Navigating probate procedures in Turkey can be overwhelming, especially for foreign heirs managing estates across borders. At Akkas & Associates Law Firm, our Istanbul probate lawyers provide clear guidance, reliable representation, and fast solutions for both domestic and international clients.
Since 1992, our firm has offered multilingual legal services, helping families protect their rights throughout every stage of the Turkish probate process.
Table of Contents
- Understanding the Turkish Inheritance System
- Statutory Heirs and Inheritance Shares in Turkey
- Understanding Probate in Turkey
- Why You Need an Istanbul Probate Lawyer in 2025
- Key Steps in the Turkish Probate Process
- Why Foreigners Choose Our Istanbul Probate Lawyers
- Common Probate Challenges in Istanbul
- How Our Istanbul Probate Lawyers Assist With Estate Disputes
- Fast, Efficient, and Reliable Probate Representation
- FAQs About Istanbul Probate Lawyers
- Contact our Istanbul Probate Lawyers
Understanding the Turkish Inheritance System
Turkish inheritance law is governed by the Turkish Civil Code, which establishes a forced heirship system that differs significantly from common law jurisdictions. This legal framework automatically designates certain family members as statutory heirs, regardless of the deceased’s wishes expressed in a will.
The Turkish inheritance system recognizes three main categories of heirs: descendants (children and grandchildren), ascendants (parents and grandparents), and the surviving spouse. Unlike some jurisdictions where testamentary freedom is paramount, Turkish law ensures that close family members receive a mandatory portion of the estate.
Statutory Heirs and Inheritance Shares in Turkey
Under Turkish Civil Code Article 495, statutory heirs are divided into different groups with specific inheritance rights. First-group heirs include children and their descendants, who inherit equal shares of the estate. If a child has predeceased the testator, their children inherit by representation.
Second-group heirs consist of the deceased’s parents and their descendants (siblings, nieces, and nephews). This group only inherits when there are no first-group heirs. The surviving spouse holds a special position, inheriting alongside other heirs with varying shares depending on which group of heirs survives.
The Turkish inheritance law provisions regarding estate planning ensure that certain family members cannot be completely disinherited, protecting vulnerable relatives from being excluded from succession.
Understanding Probate in Turkey
Probate in Turkey refers to the process of validating a deceased person’s will, identifying heirs, and managing the distribution of assets. Turkish law applies strict rules regarding inheritance shares, forced heirship principles, and estate administration. For foreigners, the presence of Turkish bank accounts, real estate, or investments may trigger mandatory probate proceedings.
Our Istanbul probate lawyers assist clients with inheritance certificates, asset transfers, will enforcement, and legal disputes arising from complex estates.
Why You Need an Istanbul Probate Lawyer in 2025
Cross-border probate has become increasingly complex with evolving financial regulations and new digital compliance standards. Professional legal support is essential to:
- Determine heirs under the Turkish Civil Code
- Validate or contest a will
- Secure the Certificate of Inheritance
- Manage estate tax procedures
- Complete the transfer of real estate, bank assets, and company shares
- Resolve disputes among heirs
- Represent foreign heirs without requiring them to travel to Turkey
Our firm remains one of the leading choices for international clients seeking probate assistance in Istanbul because of our deep experience and multilingual team.
Key Steps in the Turkish Probate Process
1. Obtaining the Certificate of Inheritance
This document officially confirms the legal heirs and their statutory shares. It is issued by the Civil Court of Peace or a public notary when no legal dispute exists. Our firm manages the full application, translation, and apostille process on behalf of foreign heirs.
2. Identifying and Securing Estate Assets
Assets may include land registry entries, bank accounts, rental income, corporate shares, vehicles, and digital assets. A probate lawyer ensures that all property is accurately identified and protected from unauthorized use.
3. Payment of Inheritance Tax
Turkey applies a progressive inheritance tax rate. International heirs often need professional assistance to calculate, declare, and pay taxes properly.
4. Transfer of Title for Real Estate and Bank Accounts
Once the heirs are verified, title deed transfers must be completed at the Land Registry. Bank accounts require probate documents, sworn translations, and proof of tax compliance. Our probate lawyers carry out these procedures efficiently to avoid delays.
Why Foreigners Choose Our Istanbul Probate Lawyers
Akkas & Associates has one of the strongest reputations in Turkey for handling inheritance matters involving foreign nationals. Our strengths include:
- Multilingual legal services in English, Arabic, Russian, French, and more
- Remote representation, allowing heirs to complete probate without visiting Turkey
- 30+ years of experience with complex inheritance disputes
- Transparent communication and predictable legal fees
Common Probate Challenges in Istanbul
Conflicts Between Heirs
Disagreements may arise regarding shares, property use, or allegations of undue influence. Our litigation team manages negotiation, mediation, and court representation.
