Inheritance Procedures in Turkey for Turks Living in Germany (Procédures successorales pour les ressortissants turcs résidant en Allemagne)
For Turkish citizens residing in Germany, inheritance procedures in Turkey are processes that must be handled with particular care due to their emotional and legal sensitivity. When assets located in Turkey such as real estate, bank accounts, vehicles, company shares, and other elements of the estate are involved, heirs are required to comply with specific procedures under Turkish law. Geographic distance, dual citizenship, differences between legal systems, and bureaucratic formalities often make these processes complex.
However, it is possible for heirs living in Germany to carry out inheritance procedures in Turkey without traveling there. Through a lawyer practicing in Turkey and specialized in Turkish inheritance law, all procedures can be managed remotely and professionally. Proper legal guidance is of crucial importance in order to prevent loss of rights. Granting power of attorney to the same lawyer by all heirs further facilitates and accelerates the process.
How Do Inheritance Procedures Begin in Turkey? (Comment débutent les procédures successorales en Turquie ?)
The first and most important step in the inheritance process in Turkey is obtaining the certificate of inheritance, also known as a certificate of succession. This document officially identifies the heirs and their respective shares. Turkish citizens living in Germany may obtain this document through Civil Courts of Peace or notaries in Turkey.
In order for inheritance agreements, wills, or succession documents issued in Germany to be valid in Turkey, recognition and enforcement procedures in accordance with Turkish law may be required. As these procedures require technical legal expertise, conducting them with the assistance of an experienced lawyer ensures a sound and effective process.
Transfer of the Estate in Turkey (Transmission successorale en Turquie)
Real Estate Inheritances (Successions immobilières)
For immovable properties inherited in Turkey, such as houses, land, or agricultural fields, inheritance transfer procedures must be completed before the Land Registry Offices. During these procedures, all heirs must either be present in person or represented by a duly authorized attorney, and their consent is required. For heirs residing in Germany, personal attendance may pose significant difficulties.
Nevertheless, by granting a power of attorney to a lawyer practicing in Turkey, land registry procedures can be completed without the need for heirs to travel to Turkey. This approach both expedites the process and minimizes the risk of errors.
Bank Accounts and Other Assets (Comptes bancaires et autres éléments patrimoniaux)
Deposits held in the deceased’s bank accounts in Turkey and other financial assets are also part of the estate. Banks do not carry out any payment or transaction unless a certificate of inheritance is presented and the joint ownership regime is converted into fractional ownership, or unless all heirs or their legal representatives jointly submit a request. In the absence of the required documents, bank accounts may remain frozen for extended periods.
Inheritance and Transfer Tax (Droits de succession et de mutation)
Under Turkish law, assets acquired through inheritance are subject to inheritance and transfer tax. Turkish citizens residing in Germany are also required to declare and pay this tax within the statutory deadlines. Failure to comply with these deadlines may result in interest charges and administrative penalties.
Main Challenges Faced by Turks Living in Germany (Principales difficultés rencontrées par les ressortissants turcs en Allemagne)
- Differences between the Turkish and German legal systems
- Validity of foreign documents in Turkey
- Procedures requiring recognition and enforcement
- Lack of coordination among multiple heirs or reluctance to grant power of attorney to the same person
- Lengthy and detailed bureaucratic procedures
- Concerns regarding the necessity to travel to Turkey
Without professional legal assistance, these challenges may result in serious loss of rights.
Turkey-Based Professional Legal Support (Assistance juridique professionnelle basée en Turquie)
Attorney Fatma Karakülah (a member of the Istanbul Bar Association) meticulously handles inheritance procedures in Turkey for Turkish citizens residing in Germany, in full compliance with Turkish law. The issuance of inheritance certificates, land registry transfers, release of bank accounts, division of inheritance, tax declarations, and litigation arising from inheritance disputes are conducted in a professional manner.
Each case is assessed according to the client’s specific circumstances, and a tailor-made legal roadmap is established. This approach ensures that the process is completed more efficiently and securely.
Why Should You Work with a Specialized Lawyer? (Pourquoi faire appel à un avocat spécialisé ?)
Even a minor mistake in inheritance law may lead to consequences that are difficult to remedy. Incomplete documentation, failure to comply with statutory deadlines, or incorrect applications may cause loss of rights or significant delays. For this reason, it is of great importance for Turks living in Germany to work with a lawyer specialized in Turkish inheritance law when dealing with inheritance matters in Turkey.
Reliable Legal Process Management (Gestion juridique fiable des procédures)
Even if you reside in Germany, it is possible to manage inheritance procedures in Turkey through legal representation by proxy. With appropriate legal support, all procedures can be conducted remotely and transparently, preventing loss of time and ensuring that the inheritance process is completed securely.
