Inheritance matters in Turkey are governed by the Turkish Civil Code and can present serious legal challenges—especially for foreign nationals inheriting property or assets from Turkish residents or deceased expats. Issues such as reserved shares, certificate of inheritance, tax obligations, and cross-border succession conflicts require detailed legal handling. At Istanbul Law Firm, our team of English speaking lawyers in Turkey provides full legal assistance in all areas of inheritance law, ensuring that estates are distributed correctly and efficiently.
Whether you're a legal heir, surviving spouse, or foreign property owner planning your estate, our lawyers assist with probate filings, title deed transfers, will execution, and litigation over contested inheritances. Recognized as a best lawyer firm in Turkey for succession law, we act swiftly to protect your legal rights and secure rightful claims. Related: How to Obtain a Certificate of Inheritance in Turkey, Legal Steps to Transfer Real Estate After Death
Legal Framework of Inheritance in Turkey for Citizens and Foreigners
Inheritance in Turkey is regulated under the Turkish Civil Code, which sets out detailed rules for succession, heirship, and asset distribution. The law applies to both Turkish citizens and foreign nationals who own property or assets within Turkish jurisdiction. Turkish inheritance law includes mandatory heirship (zorlama mirasçılık) principles that reserve specific shares for children, spouses, and parents—even if a will is present. At Istanbul Law Firm, we assist clients in navigating these strict rules, particularly where cross-border elements or dual legal systems are involved. We also advise foreign nationals on how Turkish law interacts with their home country’s succession laws, especially in EU and common law contexts.
For foreigners, Turkish inheritance law generally applies to immovable property (like real estate) located in Turkey, while movable assets (like bank accounts) may be governed by the deceased’s nationality law—unless a bilateral agreement specifies otherwise. Our English speaking lawyers in Turkey clarify jurisdiction, initiate local probate processes, and coordinate with foreign attorneys when parallel succession proceedings are required. We also prepare notarized declarations of heirship, secure court orders, and ensure heirs can assert their legal rights without language or procedural barriers.
As a best lawyer firm in Turkey for estate matters, Istanbul Law Firm provides certainty in complex situations involving mixed marriages, children from different jurisdictions, and property registered under foreign names. We explain every client’s inheritance rights, identify tax and title risks, and take all necessary legal steps to preserve the estate and distribute assets lawfully. Related: Who Inherits What Under Turkish Succession Law?, Cross-Border Succession Issues in Turkey
Certificate of Inheritance and Estate Recognition Process
The cornerstone of any inheritance procedure in Turkey is obtaining the Certificate of Inheritance (Veraset İlamı), which is a formal legal document confirming the rightful heirs of a deceased person. This certificate is required to initiate all succession-related actions, including asset access, bank account release, and real estate transfer. Turkish citizens may obtain this document from a notary, but foreign heirs generally must apply through the civil courts. At Istanbul Law Firm, we represent heirs in preparing, filing, and finalizing inheritance certificates, including gathering supporting documents, arranging sworn translations, and conducting court proceedings when necessary.
For foreign nationals, additional documents may be required, such as a death certificate, birth or marriage records, passport copies, and legal proof of relationship. All foreign documents must be apostilled or consular-certified and translated into Turkish by a sworn translator. Our English speaking lawyers in Turkey ensure all procedural requirements are met, handle judicial filings, and follow up with court clerks and land registries to expedite the issuance and recognition of inheritance rights under Turkish law.
As a best lawyer firm in Turkey for probate and inheritance documentation, Istanbul Law Firm offers full-service legal support from certificate application through final asset distribution. We prevent bureaucratic errors, represent heirs during hearings, and deliver enforceable certificates that open access to Turkish estate assets. Related: How to Apply for a Certificate of Inheritance in Turkey, Inheritance Court Procedure for Foreign Nationals in Turkey
Real Estate, Bank Accounts, and Asset Transfer After Death
Transferring ownership of property and financial assets in Turkey after the death of an individual involves specific legal procedures and official registrations. Once the Certificate of Inheritance is obtained, heirs must initiate title deed transfers for real estate through the local Land Registry Office (Tapu Müdürlüğü). At Istanbul Law Firm, we assist clients in filing all required documents, including tax clearance certificates and notarized heir declarations. We also accompany clients or act through power of attorney to finalize transfers for apartments, villas, land plots, or commercial property owned by the deceased.
