Inheritance Declaration in Egypt: Process, Timeline, and Requirements

What Is an Inheritance Declaration in Egypt?

An Inheritance Declaration in Egypt—also called a declaration of heirs or heirship certificate—is a court order confirming who the legal heirs are and their shares under Egyptian inheritance law. It is the starting point for handling assets, transfers, and registrations.

Who Can Apply for a Declaration of Heirs?

Any eligible heir or a legal representative may file the application. In mixed-nationality or foreign families, the applicant must prove kinship and identity with authenticated documents so the court can issue a valid inheritance declaration recognised by Egyptian authorities and third parties.

Legal Basis & Core Requirements

Courts apply the rules of personal-status and Egyptian inheritance law. Core requirements include an official death certificate, IDs for heirs, and reliable proof of kinship (birth/marriage certificates). Foreign documents normally require legalisation/apostille and certified Arabic translations for admissibility.

Procedure & Typical Timeline for Inheritance Declaration in Egypt

The inheritance procedure in Egypt generally follows these steps:

• Filing the petition with exhibits (death, IDs, kinship proofs, translations).
• Court review, notifications, and—if needed—witness confirmation of kinship.
• Responding to any requests for missing documents or corrections.
• Issuance of the inheritance declaration (declaration of heirs / heirship certificate).

Timelines depend on completeness and consistency of papers; accurate names/dates and valid legalisation speed the order.

Legal Effects of the Declaration of Heirs

The court order enables heirs to register real estate, access bank accounts, and complete transfers with public bodies. It provides certainty for third parties and underpins any follow-on procedures, including recognition steps abroad where assets also exist.

Documents Required for Inheritance Declaration in Egypt

To avoid delays, prepare a consistent file of the documents required for inheritance in Egypt:

• Death certificate of the deceased (legalised/apostilled if foreign) + certified Arabic translation.
• IDs/passports for all heirs and proof of kinship (birth/marriage certificates).
• Any relevant will or prior probate documents (with translation and legalisation where applicable).
• Powers of attorney for local filing (if a representative submits the petition).
• Evidence that names, dates, and relationships match across all records.

FAQs — Inheritance Declaration / Heirship Certificate

Is a lawyer mandatory? Not strictly, but professional guidance helps ensure admissible documents and a smoother process.
How long does it take? A few weeks to several months depending on completeness and court schedule.
Does the declaration transfer ownership? It confirms heirs; transfers/registrations are then completed using the order with the competent authorities.