The death of a family member is emotionally challenging, and when assets are located in another country, the legal process can become even more complicated.
If you own property, bank accounts, shares, or other assets in Turkey—or if you are an heir to someone who does—understanding Inheritance Law in Turkey is essential.
At ONGUR & PARTNERS International Law Firm, we assist international families, expatriates, investors, and foreign heirs with every stage of Turkish inheritance proceedings.
Can Foreigners Inherit Property in Turkey?
Yes.
Foreign nationals may inherit:
- Residential properties
- Commercial real estate
- Land
- Bank accounts
- Company shares
- Vehicles
- Investments
- Other movable and immovable assets
However, the inheritance process must comply with Turkish law and, in many cases, requires formal legal procedures before the assets can be transferred.
Which Law Applies?
Turkish inheritance law distinguishes between:
Immovable Property (Real Estate)
Inheritance of real estate located in Turkey is generally governed by Turkish law, regardless of the deceased’s nationality.
Movable Assets
Bank accounts, securities, vehicles, and other movable assets may, depending on the circumstances and applicable conflict-of-law rules, be subject to the law determined under Turkish private international law.
Because cross-border estates are often complex, obtaining legal advice is highly recommended.
What Happens After Death?
The inheritance process generally includes:
- Identifying the legal heirs
- Obtaining an Inheritance Certificate
- Identifying the deceased’s assets
- Paying outstanding debts, where applicable
- Completing tax formalities
- Registering inherited real estate
- Transferring bank accounts and other assets
What Is an Inheritance Certificate?
An Inheritance Certificate (Certificate of Heirship) is the official document identifying the lawful heirs and their inheritance shares.
This document is essential for:
- Transferring property
- Accessing bank accounts
- Registering inherited assets
- Completing inheritance transactions
Can Foreign Wills Be Recognized in Turkey?
Yes.
A will prepared abroad may be recognized in Turkey, provided it satisfies the applicable legal requirements.
In many cases, additional legal procedures—such as notarization, apostille, legalization, or certified translation—may be necessary before the will can be relied upon in Turkey.
Do Foreign Heirs Need to Travel to Turkey?
Not necessarily.
Most inheritance procedures can be completed by an experienced Turkish lawyer acting under a Power of Attorney.
This allows heirs to complete the legal process without multiple trips to Turkey.
Inheritance Tax in Turkey
Turkey imposes an Inheritance and Gift Tax.
The applicable tax depends on several factors, including:
- Value of inherited assets
- Degree of relationship between the deceased and the heir
- Applicable exemptions and thresholds
Proper tax planning can help avoid unnecessary delays during the inheritance process.
Real Estate Inheritance in Turkey
If the deceased owned property in Turkey, additional legal procedures are required before the title deed can be transferred.
These typically include:
- Obtaining the Inheritance Certificate
- Tax office procedures
- Land Registry applications
- Property valuation (where required)
- Registration of the new owners
Professional legal assistance helps ensure the transfer is completed efficiently and correctly.
Common Challenges in International Inheritance Cases
Cross-border inheritance matters frequently involve:
- Multiple heirs living in different countries
- Foreign wills
- Missing documentation
- Disputes among heirs
- Undisclosed assets
- Bank account transfers
- Probate recognition
- Real estate registration
- Tax compliance
Each of these issues requires careful legal analysis and coordination.
Why Choose ONGUR & PARTNERS?
At ONGUR & PARTNERS International Law Firm, we provide comprehensive legal services for domestic and international inheritance matters.
Our services include:
- Inheritance Certificate applications
- Probate and succession proceedings
- Recognition of foreign inheritance documents
- Recognition and enforcement of foreign court decisions
- Estate administration
- Real estate transfers
- Bank account releases
- Inheritance tax guidance
- Representation under Power of Attorney
- Cross-border inheritance disputes
- Litigation relating to inheritance claims
With more than 20 years of experience, 1,000+ international clients, and legal services delivered in over 40 countries, our multilingual legal team offers practical and strategic solutions for complex inheritance matters involving Turkey.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can foreigners inherit property in Turkey?
Yes. Foreign nationals are generally entitled to inherit property and other assets in Turkey, subject to Turkish legal procedures.
Do I need to come to Turkey?
In many cases, no. Your lawyer can act on your behalf under a Power of Attorney.
Can a foreign will be used in Turkey?
Often yes, but additional legal formalities may be required depending on the circumstances.
How long does the inheritance process take?
The timeline depends on the complexity of the estate, the number of heirs, and whether international documents must be recognized. Straightforward cases may be completed within a few months, while contested or cross-border matters can take longer.
Can ONGUR & PARTNERS represent all heirs?
Yes. We regularly represent individual heirs, multiple family members, executors, and international clients throughout the inheritance process.
Protect Your Family’s Rights in Turkey
International inheritance matters require legal expertise, careful planning, and effective coordination across multiple jurisdictions.
Whether you are inheriting property, bank accounts, or business assets in Turkey, ONGUR & PARTNERS International Law Firm provides reliable legal guidance from the initial probate proceedings through the final transfer of assets.
Contact ONGUR & PARTNERS today to receive professional legal assistance for inheritance and succession matters in Turkey.