Bank accounts, investment portfolios, and other movable assets can be accessed once the rightful heir submits the inheritance certificate and satisfies the bank’s compliance requirements. Funds may be frozen pending tax review or documentation discrepancies, particularly in cross-border cases. Our English speaking lawyers in Turkey liaise directly with Turkish banks, private asset managers, and tax offices to unblock and distribute funds. In cases of joint accounts or foreign-held funds, we coordinate with foreign financial institutions to ensure legal access and tax compliance.
As a best lawyer firm in Turkey for inheritance implementation, Istanbul Law Firm ensures all legal, administrative, and financial elements of post-death asset transfer are managed with efficiency and legal accuracy. We also advise on the inheritance of debts, co-owned properties, and fiduciary assets to ensure full protection of heir rights. Related: How to Legally Transfer Real Estate to Heirs in Turkey, Accessing Bank Accounts After Death in Turkey
Inheritance Tax, Reporting Obligations, and Payment Deadlines
Inheritance in Turkey is subject to inheritance and gift tax (Veraset ve İntikal Vergisi), which applies to all transfers of wealth upon death or through donation. The tax rate ranges from 1% to 30%, depending on the heir’s relationship to the deceased and the total value of inherited assets. Turkish residents and non-residents inheriting assets located in Turkey are both subject to this tax. At Istanbul Law Firm, we calculate inheritance tax liabilities, prepare declarations, and ensure timely submission to prevent penalties or enforcement actions by the Tax Office (Vergi Dairesi).
The declaration must be filed within four months of death for domestic cases, or within six months if the death occurred abroad. Heirs must submit a valuation of the estate, including real estate, bank balances, securities, vehicles, and other assets, along with supporting documentation. Our English speaking lawyers in Turkey work closely with certified appraisers, tax advisors, and the Ministry of Treasury to ensure all assets are correctly assessed and legally declared. We also handle cases involving foreign-sourced inheritance subject to bilateral treaties.
As a best lawyer firm in Turkey for estate taxation, Istanbul Law Firm provides end-to-end compliance support—ensuring your inheritance is not only secured but also fully legalized under Turkish tax regulations. We help clients file for tax exemptions, installment plans, and penalty waivers where available. Related: How Turkish Inheritance Tax Works, Filing Deadlines for Inheritance Declarations in Turkey
Contested Inheritances, Will Disputes, and Legal Remedies
Inheritance disputes in Turkey frequently arise due to unclear wills, omitted heirs, forged documents, or violations of reserved share rights (saklı pay). Turkish law protects statutory heirs—including children, spouses, and parents—by guaranteeing them a minimum share of the estate, regardless of the will’s contents. If these shares are infringed, heirs may file for a reduction claim (tenkis davası) or full annulment. At Istanbul Law Firm, we represent heirs and estate beneficiaries in inheritance litigation, will enforcement, and lawsuits involving asset concealment, unfair transfers, and testamentary invalidity.
Wills in Turkey must comply with formal requirements: they can be notarized, handwritten, or oral in emergency cases, but all formats have strict procedural rules. Common legal battles involve handwritten wills lacking proper date, signature, or witness validation. Our English speaking lawyers in Turkey assess the validity of foreign or local wills, initiate inheritance nullity suits, and defend rightful heirs in civil court. We also handle disputes among co-heirs over estate partition, property use, and asset liquidation.
Recognized as a best lawyer firm in Turkey for estate disputes, Istanbul Law Firm combines litigation expertise with strategic estate defense. We also offer mediation where family harmony can be preserved. Related: What to Do If You're Left Out of a Will in Turkey, How to File a Tenkis (Reduction) Lawsuit
Estate Planning, Testament Drafting, and Asset Protection Strategies
Effective estate planning helps prevent future disputes, minimize tax exposure, and ensure that your property is passed to chosen beneficiaries in a legally secure manner. In Turkey, individuals can create valid wills (vasiyetname) to direct asset distribution upon death, provided they comply with legal formalities and do not violate the mandatory shares of statutory heirs. At Istanbul Law Firm, we assist Turkish citizens, expats, and foreign investors in preparing notarized or handwritten wills, creating estate structures, and establishing asset protection mechanisms aligned with both Turkish and international succession law.
