Guide · Certified translations
When should an inheritance certificate or European Certificate of Succession be translated?
In cross-border inheritance matters, banks, registers and other recipients may request different evidence. Start with the document type actually needed.
Reviewed on 27 October 2026
The short answer
Ask the recipient whether a German inheritance certificate or European Certificate of Succession is needed and in which language. Within the EU Succession Regulation’s scope, the European certificate evidences status and powers. Its use does not automatically mean every recipient waives translation.
Identify the required inheritance document
Record country, recipient and purpose, such as dealing with an account or register entry. Ask for the exact document name and any language versions already accepted.
The European e-Justice Portal explains the European Certificate of Succession and provides forms. Check suitability with the competent authority; a translation assignment replaces neither issuance nor legal assessment.
Read more: European e-Justice Portal: European Certificate of Succession
Match attachments and certified copies
Assemble every page of the version actually being used. State whether it is a certified copy and which additional attachments the recipient requests alongside it.
Keep file references, dates and personal details visible. Where several heirs are involved, maintain a clear overview rather than sending isolated pages to different people.
Coordinate several recipients early
If the same evidence is intended for several recipients, ask each about language and format. Discuss issued copies early so an additional original is not first requested after the initial submission.
Track legal decisions, obtaining certificates and translation as separate tasks. This keeps clear which questions belong with a notary, court or other authority and which concern the translation agency.
Your next steps
Record the recipient, country and document type.
Ask about accepted language and source format.
Provide the actual certificate with all attachments.
Agree issued copies and translation scope.
More questions
Does the translator decide which inheritance certificate I need?
Clarify that with the competent legal authority or recipient. We discuss the language translation.
Can the European certificate be used everywhere?
Check its scope and the actual recipient. It is not a universal worldwide inheritance certificate.
Can I translate only the first page?
Obtain approval for reduced scope beforehand and supply all connected pages for clarification.
Sources and further reading
The receiving organisation’s current instructions matter for your assignment. Send them to us with your documents.
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