Inheritance Procedures in Türkiye for Turks Living in Germany

Inheritance Procedures in Türkiye for Turks Living in Germany (Erbschaftsverfahren)

Millions of Turkish citizens living in Germany encounter inheritance procedures in Türkiye after the passing of their family members. When there are assets in Türkiye such as real estate, bank accounts, vehicles, company shares or other properties, it becomes necessary for the heirs to follow the legal process in Türkiye. However, it is also possible to manage all procedures through a professional attorney without having to travel to Türkiye. At this point, support from an experienced team knowledgeable in both Turkish and German law becomes crucial.

How Do Inheritance Procedures Begin in Türkiye?

The first step in inheritance processes in Türkiye is obtaining the Certificate of Inheritance (Veraset İlamı). This document shows who the heirs are and their legal shares of the estate. A Turkish citizen living in Germany can obtain this document from the Turkish Civil Court of Peace (Sulh Hukuk Mahkemesi) or from notaries in Türkiye. For certificates issued in Germany to be accepted in Türkiye, recognition and enforcement procedures (tanıma ve tenfiz) may be required.

Transfer of Inheritance in Türkiye

Real Estate Assets

If a house, land or real estate property is inherited in Türkiye, transfer procedures must be carried out at the Land Registry Directorate. Approval and participation of all heirs are normally required. This may create difficulties for individuals living abroad. However, by granting power of attorney, all procedures can be managed by attorneys in Türkiye on behalf of the heirs.

Bank Accounts and Movable Assets

The funds in the deceased’s bank accounts are also considered part of the estate. Banks do not take action without a Certificate of Inheritance, and accounts may remain blocked if necessary documents are not submitted.

Inheritance Tax

Türkiye applies inheritance and transfer tax to heirs. Turkish citizens residing in Germany must complete declarations within the legal deadlines. Otherwise, they may face penalties and interest charges.

Main Challenges for Turks Living in Germany

Legal differences between the two countries
Recognition and enforcement procedures for foreign court decisions
Lengthy, complex and bureaucratic processes
Assumption that travel to Türkiye is mandatory

Without qualified legal assistance, managing these processes can be highly difficult.

Support Provided by Turkius Law & Mediation & IP Services

Turkius Law & Mediation & IP Services, headquartered in Istanbul and operating in Cologne, Germany as well, follows every stage of inheritance procedures in Türkiye for Turkish citizens living in Germany under the leadership of Attorney Fatma Karakülah. With a wide international legal network covering more than 70 countries, Turkius Law eliminates problems that may arise due to geographical distance.

All legal steps such as obtaining certificates of inheritance, unblocking bank accounts, real estate transfer, inheritance distribution, inheritance tax declarations, and litigation or mediation processes in disputes are professionally handled on behalf of clients.

Why You Should Seek Professional Assistance

Incorrect or incomplete documentation, prolonged lawsuits, risk of losing inheritance rights and potential penalties are among unwanted consequences. Therefore, the guidance of a specialized legal team is essential during inheritance processes in Türkiye.

Reliable Legal Representation

If you are living in Germany and need assistance regarding inheritance matters in Türkiye, the experienced team of Turkius Law is ready to support you at every stage of the process. Attorney Fatma Karakülah and her team provide professional legal representation, mediation and consultancy services in Türkiye, Germany and Switzerland to protect your rights effectively.

All procedures, including issuing a power of attorney from abroad, can be carried out without your need to travel to Türkiye. This ensures that you can monitor your inheritance rights securely and complete all procedures without risk of loss.

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.

In international business and investment processes, geographical distances, differing regulations, and local procedural variations can pose significant challenges. To overcome these obstacles, Turkius Law & Mediation & IP Services works in close coordination with a broad network of legal experts across various specialties, delivering fast, effective, and locally adapted solutions. From company formation and contract management to investment and immigration consultancy and international commercial law processes, clients receive strategic guidance at every stage. Companies and individuals operating in Turkey benefit from legal services fully compliant with Turkish legislation while maintaining alignment with international standards.

Turkius Law & Mediation & IP Services focuses on the unique needs of each client. This approach extends beyond addressing immediate legal issues, encompassing the proactive identification of potential risks and ensuring long-term legal security. Advisory services in areas such as labor and social security law, administrative law, immigration law, intellectual property rights, investment law, and dispute resolution are structured to align with clients’ strategic goals. Consequently, legal processes not only provide short-term solutions but also guarantee long-term stability and protection.

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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Drafting, reviewing, and negotiating contracts in both English and Turkish.

Corporate Law and Commercial Transactions

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Reliable legal support for cross-border transactions, contracts, litigation, and foreign investments.

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Property sales, international turnkey construction projects, and execution of EPC contracts.

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Trademark, design, patent and utility model registration, monitoring, and litigation before the Turkish Patent and Trademark Office; IP-related contracts and disputes.

Information Technology and Telecommunications Law

Legal solutions in software, data protection, and electronic communications.

E-Commerce Law and Consumer Disputes

Compliance in e-commerce operations and resolution of consumer disputes.

Recognition and Enforcement of Foreign Court Decisions

Legal representation for the recognition and enforcement of foreign judgments in Turkey.

Data Protection and Compliance

Compliance and legal advisory services under KVKK and GDPR for your data processing activities.

Lease Law

Resolution of rental-related disputes including eviction, rent determination, and collection.

Immigration and Foreigners Law

Legal assistance for residence permits, work permits, and citizenship applications.

Labor Law and Social Security Law

Advisory on employment contracts, termination, compensation, and employer-employee relations.

Administrative Law

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Assistance in both mandatory and voluntary mediation procedures.

Investment and Skilled Immigration Advisory in Germany

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Additional Legal Services

Thanks to our participation in an international legal network, we offer comprehensive legal services in cooperation with our partners in over 70 countries.

Inheritance Procedures in Türkiye for Turks Living in Germany