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Grant of probate (non-Jersey domicile)

About grant of probate

A grant of probate formally allows someone to administer the personal property (movable estate) held in Jersey of someone who has died. The deceased must have left a will.

The grant of probate doesn't allow you to deal with real estate (immovable property). You'll need a Jersey lawyer to do this.

If a valid will hasn't been left, you'll need a grant of letters of administration.

How to apply

You need to phone or write to the Probate Registry and tell us:

  • where the deceased died domiciled
  • whether estate proceedings have taken place or will be taking place in the country of domicile
  • whether the deceased left a will(s) or died without a will (intestate)
  • the value of the asset(s) in Jersey

Domiciled outside of Jersey

If the deceased died domiciled anywhere outside of Jersey, it may be possible for an application to be made in one of the following ways:

  • through a Jersey lawyer
  • by personal application with the appropriate person coming to Jersey
  • by personal application with the appropriate person giving power of attorney to a third party (who can more easily travel to the Island)

A 'fast track' method is available if the deceased died domicile in the British Isles (England, Wales, Northern Ireland, Scotland, Guernsey or the Isle of Man).

We don't accept postal applications or issue application forms.

List of local law firms on Jersey Legal Information Board website

Documents we need

We will ask you to send copies of certain documents to us either in the post, by fax or email. once we have assessed the documents, we can let you know what additional information we may need.

We will ask for either the original or authenticated copies (meaning certified as being a true copy of the original) of the relevant documents to be sent to us before you come for an appointment.

We'll also need an original utilities bill confirming your current address. The bill must be no more than three months old.

We may ask for other documents such as:

  • affidavits of law
  • certificates of inheritance
  • court orders / judgments

All documentation, except the death certificate and your photo ID, will be kept by the Court in Jersey.

Types of documents accepted

We have listed below some of the documents that we would normally expect to see.

CountryEquivalent to a Jersey GrantAdditional Documentation
ArgentinaCourt decisionDeath certificate, will
AustraliaExemplificationDeath certificate, will
CanadaCertificate of appointment of estate trustee (with will) or letters probateDeath certificate, will
ChileCertificate of actual possession (certificado de posesion efectival)Death certificate, will
Czech RepublicUsneseni, will, death certificateResolution
England and WalesEnglish grantDeath certificate, will, codicil
DenmarkSkifteretattest on privat skift or skifteretattest uskiftet boDeath certificate, will
France Death certificate, acte de notoriétè and / or certificat d’héritiers, holograph will
GermanyErbschein or gemeinschaflicher erbscheinDeath certificate, testamentsvollstreckerzeugnis, will
IraqCertificate of devolution or succession certificateDeath certificate, certificate of guardianship (for minors)
IsraelProbate orderDeath certificate, will confirmation order, will
Malta Death certificate, certificates from the Public Registry and the Civil Courts – Voluntary Jurisdiction, decree (digriet), notarial will
The NetherlandsVerklaring van erfrechtDeath certificate, will
New Zealandrobate in common form or exemplificationDeath certificate, will
PolandPostanowienieCourt decision, will, death certificate
Portugal Death certificate, public deed of probate (escritura de habilitação) or simplified procedure of qualification and registration of heirs (procedimento simplificado de habilitação de herdeiros e registos), public will (testamento publico) or closed will (testamento cerrado)
ScotlandConfirmationDeath certificate, ike, will
Republic of South AfricaLetters of executorshipDeath certificate, will
Spain Death certificate, notarial will
SwedenProtokol or tax authority documentDeath certificate, will
UAEcertificate of inheritance or certificate of heirsDeath certificate
USALetters testamentary or letters of authorityDeath certificate, will

All documents in a language other than English must be accompanied by an official translation.

Application cost

You'll need to pay fees and stamp duty on certain applications.

The page below gives general guidance on the likely fees you'll need to pay, but the Probate Registry will tell you the exact fees during the application process.

Probate Registry services and fees

Making an appointment

We will make an appointment for you when all the required documentation is in place and payment has been made.

We take appointments from Monday to Thursday, mornings only. You'll need to bring current photo ID with you, for example, your passport or national identity card.

We will usually release the Jersey grant to you at the end of your appointment, but we can't guarantee this.

What to do with the Jersey grant

You should present the original Jersey grant and your photo ID to the fund holder(s) in Jersey.

If you already have a UK grant

Jersey is not part of the UK, so you'll need a separate grant.

Applying for the Jersey grant ahead of applying for a grant (or the equivalent) in the jurisdiction of domicile

If a grant, or the equivalent, is required in the country of domicile, estate proceedings in the country of domicile must be completed before applying for the Jersey grant.

If there isn't any requirement for estate proceedings in the country of domicile, you must let us know in writing when making your initial enquiries.

Assets valued at £30,000 or less

A Jersey fund holder can release assets valued at £30,000 or less in non-domicile cases without needing to see a Jersey grant.

However, this decision is made by the fund holder who can still insist that a Jersey grant is necessary.

Any asset valued at £30,001 or more will require a Jersey grant prior to release.

Getting a copy of the Jersey grant

The type of copy we can give you (and the cost) will depend on the nature of your application.

If you think you'll need a copy, tell us as early as possible.

Getting a copy of a Jersey grant of probate and will

Jersey estate disputes

Any dispute over the Jersey estate must be resolved before an application for a Jersey grant is made.

It may be necessary for you to get legal advice before proceeding with your application for the Jersey grant.