship to the deceased.
- Details of the other heirs and beneficiaries.
- The competent authority from the European Judicial Atlas.
What the certificate does
According to Your Europe, the certificate has the same effect in all EU countries that apply the Succession Regulation and is recognised without any special procedure. The issuing authority keeps the original and gives certified copies valid for 6 months, which can be extended.
Fees are set by each country. In Germany they depend on the value of the estate.
ECS forms: frequently asked questions
Who can apply for a European Certificate of Succession?
Heirs, legatees with direct rights in the estate, executors of wills and estate administrators who need to prove their status in another EU country.
Where do I apply?
To the court or other competent authority, such as a notary, in the EU country whose courts have jurisdiction over the succession, usually where the deceased last lived.
How long is the certificate valid?
Certified copies are valid for 6 months and can be extended. The authority keeps the original.
Can I sign the application electronically?
It depends on the country. Germany's probate courts accept electronic applications through secure channels but usually need a sworn declaration before the court or a notary. Check with the authority.
Is BunnyDoc connected to the European e-Justice Portal?
No. BunnyDoc is not affiliated with the European Commission or the e-Justice Portal. We link to the official forms and give you a free tool to fill and sign them in your browser.
BunnyDoc is not affiliated with European e-Justice Portal. Check that the recipient accepts electronic signatures.
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