Law of inheritance in Turkey: analysis, important features and provisions

Hello, dear friends. I am often contacted with questions directly or indirectly related to inheritance law in Turkey. Let's try to look at the most common ones in the material below.

Do foreigners in Turkey have the right to receive an inheritance?

Relatives of a deceased person who owned property in Turkey have every right to enter into inheritance rights. It does not matter whether the deceased was a citizen of Turkey or simply owned property on the territory of this state.

The following are legally recognized as heirs of the first stage in Turkey:

1. Spouses and blood relatives.
2. If both spouses and children claim the property, then 25% goes to the spouses, the remaining 75% goes to the children.
3. If there are no heirs in the first place, then the property goes to the parents. If there are no parents, then the inheritance is divided among other relatives. Priority according to degree of relationship.

How to enter into an inheritance?

In order to declare the rights of an heir, it is necessary to obtain a certificate on the composition of the heirs on the territory of the state of which the heir is a citizen and the deceased relative was a citizen.

This document must be marked with an apostille and notarized. If there are several heirs, then each of them will need to come to Turkey to take over their rights.

If the heir wants to renounce his share, the refusal is formalized by a notary, and the corresponding document is also marked with an apostille.

Can a foreigner make a will in Turkey?

Yes, the law guarantees such a right to every person who owns property in Turkey. You can make a will at a Turkish notary or in your homeland. In the second case, the document must be marked with an apostille.

After what time can you enter into an inheritance?

Regardless of whether we are talking about inheritance or a will, the property becomes the property of the new owner with the participation of the judicial authorities 6 months after the death of the previous owner.

How much does it cost to inherit?

The costs of a notary, a lawyer and other expenses associated with entering into an inheritance will amount to approximately 2000 Euros.

To whom does the property go if the heirs do not show up?

In order to declare themselves and take legal rights, the heirs have 12 years from the date of death of a relative. If, after the specified period, the heirs have not declared themselves in the manner prescribed by law, then the property becomes the property of the state.