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Inheritance Law

An inheritance in Türkiye usually starts with obtaining a certificate of inheritance, continues with filing the inheritance and transfer tax return, and ends with registering the real estate in the heirs' names at the land registry. These steps can be taken under a power of attorney even if the heirs live abroad. If the heirs cannot agree, the property is divided through a partition action; transactions that infringe reserved shares can be challenged through reduction and sham-transaction claims.

Last updated: November 2026This page was prepared by our lawyers registered with the Istanbul Bar Association.

Scope of our work

Determination and administration of the estate

Actions are filed to officially determine the deceased's bank accounts, real estate, company shares, digital assets, receivables and debts in Türkiye and abroad; where necessary, appointment of an estate representative is requested.

Cross-border inheritance and applicable law

In inheritance disputes with a foreign element, the applicable law is determined under Law No. 5718. Foreign certificates of inheritance are recognised in Türkiye, apostille and consular legalisation is handled, and title is transferred to the heirs at the land registry.

Inheritance disputes and litigation

Actions for cancellation of title based on sham transfers made by the deceased during their lifetime; reduction actions against gifts and wills that infringe reserved shares; annulment of disinheritance and of wills; and renunciation of inheritance.

Partition (izale-i şuyu)

If heirs cannot agree, partition actions are pursued for division in kind of estate assets or their sale and distribution of the proceeds.

How does the process work?

  1. We identify the deceased, the heirs and the assets in Türkiye.
  2. Heirs abroad sign a power of attorney at a consulate or local notary (with apostille and sworn translation).
  3. The certificate of inheritance is obtained and civil and land registry records are reviewed.
  4. The inheritance and transfer tax return is filed within the statutory period.
  5. Title is transferred; division or sale follows the heirs’ joint decision or a court ruling.

Deadlines to keep in mind

  • Renunciation: 3 months from learning of the death, for statutory heirs (Turkish Civil Code art. 606).
  • Inheritance and transfer tax return: 4, 6 or 8 months depending on where the death occurred and where the heirs live (Law No. 7338 art. 10).
  • Reduction action: 1 year from learning that the reserved share was infringed, and in any case 10 years (Civil Code art. 571).
  • Mediation is mandatory before filing a partition action.

Frequently asked questions

Is the certificate of inheritance issued by a notary or a court?

If the deceased and all heirs are Turkish citizens, a notary can issue it. If the deceased or any heir is a foreign national, it must be obtained from the civil court of peace.

Is a certificate of inheritance issued abroad valid in Türkiye?

Not directly. It must be recognised before it can be used in Türkiye; in many cases obtaining a separate certificate from a Turkish civil court of peace is quicker.

What if one heir refuses to sell?

Any co-owner may, after applying to mediation, ask the civil court of peace to end the co-ownership. The court orders division in kind or, if that is not possible, a sale.

Relevant legislation

  • Turkish Civil Code No. 4721 (succession, arts. 495–682)
  • Inheritance and Transfer Tax Law No. 7338
  • Law No. 5718 on Private International and Procedural Law, arts. 20 and 50 ff.
  • Notaries Law No. 1512, arts. 71/A–71/D

The information on this page is general and does not constitute legal advice. Every case is different, and legislation and practice may change.

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