Inheritance Law in Turkey: What Happens to Your Assets After Death

Planning for the future is essential, especially when it comes to protecting your family and assets. Turkey has one of the most structured and family-friendly inheritance systems in the world. Whether you are a Turkish citizen or a foreigner who owns property in Turkey, the law ensures that your assets are automatically transferred to your legal heirs with strong protections in place.

In this article, we explain how inheritance works in Turkey after death, who the legal heirs are, and why Turkey is considered a safe country for long-term property ownership and family asset protection.

How Inheritance Works in Turkey

Inheritance in Turkey is governed by the Turkish Civil Code, which applies to both Turkish citizens and foreigners. The moment a person passes away, their assets—including real estate, bank accounts, and personal valuables—automatically transfer to their legal heirs.

This process takes place through the courts and land registry offices, ensuring transparency and protection of the deceased person’s rights.

Who Inherits the Assets? Legal Heirs According to Turkish Law

The law defines a clear order of priority for inheritance:

1. Spouse and Children

• If the deceased is married with children, the spouse and children are the primary heirs.
• The spouse and children will share the estate, with the spouse receiving a defined legal share.

2. If There Are No Children

• The spouse and parents of the deceased become heirs.
• If parents are also deceased, inheritance moves to siblings.

3. If There Are No Family Members

• In rare cases where there are no heirs, the inheritance may pass to the Turkish state.

Inheritance With or Without a Will

 If There Is a Will

• A will must be officially registered and signed before a notary or made in handwritten form.
• The will is legally binding, but Turkish law protects “reserved shares”, meaning certain heirs (such as spouse and children) cannot be fully disinherited.

 If There Is No Will

• The law automatically distributes the estate according to the legal heir order.
• This ensures family members are protected even if the deceased did not prepare a will.

Inheritance Law for Foreigners in Turkey

Foreigners who own property in Turkey are fully protected under Turkish inheritance law.

• Your property in Turkey will be passed to your heirs, whether they live in Turkey or abroad.
• Foreign heirs are legally recognized and can inherit property without any citizenship requirement.
• Turkey allows inheritance to pass automatically, with only simple legal documentation required.

This is one of the reasons Turkey is considered a secure country for investment and family estate planning.

Inheritance Tax in Turkey

Good news for families: inheritance tax in Turkey is very low compared to European countries.

• The tax rate is progressive and becomes negligible in most cases.
• Immediate family members (spouse and children) benefit from large tax exemptions.

Turkey is considered a tax-friendly country when it comes to passing assets to the next generation.

What Happens Legally After Death? (Simple Process)

1. Official death notification is made
2. Inheritance certificate is issued by the court or notary
3. Legal heirs are identified
4. Property transfer takes place at the land registry
5. Bank accounts and financial assets are transferred

This process is straightforward, transparent, and legally protected.

Why Turkey Is One of the Safest Countries for Family Asset Protection

• Clear legal structure
• Automatic protection of spouse and children
• Rights apply to both citizens and foreigners
• Low inheritance tax
• Strong property laws that safeguard family wealth

How Majesty Turkey Can Help You and Your Family

Majesty Turkey provides full legal consultation and support to help you:

• Register property correctly to protect your heirs
• Draft a will in Turkey (if desired)
• Understand inheritance procedures as a foreign investor
• Secure your family’s financial future with confidence

Contact Majesty Turkey today to ensure your investments in Turkey are protected for generations to come.