The division of inheritance among the heirs of the deceased is conducted according to the rules and laws outlined in the Iranian Civil Code. When dividing the inheritance, only individuals specified in the inheritance classes and degrees, in order of priority, are entitled to benefit from it. A fundamental question regarding the division of inheritance is how heirs can legally receive their shares.
The first step in inheriting and dividing a deceased’s assets is for the heirs to obtain a certificate of Enhesare Verasat. This certificate identifies the heirs of the deceased, specifies who is eligible to inherit, and outlines each heir’s share.
It is crucial to benefit from the expertise and experience of professionals in this field. In this regard, Karimi & Associates Law Firm offers specialized legal advice and support through its team of experienced lawyers, dedicated to protecting your interests.
Starting from the beginning of June 2025, the Civil Registration Organization has been issuing and notifying the certificate of exclusive inheritance electronically within 20 days, in accordance with Article 113, Section E, of the Seventh Schedule. The Council approved the executive regulations for this section of Ministers on March 18, 2025.
Smartening the Certification Process: Relying on National Databases
The issuance of the certificate of exclusive inheritance is completed within 20 days. This process is based on various data sources, including the family database for official permanent and temporary marriage contracts, the judicial database, information regarding the deceased spouse’s pregnancy, and the wills and official marriage contracts associated with the national identification numbers of both the testator and the beneficiaries. According to Article 7 of the regulations, the Judiciary’s Center for Statistics and Information Technology is required to send definitive decisions regarding lineage, either confirming or denying it, online to the registry office.
If an organization has no available data or information about the deceased in its databases and is unable to issue an inheritance monopoly certificate, it must notify the applicant within 20 days. The applicant can then refer the matter to the competent court for the issuance of the certificate. Additionally, any applications to amend inheritance monopoly certificates issued by judicial authorities will be reviewed by the competent court.
The Real Estate and Document Registration Organization allows users to query wills and contracts. Additionally, the Ministry of Health provides information regarding pregnancies, which is important for determining the number of heirs. As a result, death declarations will now be processed online by various institutions, including judicial and law enforcement authorities, the Ministries of Foreign Affairs and Health, medical treatment and education services, public and private medical centers, the National Forensic Medicine Organization, and cemeteries. Article 4 of the executive regulations mandates that these institutions must promptly submit death information to the Civil Registry.
Essential Legal Steps and Deadlines for Certificate Finalization
After issuing a provisional certificate, the Civil Registration Organization notifies the heirs and beneficiaries online. The certificate of exclusive inheritance becomes final under three conditions.
First, if no objection is filed within 10 days of the certificate notification, it will become final. Second, if no objection is raised within 20 days of the Dispute Resolution Board’s decision, the certificate will be finalized based on that decision. Finally, if the board’s decision is appealed and the court issues a final ruling, the certificate will become final based on the court’s decision. Even after the certificate is finalized, it is still possible to file an objection by providing new documents, such as evidence to prove or dispute lineage.
Once confirmed, the certificate is sent electronically to various institutions, including the Judiciary, the Document Registration Organization, the Central Bank, the Tax Affairs Organization, and the Stock Exchange Organization. If there are any amendments to the certificate, a new copy will be issued and communicated to the heirs and beneficiaries.
While the measures related to inheritance may appear straightforward, it’s important to recognize that disputes among heirs can arise, complicating the division of the inheritance. Such conflicts can lead to obstacles that necessitate expert guidance for resolution. If you require legal services or assistance with inheritance matters governed by Iran’s complex laws, you can reach out to Karimi & Associates Law Firm via the Contact Us section. Our team of expert lawyers is here to provide you with specialized legal advice.