Do I need probate? Free checker
Six questions to answer whether the estate needs a Grant of Probate, or whether the small-estates rule, joint-asset survivorship, and pension nominations cover it without one.
When probate is needed in Ireland
The Grant of Probate is the court document that gives the executor legal authority to deal with the deceased's assets. You generally need one where:
- The person who died owned property in their sole name (any value)
- They held bank, credit union, or investment balances above €25,000 in a single sole-name institution
- They owned shares, bonds, or investments in sole name
- They held assets in tenants-in-common ownership (as opposed to joint tenancy with survivorship)
You may not need a Grant where:
- All assets were held jointly with a surviving spouse. those pass by survivorship
- The largest sole-name balance in any one institution is under €25,000 and the institution releases under the small-estates procedure
- The pension had a valid Expression of Wishes. pension proceeds usually bypass the estate
- The total estate value is under €25,000 with no property
The €25,000 small-estates rule
Under Revenue's small-estates procedure, Irish banks and credit unions may release sole-name balances of €25,000 or less without requiring a Grant of Probate. This is at each institution's discretion, not a legal entitlement. You must apply with the death certificate and a statement of the estate's value. Some institutions apply tighter limits (AIB standard is €25,000; others €20,000 or €30,000).
This calculator is a preparation tool using Irish tax rates and rules for 2026. It is not legal or tax advice. For complex estates, consult a solicitor or tax adviser. All values are estimates based on the information you provide.