Inheritance and Wills for Foreigners Who Own Property in Turkey

Foreign owners often think about inheritance only when it becomes urgent. Planning ahead protects your family from delays and extra costs.

Which law applies? Under Turkish private international law, inheritance of immovable property located in Türkiye is governed by Turkish law, whatever the owner's nationality. This means Turkish rules on heirs and reserved shares apply to your Turkish property.

Reserved shares Turkish law protects certain close relatives (such as children and a spouse) with a reserved share. A will cannot completely exclude them.

Why make a Turkish will? A will made before a Turkish notary is easier to use in Türkiye than a foreign will, which would need legalisation, translation and court recognition. A Turkish will can cover only your Turkish assets and sit alongside a will in your home country.

How heirs transfer the property Heirs obtain a certificate of inheritance from a Turkish notary or court, pay inheritance tax (with exemptions available, especially for a spouse and children), and then register the transfer at the Land Registry.

How Legit Law can help We explain how Turkish rules affect your family, coordinate a notarised will, and assist heirs with certificates, tax and title deed transfer. [Contact us](/contact) for a confidential conversation.

*This article is general information only, not legal or tax advice. Please contact us for advice on your situation.*