Foreigners inheritance rights in Turkey is a complex yet broad field that needs to be understood thoroughly. This article covers all the necessary information about inheritance rights in Turkey, including its basic principles and how they apply to foreigners.
Basic Principles of Inheritance in Turkey
To understand inheritance in Turkey thoroughly, one must comprehend the legal framework, basic concepts, and legal procedures governing how the deceased property of individuals and assets are distributed among their heirs.
Regarding basic principles of inheritance in Turkey, the Turkish Civil Code plays an essential role in establishing the framework and rules under the law for the distribution of property among heirs and dealing with issues of inheritance-related problems. The terms related to the basic principles of inheritance in Turkey for Turkish citizens and foreigners are stated and explained below
- According to Turkish law, some legal heirs have the right to inherit the estate of a deceased Turkish citizen. The spouse, children, parents, or other family members can be considered legal heirs.
- Turkish law establishes guidelines for distributing deceased belongings of people to their heirs. This includes dividing up the estate's legal portion and free portion.
- The value of inherited assets is subject to inheritance tax in Turkey. That is why heirs must pay the inheritance tax within a certain amount of time after receiving an inheritance. Yet, the tax rate may vary based on several factors, including the value of the assets.
- The right to make a will allows Turkish individuals to state how they want their assets shared after death. However, a will must be in writing, signed in the presence of witnesses, and registered to be considered legally enforceable.
The same basic principles of inheritance in Turkey are applied to both Turkish citizens and foreigners. Yet, there needs to be more differentiation in how these principles are applied concerning foreigners. For instance, a reciprocity agreement between Turkey and their home country is required in cases of foreigners inheritance rights. With a reciprocity agreement, foreigners from specific nations may inherit property in Turkey on par with Turkish citizens. Also, the regulations and laws based on Turkish inheritance rights may operate differently if there is no reciprocity agreement or the home country fails to offer Turkish citizens equal rights.
FAQ About Foreigners Inheritance Rights in Turkey
The foreigner’s inheritance rights in Turkey can be challenging for foreigners, especially when they are newcomers or do not know much about it. To understand better, here are answers to some frequently asked questions regarding foreigners’ inheritance rights in Turkey.
Suppose you want to learn more about foreigner’s inheritance rights in Turkey or solve a legal case related to this field. In that case, you can consult our Turkish lawyer firm, Istanbul Lawyer Firm. With our experienced and qualified lawyers, we are ready to answer all of your questions about these rights and provide you with legal consultancy. In addition, if you want to get legal consultancy in English, do not worry. You can get help from our English-speaking lawyers in Turkey.
Can Foreigners be Heirs in Turkey?
Yes, foreigners can be heirs in Turkey. According to Turkish inheritance law, being a citizen of another country does not prevent one from being an heir in Turkey. In this circumstance, all the heir has to do is submit a certificate of inheritance that complies with the inheritance provision stated in the will and claim their rights.
Do Foreigners Pay Property Taxes in Turkey?
Yes, just like Turkish citizens, foreigners with property in Turkey are generally subject to property taxes. Property taxes in Turkey are paid annually and change according to the the value of property.
Which Law Applies in the Case of Inheritance?
The whole inheritance field, including the order of inheritance and the shares of heirs, is determined by the Turkish Civil Code. The Turkish Civil Code includes numerous regulations that form the basis for inheritance law, including guidelines for asset distribution, the rights of heirs, and the processes for inheriting property and additional assets.
Do Foreign Heirs Need to be Physically Present in Turkey to Claim Their Inheritance?
Foreign heirs may claim their inheritance even if they are not physically present in Turkey. To handle the inheritance procedure on their behalf, they can choose a representative or legal agent in Turkey. If you are a foreign heir and want legal support for your case, you should consult a lawyer in Turkey. As Istanbul Lawyer Firm, we assist you in your inheritance process.
You can reach our previous article from https://istanbullawyerfirm.com/blog/deportation-of-foreigners-from-turkey