Testamentary arrangements must account for tax implications, family dynamics, international holdings, and Turkish civil law requirements. Our English speaking lawyers in Turkey draft bilingual wills, conduct pre-death asset mapping, and coordinate with tax consultants to legally reduce inheritance liabilities. We also advise on how to structure real estate, bank accounts, company shares, and offshore holdings to facilitate post-death administration and reduce litigation risk.
As a best lawyer firm in Turkey for succession planning, Istanbul Law Firm offers strategic legal foresight for clients with cross-border estates, complex family structures, or philanthropic goals. We also provide legal training to family members on how to manage estate responsibilities. Related: How to Make a Legally Valid Will in Turkey, Legal Tools to Protect Your Estate Under Turkish Law
Why Istanbul Law Firm Is the Trusted Legal Partner in Turkish Inheritance Law
Inheritance law is more than legal process—it’s about securing your legacy, respecting family bonds, and protecting rightful ownership. At Istanbul Law Firm, we deliver expert legal support across the entire succession process in Turkey—from certificate acquisition and asset transfer to will drafting and courtroom litigation. We understand that every estate is unique, and we tailor our legal strategies accordingly, whether the goal is tax efficiency, dispute prevention, or legal defense against wrongful claims.
Our English speaking lawyers in Turkey serve clients from over 40 countries, offering cross-border estate planning and multilingual legal documentation. We coordinate with foreign embassies, notaries, courts, and consulates to ensure seamless recognition of foreign documents and judgments. Whether you are the surviving spouse of a foreign resident, the child of a Turkish citizen abroad, or an investor with Turkish property, we provide end-to-end legal solutions in clear language and with unwavering diligence.
Recognized as a best lawyer firm in Turkey for inheritance law, Istanbul Law Firm is your strategic partner for preserving wealth, upholding your rights, and protecting family interests. Related: How Foreigners Can Claim Inheritance in Turkey, Real Estate and Succession Planning for Foreign Investors
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
- Can foreigners inherit property in Turkey? – Yes. Foreign nationals have the legal right to inherit real estate and other assets in Turkey, subject to bilateral treaties and Turkish succession law.
- What is a Certificate of Inheritance in Turkey? – It’s a court-issued document confirming legal heirs. Required for bank access, real estate transfer, and official inheritance proceedings.
- How do I transfer a title deed after a relative dies? – After obtaining the inheritance certificate and paying taxes, heirs apply at the Land Registry Office to change ownership officially. We handle the entire process.
- Is Turkish inheritance tax high? – No. Rates are relatively moderate (1% to 30%) and depend on kinship and asset value. We help calculate, declare, and pay taxes legally.
- Do Turkish laws respect foreign wills? – Yes, if formally valid and translated/apostilled. We validate and enforce foreign wills through Turkish probate courts.
- What happens if someone dies without a will in Turkey? – Legal heirs are determined by Turkish Civil Code. Spouses, children, and parents inherit in fixed shares.
- Can I contest a will in Turkey? – Yes. Legal heirs may challenge wills on grounds of invalidity, forgery, or violation of reserved shares.
- How long does inheritance take in Turkey? – It varies. Simple cases take 1–3 months; complex or disputed cases may take longer. We expedite the process where possible.
- Can debts of the deceased be inherited? – Yes, unless heirs formally disclaim the inheritance through court within 3 months. We help assess and manage estate liabilities.
- Can I draft a will in Turkey as a foreigner? – Absolutely. We prepare notarized bilingual wills fully compliant with Turkish and international law.
- Are joint property and shared assets split automatically? – No. Co-heirs must either agree on partition or apply to court for legal division of the estate.
- Who is the most experienced inheritance law firm in Turkey? – Istanbul Law Firm—a best lawyer firm in Turkey—with decades of experience handling inheritance, property succession, and cross-border estate cases.
Contact Our Turkish Inheritance Lawyers Today
Whether you’re an heir claiming assets in Turkey, a foreign family managing cross-border estates, or an individual planning succession, Istanbul Law Firm offers trusted, strategic, and personalized legal support. Our English speaking lawyers in Turkey provide clear, effective legal guidance for every aspect of inheritance law—from wills and certificates to litigation and tax declarations. As a best lawyer firm in Turkey for estate law, we help protect what matters most. Contact us today for tailored succession support.
