What Is a Grant of Probate in Ireland and How Do You Get One? (2026)

When someone dies, their estate — property, money, and possessions — cannot simply be distributed to the people named in their will. Before anything can be transferred or sold, the executor (or administrator) usually needs to obtain a formal legal document from the Probate Office confirming their authority to deal with the estate. This document is called a Grant of Probate (or Letters of Administration where there is no will). This guide explains what it is, when you need it, and how to get one.

What Is a Grant of Probate?

A Grant of Probate is a legal document issued by the Probate Office of the High Court in Ireland. It confirms that the will presented is the valid last will of the deceased, and that the executor named in the will has the legal authority to collect the deceased’s assets, pay their debts, and distribute the estate to the beneficiaries.

Where the deceased died without a valid will (intestate), the equivalent document is called Letters of Administration, and it is issued to the administrator of the estate (usually the next of kin).

When Do You Need a Grant of Probate?

Not every estate requires a Grant of Probate. It is generally required where:

  • The deceased owned property registered in their sole name in Ireland
  • The deceased had bank or investment accounts above a certain value (most banks require probate for accounts over €25,000–€50,000)
  • The deceased held shares or investments in their sole name
  • Third parties (e.g. banks, insurers, property buyers) require proof of authority before dealing with the estate

Jointly-owned assets typically pass automatically to the surviving joint owner and do not require probate.

The Probate Process in Ireland Step by Step

  1. Obtain the death certificate — needed for all subsequent steps
  2. Locate the original will — the Probate Office requires the original signed will, not a copy
  3. Value the estate — all assets (property, bank accounts, investments, life insurance, personal property) must be valued as at the date of death
  4. Prepare the Inland Revenue Affidavit (CA24) — this is submitted to Revenue and sets out the full value of the estate for inheritance tax (CAT) purposes
  5. Apply to the Probate Office — the executor swears an Oath before a Commissioner for Oaths and submits the application with supporting documents
  6. Grant issued — the Probate Office reviews the application and, if satisfied, issues the Grant of Probate
  7. Administer the estate — with the Grant in hand, the executor can now collect assets, pay debts, and distribute the estate to beneficiaries

How Long Does Probate Take in Ireland?

The timeline for probate in Ireland depends on the complexity of the estate and current Probate Office processing times. Straightforward applications currently take approximately 4–8 months from the date of application. Complex estates or those involving Revenue queries can take longer.

How Much Does Probate Cost in Ireland?

Probate costs in Ireland include solicitor’s fees, the Probate Office filing fee (€200), and any Revenue liabilities (Capital Acquisitions Tax where applicable). Solicitor’s fees vary depending on the complexity of the estate. Our Simple Probate Service and Grant of Probate (Full Service) are offered at fixed, transparent fees.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do small estates need probate in Ireland?

Small estates — particularly those consisting only of personal property with no real estate — may not require a full Grant of Probate. Individual institutions have their own thresholds. Contact each institution holding the deceased’s assets to establish their requirements.

Can I apply for probate without a solicitor in Ireland?

Personal applicants can apply for probate directly through the Probate Office’s Personal Application Department. However, for most estates — particularly those involving property or significant assets — using a solicitor ensures the process is handled correctly and avoids costly errors.

Need probate assistance? See our Simple Probate Service, Grant of Probate (Full Service), and Executor Guidance Pack. Or book a 30-minute consultation to discuss the estate.

This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice.

Related guides

Need help with this? Fixed-fee help from solicitors of O’Grady Solicitors & Co., regulated by the Law Society of Ireland: Fixed-Fee Conveyancing · Talk to a Property Solicitor.