If you have been named as an executor in a will, the Grant of Probate is the document that gives you legal authority to act on behalf of the estate. Without it, banks, the Land Registry, and other institutions will not release the deceased person's assets. For the full picture of how probate works, see our complete guide to probate in Ireland.
This guide explains what the Grant of Probate is, what it contains, when you need one, and how it differs from other types of grants. If you already know you need a Grant and want to start the application, see our step-by-step guide to applying for a Grant of Probate.
What is a Grant of Probate?
A Grant of Probate is a legal document issued by the Probate Office, which is part of the High Court in Ireland. It serves two purposes: it certifies that the deceased person's will is valid, and it confirms that the named executor has authority to administer the estate.
The term “taking out probate” means having the Probate Office verify the will and issue the Grant. Once issued, the Grant is the document you present to banks, the Land Registry, insurance companies, and other institutions to access and manage the estate's assets.
The Grant of Probate is one type of “Grant of Representation” — the umbrella term for the legal documents that give a person authority to deal with a deceased person's estate. The type of grant depends on whether a valid will exists and whether an executor is available.
What does a Grant of Probate contain?
The Grant sets out the name and address of the executor (or administrator), the name of any solicitor acting on their behalf, and the gross value and net value of the estate. It does not include details of individual assets or how they are to be distributed — that information remains in the will.
Once issued, the Grant of Probate becomes a matter of public record. Anyone can search for it through the Probate Office. However, the detailed Statement of Affairs (which lists individual assets and liabilities) is not normally available to the general public.
Grant of Probate vs Grant of Administration
The type of grant you need depends on the circumstances. A Grant of Probate applies when the deceased left a valid will and named an executor. A Grant of Administration applies when there is no will (intestacy), or when no named executor is able or willing to act.
There is a valid will
Grant of Probate
The executor named in the will
There is no will (intestacy)
Grant of Administration
Next of kin (usually spouse, civil partner, or child)
There is a will but no executor able to act
Grant of Administration with Will Annexed
A beneficiary or next of kin
The type of grant depends on whether there is a valid will and a willing executor.
| Situation | Grant type | Who applies |
|---|---|---|
| There is a valid will | Grant of Probate | The executor named in the will |
| There is no will (intestacy) | Grant of Administration | Next of kin (usually spouse, civil partner, or child) |
| There is a will but no executor able to act | Grant of Administration with Will Annexed | A beneficiary or next of kin |
All three grants give the holder legal authority to manage the estate. The key difference is in how assets are distributed: with a Grant of Probate, the executor follows the deceased's wishes as set out in the will. With a Grant of Administration, the estate is divided according to the rules of intestacy in the Succession Act 1965.
When is a Grant of Probate required?
Not every estate needs a Grant of Probate. Whether you need one depends on the type and value of assets the deceased held. In general, a Grant is needed when assets are held in the deceased's sole name and exceed the institution's release threshold.
Property in the deceased’s sole name
Yes
The Land Registry requires a Grant before property can be transferred
Bank accounts above the bank’s threshold
Yes
Typically around €25,000–€35,000, varies by bank
Shares, investments, or insurance policies
Yes
Financial institutions require a Grant before releasing assets
Jointly held property (joint tenancy)
No
Passes automatically to the surviving owner by right of survivorship
Life insurance with a named beneficiary
No
Paid directly to the named beneficiary
Small bank balances below the bank’s threshold
Usually no
Banks may release small sums without a Grant
Whether a Grant is needed depends on how assets are held and their value.
| Asset type | Grant needed? | Detail |
|---|---|---|
| Property in the deceased’s sole name | Yes | The Land Registry requires a Grant before property can be transferred |
| Bank accounts above the bank’s threshold | Yes | Typically around €25,000–€35,000, varies by bank |
| Shares, investments, or insurance policies | Yes | Financial institutions require a Grant before releasing assets |
| Jointly held property (joint tenancy) | No | Passes automatically to the surviving owner by right of survivorship |
| Life insurance with a named beneficiary | No | Paid directly to the named beneficiary |
| Small bank balances below the bank’s threshold | Usually no | Banks may release small sums without a Grant |
If you are unsure whether the estate you are dealing with needs a Grant, our free assessment can help you understand what is required.
How to get a Grant of Probate
The application process involves filing a Statement of Affairs (Probate) Form SA.2 with Revenue, then submitting a Personal Application Form and supporting documents to the Probate Office. You attend an appointment where a probate official reviews your paperwork, and the Grant is posted to you afterwards.
The Form SA.2 is completed through Revenue's online portal (myAccount or ROS). It details the estate's assets, liabilities, and beneficiaries. This form replaced the old Inland Revenue Affidavit (Form CA.24) for deaths on or after 5 December 2001.
For a detailed walkthrough of each step, see our guide to applying for a Grant of Probate in Ireland.
How long does it take to get a Grant of Probate?
The Probate Office currently schedules appointments approximately 10 to 12 weeks after receiving a personal application. For applications submitted through a solicitor, the current processing time is longer. Once the appointment is complete, the Grant is typically posted within three weeks.
Including the time needed to value the estate and file the Form SA.2 beforehand, the full process from start to receiving the Grant usually takes upwards of three months for a straightforward estate. Complex estates can take significantly longer. Our guide to how long probate takes in Ireland explains each stage in detail.
What happens after the Grant is issued?
Once you receive the Grant of Probate, you have the legal authority to manage the estate. You present the Grant to banks and financial institutions to collect assets, and arrange the sale or transfer of property through the Land Registry.
You also pay any outstanding debts and file Capital Acquisitions Tax (CAT) returns if beneficiaries exceed their tax-free thresholds.
After all debts and taxes are paid, the executor distributes the remaining estate to the beneficiaries named in the will. It is good practice to keep detailed records of all transactions, as beneficiaries or the Revenue Commissioners may request a full account of the estate's administration.
Should you get professional help?
You can apply for a Grant of Probate yourself — the Probate Office accepts personal applications. However, the Courts Service requires a solicitor in certain circumstances. These include where the applicant is under 18, the original will is lost, or there are disputes among next of kin. A solicitor is also required where the deceased was domiciled outside Ireland and certain conditions apply, such as a foreign-language will.
Even when a solicitor is not legally required, professional guidance is worth considering for estates that include property, foreign assets, business interests, or potential Capital Acquisitions Tax (CAT) liability. In these situations, the cost of professional help is often outweighed by the time saved and mistakes avoided.