Foreign Wills and Cross-Border Estates
Foreign wills must be evaluated for compatibility with Turkish law, translated, and validated. Even when a will exists abroad, Turkish forced heirship rules may still apply.
Estate Debts and Company Shares
Business assets and debts require special handling. Probate lawyers work with accountants to finalize corporate obligations and transfer shares.
How Our Istanbul Probate Lawyers Assist With Estate Disputes
Legal disputes during probate often involve claims of invalid wills, unequal distribution of assets, or allegations of hidden property. Our probate attorneys provide:
- Independent valuation of property and assets
- Court representation in probate litigation
- Expert analysis of wills and testamentary capacity
- Oversight of estate executors or administrators
- Negotiation among heirs to prevent prolonged conflict
Our goal is to resolve disputes efficiently while protecting the rights and interests of our clients.
Fast, Efficient, and Reliable Probate Representation
We streamline the process for international heirs by handling everything from document collection to litigation. Whether you are a sole heir or part of a large family, we ensure clarity, transparency, and professional support throughout the proceedings.
FAQs About Istanbul Probate Lawyers
1. Can a foreigner inherit property in Turkey?
Yes, foreign nationals can inherit property in Turkey if their country of citizenship grants reciprocal inheritance rights to Turkish citizens. Most European, American, and Middle Eastern countries have such reciprocity. However, certain military or security zones may have restrictions on foreign ownership. Heirs should consult with an inheritance lawyer to verify their eligibility and complete the necessary Land Registry procedures.
2. What happens if someone dies in Turkey without a will?
When a person dies intestate (without a will) in Turkey, their estate is distributed according to statutory succession rules outlined in the Turkish Civil Code. Descendants inherit first, followed by parents and siblings if no descendants exist. The surviving spouse inherits alongside other statutory heirs with shares varying by circumstance. The intestate succession process requires obtaining an inheritance certificate from Turkish courts.
3. How long does the inheritance process take in Turkey?
The timeline for inheritance matters in Turkey varies based on complexity. Simple estates with clear documentation may be settled within 3-6 months, while contested estates or those involving multiple jurisdictions can take 1-2 years or longer. Obtaining the inheritance certificate typically takes 1-3 months, and Land Registry transfers add another 2-4 weeks. Early legal consultation can significantly expedite the process.
4. Are there inheritance taxes in Turkey, and how much are they?
Yes, Turkey imposes inheritance tax on estates exceeding certain exemption thresholds, which are adjusted annually. As of 2025, tax rates range from 1% to 30% depending on the heir’s relationship to the deceased and the asset value. Spouses and children receive higher exemptions and lower rates than distant relatives. The tax must be paid within four months of death. Double taxation treaties may provide relief for international estates.
5. Can Turkish inheritance law reserved portions be avoided?
Turkish law’s reserved portions (saklı pay) provide mandatory minimum shares to certain heirs and cannot be completely avoided through will provisions or lifetime gifts. However, lawful disinheritance is possible in limited circumstances, such as when an heir commits a serious crime against the testator. Any attempt to circumvent reserved portions through transfers shortly before death may be challenged through abatement actions by affected heirs.
6. What documents are needed to claim an inheritance in Turkey?
To claim an inheritance in Turkey, heirs typically need the deceased’s death certificate, family registry documents (nüfus kayıt örneği), identification documents for all heirs, any existing wills, and property ownership documents. Foreign heirs must provide apostilled or consularized translations of foreign documents. Additional documentation may be required depending on the specific assets involved, such as bank statements, title deeds, or business registration records.
Contact our Istanbul Probate Lawyers
Understanding Turkish inheritance law is essential for protecting your rights as an heir or ensuring your estate is distributed according to your wishes. Whether you’re dealing with probate proceedings, inheritance disputes, statutory heir rights, or cross-border succession matters, professional legal assistance ensures compliance with Turkish Civil Code requirements and maximizes the value passed to your beneficiaries.
At Akkas & Associates Law Firm, we have been providing comprehensive inheritance law services in Istanbul since 1992. Our multilingual legal team specializes in Turkish succession law, estate planning, will preparation, inheritance certificates, and international probate matters. We assist both Turkish citizens and foreign nationals with all aspects of inheritance law, from drafting legally compliant wills to resolving complex inheritance disputes.
Don’t navigate the complexities of Turkish inheritance law alone. Contact Akkas & Associates Law Firm today for a consultation with our experienced inheritance lawyers. We’ll guide you through every step of the succession process, protect your rights as an heir, and ensure your estate planning reflects your wishes while complying with Turkish legal requirements.
Please fill out and submit the form below to make an appointment.
