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Inheritance in Turkey and foreign heirs
Representation in certificates of inheritance, distribution and title transfers for the estate of a relative who left real estate, bank accounts or company shares in Turkey.
Request a consultationWhat we do
- Obtaining a certificate of inheritance
- Transfer of Turkish real estate to the heirs and land registry procedures
- Tracing bank accounts and other assets and transferring them to the heirs
- Inheritance and transfer tax returns
- Distribution of the estate, partition and reduction actions
- Drafting wills and renunciation of inheritance
How the process works
01
Tracing assets
We identify real estate, bank accounts and other assets in Turkey, as well as any debts.
02
Certificate of inheritance
We obtain the certificate of inheritance using apostilled and translated foreign documents.
03
Tax and transfer
We file the inheritance tax return and carry out the land registry transfers.
04
Distribution
A partition agreement if the heirs agree; a partition action if they do not.
Documents usually required
The exact list depends on your country and your matter and is prepared at the first consultation.
- ▸ Death certificate (apostilled, with Turkish translation)
- ▸ Passports or IDs of the heirs
- ▸ Documents proving family ties (birth, marriage certificates)
- ▸ Will, if any
- ▸ Power of attorney
Frequently asked questions
Which law applies to my late relative’s house in Turkey?+
Under Turkish private international law, Turkish law applies to real estate located in Turkey. For movable property, the law of the deceased’s nationality generally applies.
Is there a deadline to renounce an inheritance?+
Yes. Under Turkish law the renunciation period is, as a rule, three months from the date the heir learned of the death. If the estate may carry debts, it is important to act quickly.
Can I complete the inheritance procedures without coming to Turkey?+
In most cases, yes. Under a power of attorney we can obtain the certificate of inheritance and handle the tax and land registry transfers on your behalf.
This page is general information, not legal advice. Legislation and practice may change; your specific situation is assessed at the first consultation.
Let us review your matter together
We can start by correspondence or an online meeting from abroad, and meet in person at our Istanbul and Bodrum offices. We reply with translation support; a sworn interpreter attends consultations.
0216 766 56 52info@hgavukatlik.com
Request a consultation