Inheritance in Turkey for foreigners can be a complex process, especially when heirs live abroad or when there are multiple properties involved. Under Turkish law, the Turkish Civil Code governs inheritance, and it applies to all assets located in Turkey, regardless of the nationality or residence of the heirs. This means that if you own real estate or other assets in Turkey, local inheritance rules will apply to those assets even if your family members live overseas.
Certificate of Inheritance:
The first step in any inheritance process is usually obtaining a certificate of inheritance (veraset ilamı). This document proves who the rightful heirs are and in what shares. Foreign heirs often face challenges here, such as providing family records from abroad, getting documents translated or having them apostilled. Once the certificate is obtained, heirs can take further steps such as registering property transfers, collecting bank accounts or managing shares in a Turkish company.
Division of Inheritance:
Another common issue is the division of inheritance. Families sometimes disagree on how property or assets should be divided, especially when real estate is involved. In such cases, negotiation or a court process may be necessary. I provide legal support to draft agreements between heirs or, when needed, to represent clients before court.
Property Transfers
Foreign heirs also frequently ask about property transfers. After inheritance, real estate must often be registered at the Land Registry. This involves paying fees, filing documents, and ensuring ownership records are updated correctly. I assist clients in navigating these procedures and avoiding delays.
Inheritance disputes can arise when wills are contested, heirs feel excluded, or when assets are hidden. In these sensitive situations, having the guidance of a licensed attorney is essential. Please remember: only attorneys are legally authorized to provide legal consultation in Turkey. Foreigners should avoid unverified websites that offer incomplete or misleading information for a fee.
If you are facing inheritance issues in Turkey, I can provide clear, written guidance first, and then handle the necessary procedures on your behalf. For related matters, you may also review my Family Law and Contract Drafting & Review pages.
For the official text of the Turkish Civil Code, you may visit the Turkish Government Legislation Portal (in Turkish).
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