A Grant of Probate is the legal document that confirms your authority as executor to manage the estate of your loved one. Without it, banks, the Land Registry, and other institutions will not release assets. For the full picture, see our complete guide to probate in Ireland.
This guide walks you through each step of the application process, including the documents you need, what happens at your Probate Office appointment, and how much it costs. If you are not sure whether you need probate at all, our guide to what probate means explains when a Grant is required.
How to apply for a Grant of Probate
The five steps below follow the Probate Office's own application process for personal applicants.
Decide whether you need a solicitor
Most executors can apply personally without a solicitor. However, the Courts Service requires you to use one in certain situations, including:
- The applicant is under 18
- The original will is lost or its validity is in question
- There are disputes among next of kin
- The deceased was domiciled (legally resident) outside Ireland — for example, if the will is in a foreign language
- The applicant lacks the legal capacity to act
Even where a solicitor is not legally required, professional guidance is worth considering for estates with property, foreign assets, or business interests.
File the Statement of Affairs Form SA.2 with Revenue
For deaths on or after 5 December 2001, complete the Statement of Affairs (Probate) Form SA.2 through Revenue's myAccount or ROS portal. This form details the estate's assets, liabilities, and beneficiaries (the people who inherit). It replaced the old Inland Revenue Affidavit (Form CA.24).
Upload a copy of the will if one exists. Once submitted, Revenue issues a Notice of Acknowledgement — print this and have all applicants sign it. You will need it for the next step.
Submit your Personal Application Form
Complete the Personal Application Form and send it to the Probate Office with: the signed Notice of Acknowledgement from Revenue, the original death certificate (or coroner's interim certificate), and photocopies of the will and any codicils (amendments to the will). Do not send the original will at this stage.
If the deceased lived in Dublin, Kildare, Meath, or Wicklow, submit to the Dublin Probate Office. For other counties, you can apply to Dublin or the relevant District Probate Registry.
Attend your Probate Office appointment
The Probate Office schedules appointments approximately 10–12 weeks after receiving your application. At the appointment, a probate official reviews your documents, asks any clarification questions, and asks you to swear or affirm an oath.
You pay the fee at this appointment by debit card, credit card, or Courts Service fee card. The amount depends on the net value of the Irish estate (assets minus debts). You can also order additional certified copies of the Grant.
Receive your Grant of Probate
The Probate Office posts the Grant and any extra copies to you, usually within three weeks of your appointment.
Once you have it, you can present it to banks, the Land Registry, and other institutions to collect assets, pay debts and taxes, and distribute the estate to those named in the will.
Probate Office fees for personal applicants
The Probate Office bases its fees on the net value of the Irish estate (assets minus debts). You pay at your appointment. All fees come from the estate, not from your personal funds.
| Net estate value | Fee |
|---|---|
| Up to €100,000 | €200 |
| €100,001–€250,000 | €400 |
| €250,001–€500,000 | €700 |
| €500,001–€750,000 | €1,000 |
| €750,001–€1,000,000 | €1,300 |
| Over €1,000,000 | €1,300 + €800 per €500,000 (or part) |
Solicitor applications attract different (lower) fees. For a full breakdown of all costs involved, see our guide to probate costs and fees in Ireland.
Should you get professional help?
Applying for probate yourself is straightforward for simple estates with a valid will and no disputes. Many executors complete the process without a solicitor.
However, professional guidance is worth considering when the estate includes property that needs to be sold or transferred, foreign assets or cross-border tax exposure, business interests, or multiple beneficiaries with competing expectations. In these situations, the cost of professional help is often offset by avoiding delays and mistakes.