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The Probate & Inheritance Process in Turkey for Foreigners – A Complete 2025 Guide

  • Mustafa Olmez
  • Nov 17
  • 3 min read
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Confused about inheriting property or money in Turkey from abroad? This step-by-step 2025 guide explains the entire probate process for foreigners – remotely, fast, and without surprises.


Posted on November 17, 2025 by Mustafa Ölmez – Probate & Inheritance Consultant, Alanya

Losing a loved one is hard enough. When the deceased left assets in Turkey — an apartment in Alanya, a villa in Antalya, or money in a Turkish bank account — things can feel overwhelming, especially if you live abroad.

I’ve been helping foreign families with exactly these situations since 2008. Every week I speak with heirs from Germany, the UK, Russia, the Netherlands, Israel, and many other countries. The questions are always the same:

  • “Do I have to travel to Turkey?”

  • “How long will it take?”

  • “How much tax will I pay?”

  • “Can everything be done remotely?”

The good news: Yes, in 99 % of cases the entire process can be completed from your home country.

Here’s exactly how the probate/inheritance process works in Turkey in 2025:

Step 1 – Obtaining the Certificate of Inheritance (Veraset İlamı)

This is the most important document. It officially proves who the legal heirs are.

  • Where: Local Civil Court of First Instance (Sulh Hukuk Mahkemesi)

  • Required documents: Death certificate (with apostille), passports/ID of heirs, marriage/birth certificates showing family relation. In some cases other documents may asked.

  • Timeline: 2–8 weeks (faster with notary).

  • Remote? 100 % possible through Power of Attorney.

Step 2 – Tax Declaration & Payment (Veraset ve İntikal Vergisi)

Turkey has one of the lowest inheritance taxes in Europe:

  • First the value of the estate → 1–3 %

  • Next brackets up to 10 % max

  • Spouses and children pay the lowest rates

  • Many EU citizens benefit from double-taxation treaties

Deadline: Declaration must be filed within 6 months of death. We handle the calculation, filing, and payment for you.

Step 3 – Transferring Real Estate at the Land Registry (Tapu Office)

Once the inheritance certificate is ready and tax is paid/cleared:

  • Property is transferred into the heirs’ names, or

  • Sold immediately (very common – most foreign heirs prefer cash)

We coordinate everything with the Tapu office in Alanya, Antalya, or wherever the property is located in Antalya province.

Step 4 – Bank Accounts & Other Assets

Turkish banks release funds only after the tax clearance document. We collect the money and transfer it to any country in EUR, GBP, USD, or other currencies.

How Long Does the Whole Process Take in 2025?

  • Standard case (no disputes): 3–6 months

  • Urgent cases (with our priority service): as fast as 6–10 weeks

Can Everything Really Be Done Remotely?

Yes – in 2025 almost every heir I work with never steps foot in Turkey. You only need to sign a Power of Attorney at a Turkish consulate or notary abroad (or we can arrange an apostilled PoA).

Final Thoughts

The Turkish inheritance system is actually foreigner-friendly once you know the steps. The biggest problems arise when families try to do it alone and hit unexpected delays or pay unnecessary taxes.

If your family is in this situation right now, download my free “2025 Inheritance Checklist for Foreigners in Turkey” below or simply send me a message. The first 15-minute consultation is always free.

Let me take this burden off your shoulders — just like I’ve done for hundreds of families before you.


Mustafa Ölmez

Probate & Inheritance Consultant Alanya – Antalya

WhatsApp: [+90 544 866 0707 ]


 
 
 

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