Resealing a Foreign Grant of Probate UK & Abroad
Share Data Ltd is a UK-based specialist provider of resealing services for foreign grants of probate, supporting solicitors, executors, banks, and private individuals with the recognition of overseas grants in England and Wales.
At Share Data Ltd, we provide a dedicated resealing service for foreign Grants of Probate, helping solicitors, executors, financial institutions and beneficiaries manage estates that include UK assets. Our specialist team coordinates the resealing process so that overseas grants are recognised by the UK courts, removing the need for a full UK probate application when appropriate.
What does “resealing a Grant of Probate” mean?
Resealing is the legal process by which a foreign Grant of Probate or Letters of Administration is formally recognised for use in England and Wales. Once resealed, the foreign grant has the same legal effect as a UK Grant of Probate, allowing the appointed personal representative to administer the estate’s UK assets.
This process is especially important when the deceased was domiciled outside the UK but held UK-based assets, such as shares or property. The reseal confirms the authority of the foreign grant in the UK, eliminating the need for a full UK probate application.
Similarly, where the deceased held assets in a foreign jurisdiction, the UK Grant will also need to be resealed in that jurisdiction before the executors can administer the assets.
At Share Data, we assist with the entire resealing process from eligibility assessment through submission, working closely with professional representatives to ensure documentation meets UK legal requirements.
Our service includes:
Resealing for Channel Islands, Scotland, and the Isle of Man (and internationally)
If shares were held in a company incorporated in the Channel Islands, Scotland, or the Isle of Man, you may need your English Grant of Probate resealed locally. This is often required even when the shares are listed on the London Stock Exchange or AIM, as registrars typically insist on local resealing before processing transfers or sales.
Our resealing expertise also covers Australia, Canada, Hong Kong, Malaysia, South Africa, the USA, and many other jurisdictions across Europe, Africa, the Middle East, and Commonwealth countries. We will confirm whether resealing is necessary and handle the filings with local courts and registrars to complete the transfer or sale efficiently.
FAQ
When is resealing a Grant of Probate required?
Resealing is typically required when the deceased was domiciled outside the UK but held assets in England or Wales, such as shares, property, or bank accounts, and a foreign Grant of Probate has already been obtained in a jurisdiction recognised under UK law. In these cases, resealing is often more efficient than applying for a new UK Grant of Probate.
How does Share Data confirm whether a reseal is possible?
Share Data reviews the foreign grant and relevant estate details to confirm whether resealing is permitted under UK law. Where resealing is appropriate, we handle the necessary steps with the UK Probate Registry and registered courts. If resealing is not possible, we advise on alternative options.
What does Share Data’s resealing service include?
Our resealing service includes a review of the foreign grant and supporting documents to assess eligibility, preparation and submission of the resealing application to the appropriate UK Probate Registry, liaison with local courts, solicitors, and registrars as required, coordination of asset transfer or sale once the grant is recognised, and support with documentation, translations, and verification where necessary.
Does resealing apply to all overseas jurisdictions?
No. Resealing requirements vary by jurisdiction. Share Data has experience confirming when resealing is available and handling filings for eligible jurisdictions, including certain Commonwealth countries and territories where grants are issued under laws recognised by UK resealing provisions. Where resealing is not available, we advise when a new UK grant application may be required.
Who typically uses Share Data’s resealing service?
This service is commonly used by professional advisers such as solicitors, accountants, and estate practitioners, executors and administrators of overseas estates, banks and financial institutions holding UK assets, and beneficiaries seeking compliant estate closure. Our specialist approach gives professional teams confidence that complex cross-border estate requirements are handled efficiently.