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Inheritance Lawyer in Turkey – Trusted Legal Support for Foreign Heirs, Expats & Investors

  • Writer: Zeynep Atım Kurucuk
    Zeynep Atım Kurucuk
  • 5 hours ago
  • 7 min read
Inheritance Lawyer in Turkey for foreign heirs and expats. Probate, certificate of inheritance, contested wills, tax, property transfer, and disputes handled.

A phone call changes everything.


A parent in Istanbul passes away. A spouse in Antalya leaves behind property. A business partner in Izmir dies holding company shares. A retiree in Bodrum leaves bank accounts, farmland, or even cryptocurrency.


If you are abroad — in Germany, the UK, the USA, the Netherlands, Canada, or the Gulf — you are suddenly facing Turkish probate procedures, inheritance tax questions, title deed transfers, and possible family disputes.


This is exactly when you need an experienced Inheritance Lawyer in Turkey.


Whether you are:


  • A foreign investor who purchased real estate in Istanbul or Antalya

  • A retiree living in Turkey

  • A dual citizen with property or bank accounts in Turkey

  • An heir living abroad who does not speak Turkish

  • A Turkish citizen residing in Germany, the Netherlands, UK, France, or USA

  • A shareholder in a Turkish corporation

  • A family member facing a contested will


An experienced Inheritance Lawyer in Turkey ensures your rights are protected — efficiently, lawfully, and without unnecessary travel.


Why You Need an Inheritance Lawyer in Turkey

When someone dies with assets in Turkey, the process is not automatic.


You may need to:


  • Apply for inheritance certificate (veraset ilamı) lawyer assistance

  • Understand what happens to a bank account in Turkey when someone dies

  • Calculate what is the inheritance tax rate in Turkey for foreigners

  • Handle inheritance law for agricultural land in Turkey

  • Initiate how to contest a will in Turkey

  • Address grounds for challenging inheritance share in Turkey

  • Trace hidden assets if “my sibling is hiding assets in Turkey”



  • Probate court filings

  • Recognition of foreign wills

  • Power of attorney for Turkish inheritance

  • Asset tracing and distribution

  • Litigation in nullity of will cases in Turkey

  • Corporate share transfers

  • Digital asset inheritance


For foreign heirs, this is not optional — it is essential.


How to Claim Inheritance in Turkey from Abroad

If you are living outside Turkey, the process usually includes:


  • Issuing a Power of attorney for Turkish inheritance

  • Applying for a certificate of inheritance

  • Filing inheritance tax declarations

  • Unfreezing and transferring bank accounts

  • Transferring real estate title deeds

  • Managing sale procedures if you plan how to sell inherited property in Turkey


An experienced English speaking inheritance lawyer Istanbul or Local Turkish lawyer for estate administration can complete the entire procedure without you traveling to Turkey.


This is why many foreign heirs search for:


  • Probate attorney near me Turkey

  • Turkish succession lawyer for UK citizens

  • German-speaking inheritance attorney Antalya

  • Best inheritance lawyer in Istanbul


What is the inheritance tax rate in Turkey for foreigners

Turkey applies progressive inheritance tax rates.


Important points:


  • Foreign nationals are subject to Turkish inheritance tax for assets located in Turkey.

  • Real estate, bank accounts, company shares, and digital assets are taxable.

  • Tax must be declared before title transfer.

  • Delays may result in penalties and interest.


A strategic Digital estate planning lawyer Turkey can assist with tax optimization and compliance, especially for high-net-worth individuals.


Turkish inheritance law for non-Muslims / expats

Turkey applies civil law principles.


This means:


  • Religion does not determine inheritance rules.

  • Forced heirship rules apply to spouse and children.

  • Reserved portions must be respected.


If you are a UK, German, American, or Gulf national owning assets in Turkey, local Turkish law governs immovable property.


A skilled International probate lawyer specializing in Turkey ensures your foreign will is properly recognized.


Time limit to accept or reject inheritance in Turkey

Heirs generally have:


  • 3 months from learning of the inheritance

  • The right to reject inheritance if debts exceed assets

  • The ability to file a formal refusal before court


Can an inheritance be refused?

Yes — and it must be done properly.


An Inheritance dispute lawyer Istanbul ensures the refusal is legally registered and protects you from creditors.


What happens to a bank account in Turkey when someone dies

Immediately after death:


  • The bank freezes the account.

  • No withdrawals are allowed.

  • Heirs must present certificate of inheritance.

  • Tax declaration must be completed.


If a co-heir refuses cooperation or hides information, legal intervention becomes necessary.


This is common in situations where families search for:


  • My sibling is hiding assets in Turkey

  • Grounds for challenging inheritance share in Turkey


How to sell inherited property in Turkey

Before selling:


  • All heirs must be registered on title deed.

  • Inheritance tax must be declared.

  • Agreement among heirs is required.


If no agreement exists, court partition may be necessary.


A Hire a lawyer to settle an estate in Turkey search often begins when property sale disputes arise.


Inheritance law for agricultural land in Turkey

Agricultural land is subject to special regulations.


Dividing farmland among heirs Turkish law

  • Courts may assign land to one qualified heir.

  • Compensation payments may be ordered.


How to avoid land fragmentation in Turkey inheritance

  • Estate planning during lifetime.

  • Proper will drafting.


Compulsory transfer system for agricultural land Turkey

  • In certain cases, transfer to one heir is mandatory.

  • Objective is preservation of agricultural productivity.


These rules are highly technical and require experienced representation.


