Crypto Inheritance Guide

Kraken account of someone who died: how to claim it

Last reviewed: October 2026

In short

Kraken has one route for a deceased client’s account: a claim form handled by its compliance team. The estate’s legal representative uploads a colour copy of the death certificate, the probate or administration document, their photo ID and a signed letter. Kraken doesn’t publish a timeline or say how the assets are paid out; ask once the claim is in.

Before you start

  • No beneficiary option. “While Kraken doesn’t currently offer the option to add a beneficiary to an account, we do have a process to support families and legal representatives” (Kraken Support).
  • The claim comes from the legal representative. Kraken says its process supports “families and legal representatives”, but the letter and ID must come from the person appointed to deal with the estate, such as the executor or administrator.
  • Don’t sign in as the deceased.

The documents

Kraken lists four:

  • Death certificate: a complete colour image of the official document. “Note that certificates issued by funeral homes are not accepted.”
  • Legal documentation: the document appointing you as legal representative of the estate, “such as probate or letters of administration”. Kraken’s German page names the Erbschein or the Testamentsvollstreckerzeugnis; elsewhere, use the local equivalent.
  • Photo ID: a current, valid colour copy of a government photo ID for each person named as legal representative.
  • A letter, signed and dated by the person or people named in the legal documentation, confirming that the account holder has died and identifying themselves as the legal representative. The sample claim letter works as a starting point.

“Additional documents may be required. Our team will inform you of this if necessary once the claim has been submitted.”

Step by step

  1. Open Kraken’s deceased client account claims page and select Submit a claim.
  2. Complete the required fields “to the best of your knowledge”. The deceased’s email address or account details help.
  3. Attach the documents and submit.
  4. Kraken’s compliance team reviews the claim and contacts you.

What the estate receives, and when

Kraken’s page doesn’t say whether the crypto is transferred or sold, whose account it goes to, or how long it takes. Decide before you’re asked:

  • Transfer or sale. Do the heirs want the crypto itself, or money? The estate’s adviser will have a view on tax.
  • Where to. If it’s crypto, it will likely need an account in the name of the estate or an heir; ask Kraken what it accepts.
  • A statement. Ask for the balances on the date of death; the estate usually needs them for tax (why).

Good to know