How to Distribute the Inheritance of a Loved One Who Passed Away in Switzerland?

How to Distribute the Inheritance of a Loved One Who Passed Away in Switzerland? (Nachlassverfahren)

It is quite common for Turkish citizens or people of Turkish origin living in Switzerland to have assets in Türkiye. When a family member passes away in Switzerland, the heirs continue to have legal rights over assets located in Türkiye, such as real estate, bank accounts, vehicles, or company shares. However, to benefit from these rights, inheritance procedures in Türkiye must be managed correctly and in a timely manner.

For heirs living abroad, the legal procedures in Türkiye can be both complex and exhausting. The good news is that you do not have to travel to Türkiye for every document or legal step. At this stage, receiving support from a legal team that is well-versed in both Swiss and Turkish legal systems and has strong international cooperation is highly important.

Are Swiss Inheritance Decisions Valid in Türkiye?

Certificates and decisions regarding inheritance issued in Switzerland are not automatically valid in Türkiye. Certain legal procedures must be followed to ensure that these documents can be used in Turkish legal authorities. In particular, the process of recognition and enforcement of foreign court decisions is crucial for these documents to become officially valid within the Turkish legal system.

Inheritance Distribution Procedure in Türkiye

Distribution of Real Estate Assets

If real estate such as houses, land, or fields exists in Türkiye, transfer of ownership must be executed through local land registry offices. Heirs cannot sell or transfer property without having their shares officially registered. Heirs residing abroad can give power of attorney to allow their legal representatives to handle all procedures on their behalf.

Access to Bank Accounts

To access funds in bank accounts and have them distributed to heirs, legal documents verifying heirship and inheritance shares must be issued. Banks will not perform any transactions without proper documentation.

Inheritance Tax Obligations

Türkiye imposes an inheritance and transfer tax on heirs. The tax declaration must be submitted within the required timeframe. If the process is not properly monitored by those living abroad, financial penalties may arise.

Common Challenges for Heirs Living Abroad

Document compliance between countries
Lengthy bureaucratic procedures
The belief that they must travel to Türkiye
Loss of inheritance rights due to mistakes or incomplete filings

Professional legal support is essential to prevent these risks.

The Role of Turkius Law & Mediation & IP Services

Based in Istanbul and actively operating in Zurich, St. Gallen, and Fribourg, Turkius Law & Mediation & IP Services, led by Attorney Fatma Karakülah, has extensive expertise in cross-border inheritance procedures. With a wide international network in Türkiye, Switzerland, Germany, and more than 70 countries, the legal team eliminates geographical barriers to produce fast and reliable solutions.

The team professionally handles the entire process on behalf of the heirs, including distribution of inheritance, transfer procedures, issuance of heirship certificates, access to bank accounts, and recognition-enforcement proceedings. This ensures that heirs complete the process smoothly and without losing their rights.

Why Should You Receive Legal Consultation?

Every inheritance case is unique, and legal matters with international connections can become more technical. Incorrect or incomplete steps may cause loss of inheritance rights, compulsory litigation, or long-lasting disputes. Therefore, working with an expert lawyer is crucial.

Protect Your Legal Rights

For families who lose a loved one in Switzerland, protecting inheritance rights in Türkiye can be handled in the fastest and most secure manner. Attorney Fatma Karakülah and the Turkius Law team manage the process on your behalf, ensure the necessary documents are obtained, and execute all legal requirements to protect your rights.

You can issue a power of attorney without traveling to Türkiye and leave the entire procedure to professionals. This way, you can receive your rightful share of the inheritance without any legal loss or difficulties.

Attorney Law Fatma Karakülah is registered with the Istanbul Bar Association and personally provides legal services limited to matters governed by Turkish law. In disputes subject to foreign law, she offers legal services in cooperation with attorneys of the relevant jurisdiction who are members of the international network to which she belongs. The terms 'Rechtsanwältin Fatma Karakülah' in German or 'Lawyer Fatma Karakülah' in English are used to indicate that Fatma Karakülah is a licensed attorney in Turkey.

Services

Turkius Law & Mediation & IP Services, based in Istanbul, provides highly qualified, solution-oriented legal consultancy, advocacy, mediation, and intellectual property services across more than 70 countries, leveraging its membership in international legal networks and collaboration with trusted, specialized partners. In today’s globalized business environment, commercial and individual activities spanning multiple countries require effective management of legal risks and complex regulations. Turkius Law & Mediation & IP Services addresses these needs with a comprehensive service approach, ensuring that clients receive secure, transparent, and strategically guided legal support for all their requirements.

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For international and cross-border projects, Turkius Law & Mediation & IP Services coordinates with qualified attorneys in relevant jurisdictions through its legal network. This ensures that matters subject to foreign law are handled in full compliance with local regulations, minimizing operational risks. Critical processes such as company formation, contract drafting, and conducting business activities within a legally compliant framework are meticulously planned and monitored, enabling clients to manage their operations securely and seize investment opportunities with confidence.

Preventive legal counsel and risk management are key pillars of Turkius Law & Mediation & IP Services’ services. Clients are supported not only in resolving disputes but also in implementing strategies to prevent potential conflicts. This includes contract drafting, establishing internal control mechanisms, monitoring corporate compliance processes, and conducting regulatory analyses. By addressing potential legal challenges proactively, clients gain the ability to manage risks before they materialize.

Particularly in international trade, investment, and immigration matters, harmonizing local and international regulations is essential. Turkius Law & Mediation & IP Services customizes legal processes according to each client’s objectives, industry, and operational structure, ensuring optimal solutions. Legal consultancy thus transforms from a procedural formality into a strategic partnership. Services in advocacy, mediation, and intellectual property management empower clients to operate safely both locally and internationally.

The consultancy provided by Turkius Law & Mediation & IP Services is also designed to safeguard clients’ long-term goals. Legal risks are analyzed, strategic recommendations are offered, and compliance at each step is carefully verified. This approach ensures predictability in business and personal planning while making legal processes transparent and manageable. Clients have access to professional support whenever needed, minimizing legal uncertainty.

In conclusion, Turkius Law & Mediation & IP Services is a trusted partner for legal consultancy, advocacy, mediation, and intellectual property services in Turkey. Leveraging its international legal network and expert partners, the firm addresses all legal needs strategically, securely, and solution-focused. Services are designed to minimize risks, ensure predictable and transparent legal processes, and enable clients to achieve their objectives with confidence.

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How to Distribute the Inheritance of a Loved One Who Passed Away in Switzerland?