04/08/2026
If a Zambian citizen passes away outside Zambia, how would their estate be administered?
ARTICLE: SEALING OF LETTERS OF ADMINISTRATION/ GRANT OF PROBATE
Where a Zambia citizen passes away outside Zambia, leaving behind assets in both countries one would wonder how their estate would be administered.
- Would it be necessary to appoint administrators in both countries?
- Once Letters of Administration are obtained in the foreign country is the administrator required to restart the process afresh here in Zambia?
The answer to both questions is absolutely not.
Once Letters of Administration are obtained in the foreign country, the administrator is at liberty to apply to seal the Letters of Administration obtained in the foreign country here in Zambia. Such an application is made to the High Court for Zambia pursuant to Section 54 of the Intestate Succession Act Chapter 60 of the Laws of Zambia and Section 3, Rule (2) and (3) of the Probates Resealing rules Chapter 61 of the Laws of Zambia.
The resealed Letters of Administration shall be of the same force and effect and have same operation in Zambia as if they were granted in Zambia as if granted by the High Court for Zambia.
K. Mwale & Company
1st floor Osidian House
Corner of Church & Bwinjimfumu Roads, Lusaka, Zambia
260 211 356 504