Digital & Modern Asset Inheritance

Turkey increasingly faces digital inheritance cases.


Turkish law on inheritance of cryptocurrency (Bitcoin / NFT)

  • Cryptocurrency is inheritable property.

  • Access to private keys is crucial.

  • Court recognition may be required.


Can I inherit a social media account in Turkey

  • Platform policies apply.

  • Court orders may be necessary.


Accessing deceased's email account legally in Turkey

  • Data protection regulations apply.

  • Legal authorization is required.


What happens to my Turkish YouTube channel after death

  • Monetized revenue becomes estate asset.

  • Heirs inherit economic rights.


Inheritance of online business / e-commerce site in Turkey

  • Domains and digital income streams are transferable.


Post-mortem data protection in Turkey

  • Privacy continues after death.

  • Courts balance inheritance rights with personal data protection.

For complex digital estates, consult a Digital estate planning lawyer Turkey.


Inheritance Disputes & Litigation

Family conflicts are common.


How to contest a will in Turkey

Possible grounds include:

  • Lack of capacity

  • Forgery

  • Undue influence

  • Procedural defects


Grounds for challenging inheritance share in Turkey

  • Violation of forced heirship

  • Unequal distribution

  • Asset concealment


Nullity of will cases in Turkey

  • Formal defects

  • Legal incapacity

  • Fraud

If you are searching for an Inheritance dispute lawyer Istanbul, immediate legal action protects your rights.


Do I Need a Translator for Turkish Inheritance Court

  • Yes, if you do not speak Turkish.

  • Court-certified translators are required.

  • Your lawyer coordinates all documentation.


An English speaking inheritance lawyer Istanbul simplifies communication and representation.


Difference between Turkish will and inheritance agreement

  • A will is unilateral.

  • An inheritance agreement requires consent of parties.

  • Formal notarization requirements differ.


Strategic planning prevents disputes and protects heirs.


Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)


Can a person who has not yet been born, such as a future grandchild, become an heir?

  • Yes, if the child was conceived before the deceased’s death.

  • The child must be born alive to acquire inheritance rights.

  • Courts may reserve shares until birth.

  • Legal representation ensures proper registration of rights.


Is it possible to appoint a legal entity as an heir?

  • Yes, companies may be named as heirs.

  • Associations can inherit assets.

  • Foundations may receive specific shares.

  • Clear drafting prevents nullity of will cases in Turkey.


Can an heir be appointed for only a certain part of the estate?

  • Yes, specific percentages may be assigned.

  • Particular assets (property, bank accounts, shares) may be allocated.

  • Reserved portions of statutory heirs must still be respected.

  • Improper drafting may lead to how to contest a will in Turkey claims.


Can foundations and associations be heirs?

  • Yes, if clearly named in a valid will.

  • Registration details must be precise.

  • Courts verify legal existence of the entity.

  • Estate planning avoids disputes.


Can foundations be established by a will?

  • Yes, Turkish law allows testamentary foundations.

  • Specific purpose must be stated.

  • Assets must be allocated clearly.

  • Court approval procedures apply.


Can I exclude my spouse from my Turkish will?

  • Generally no, not fully.

  • Spouses have protected reserved shares.

  • Attempts to exclude may trigger grounds for challenging inheritance share in Turkey.

  • Legal advice prevents future litigation.


Is a digital will valid in Turkey?

  • Only if formal handwritten or notarized requirements are met.

  • Purely electronic wills are typically invalid.

  • Formal defects may result in nullity of will cases in Turkey.

  • Legal drafting ensures validity.


What happens if I own property jointly with a non-heir?

  • Your share transfers to heirs.

  • Co-owner retains their share.

  • Partition may require court proceedings.

  • Sale requires consent or judicial division.


Can an inheritance be refused?

  • Yes, within the time limit to accept or reject inheritance in Turkey.

  • Formal court declaration is required.

  • Protects heir from debts exceeding assets.

  • Must be filed properly by an Inheritance Lawyer in Turkey.


What is a "certificate of inheritance" and why do I need it?

  • It identifies legal heirs and shares.

  • Required to access bank accounts.

  • Required to transfer title deeds.

  • Required for corporate share transfers.

  • Mandatory for how to sell inherited property in Turkey.


Kurucuk & Associates – Your Trusted Inheritance Lawyer in Turkey


Secure Your Inheritance Rights with Experienced Legal Representation

At Kurucuk & Associates, we assist:


  • Foreign nationals with property in Istanbul, Antalya, Bodrum, Izmir

  • Heirs living in Germany, UK, USA, Netherlands, Canada, Gulf countries

  • Turkish expats managing estates remotely

  • High-net-worth investors with companies and digital assets

  • Families involved in contested wills and inheritance disputes

  • International law firms seeking reliable Turkish co-counsel


We provide:


  • How to claim inheritance in Turkey from abroad

  • Apply for inheritance certificate (veraset ilamı) lawyer services

  • Power of attorney for Turkish inheritance

  • Inheritance law for agricultural land in Turkey

  • Turkish law on inheritance of cryptocurrency (Bitcoin / NFT)

  • How to contest a will in Turkey

  • Fixed fee inheritance lawyer consultation Turkey

  • Hire a lawyer to settle an estate in Turkey


If you are searching for the experienced inheritance lawyer in Istanbul, a Probate attorney near me Turkey, or an International probate lawyer specializing in Turkey, we are ready to protect your rights.


Contact Kurucuk & Associates today and let experienced Inheritance Lawyers in Turkey handle your estate matter — professionally, efficiently, and internationally.


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