To unblock the bank accounts of a deceased person or transfer assets into your name, you need one of two documents: a certificate of inheritance or a deed of inheritance. Both are official proofs of who the heirs are, but they differ in cost, lead time and scenario.
Certificate or deed: the difference
| Criterion | Certificate (FPS Finance) | Deed (notary) |
|---|---|---|
| Cost | Free | 250 to 500 euros |
| Lead time | 4 to 8 weeks | 1 to 3 weeks |
| Scenario | Simple estate, no will, no marriage contract, all heirs adult | Will, marriage contract with attribution, minor heir, gifts |
| Issued by | Legal Security office (FPS Finance) | Notary |
In about 60 to 70% of Belgian estates, the certificate is enough because legal devolution applies and all heirs are adults.
When is a notarial deed mandatory?
In the following cases, VLABEL or the bank will not accept the certificate, and you must use a notary:
- there is a will or a dated manual gift;
- there is a marriage contract with attribution clause (survivor takes all);
- there are minor or legally incapacitated heirs;
- there is an inheritance pact or gifts in recent years;
- an heir has renounced or accepted under benefit of inventory.
Read about accepting or renouncing and when it applies.
How to request the certificate
- Gather: death certificate, ID cards of all heirs, marriage book if any, bank details, last domicile.
- Send the full file to the competent Legal Security office.
- The office checks the absence of a will in the Central Register of Wills (CRT) and verifies the population register.
- After 4 to 8 weeks, you receive the certificate free by post or e-mail.
How to request the deed
- Make an appointment with a notary of your choice (not necessarily local).
- The notary gathers the same documents, plus the CRT search and any gifts.
- He drafts the deed, all heirs sign.
- You receive the document and can present it to the banks.
What does it contain?
Both mention at minimum:
- identification of the deceased and the heirs;
- the degree of kinship and the share of each heir;
- absence of tax debts at the heirs (otherwise the bank refuses).
Without that tax certificate, the bank will not pay out.
Nalenta and your documents flow
Nalenta lists for your case whether you need a certificate or a deed, with request templates. We link the document to the unfreezing step: see unblocking the bank account.