Inheritance Law
Information on certificates of inheritance, wills, renouncing an estate and dividing inherited property under Turkish law, for heirs in Şanlıurfa and abroad.
Inheritance law (miras hukuku) determines who inherits after a person's death, in which shares, and how the estate is divided. It is regulated mainly in the Turkish Civil Code (Türk Medeni Kanunu). Inheritance matters frequently involve heirs living in different countries, which makes documents, translations and powers of attorney a practical part of every file.
Under Turkish private international law, real estate located in Turkey is subject to Turkish inheritance law, even if the deceased lived abroad or held another citizenship.
Scope of services
- Obtaining a certificate of inheritance (mirasçılık belgesi or veraset ilamı)
- Transferring inherited real estate to the heirs at the land registry (intikal)
- Drafting and reviewing wills (vasiyetname) and inheritance contracts (miras sözleşmesi)
- Renunciation of an inheritance (mirasın reddi)
- Partition of the estate (miras ortaklığının giderilmesi) and partition actions
- Actions to restore the reserved portion (tenkis davası)
- Actions concerning transactions made to deprive heirs (muris muvazaası)
- Inheritance tax declarations (veraset ve intikal vergisi beyannamesi)
How does the process work?
- The family situation, the assets and existing documents (death certificate, civil registry records, wills) are reviewed.
- The certificate of inheritance is obtained from a notary or, where required, from the civil court of peace (sulh hukuk mahkemesi).
- Inheritance tax obligations and the registration of assets in the heirs' names are handled.
- If the heirs cannot agree, partition, reserved-portion or annulment actions are assessed and filed.
- The proceedings are followed until the estate is distributed or the dispute is resolved.
Frequently asked questions
My relative died in Germany. Is a German certificate of inheritance valid in Turkey?
A foreign certificate of inheritance is not automatically used for real estate in Turkey. As a rule, a Turkish certificate of inheritance is obtained, or the foreign decision is recognised by a Turkish court. Foreign death and civil status documents require an apostille and a sworn translation (yeminli tercüme).
How long do I have to renounce an inheritance?
Renunciation is generally possible within three months, which as a rule start from the death or from the date the heir learned of their status. If the estate may be over-indebted, this period should be watched carefully.
Do all heirs have to come to Turkey?
No. Heirs living abroad can issue a power of attorney at a Turkish consulate or before a local notary with an apostille. In this way, the certificate of inheritance, land registry transfers and court proceedings can be handled in their absence.
For questions about an estate, please use our contact page.