Purchase of real estate in Turkey for most far-sighted buyers — This is a serious step, when taking all conditions and factors should be taken into account. In particular, in addition to the liquidity and characteristics of the property, it is important to understand the country's legislation governing the transfer of ownership of real estate by inheritance.
How is real estate inheritance carried out in Turkey, what rights are given to foreign owners, how to draw up a will, enter into an inheritance, and how much does it cost? We will tell you in detail in our expert article.
Content of the article:
- Law on inheritance of real estate in Turkey
- Drafting a will
- Inheritance of real estate in Turkey in the absence of a will
- How inheritance is divided between relatives in Turkey
- Inheritance of real estate in Turkey for foreigners
- Registration of inheritance in Turkey
- Forms of wills in Turkey
- The procedure for entering into inheritance in Turkey
- Inheritance tax in Turkey
Law on inheritance of real estate in Turkey
Inheritance law in Turkey applies to both local citizens and foreigners who own homes in the eastern state. That is, a foreign citizen legally has the opportunity to register an inheritance for the transfer of his property located on the territory of the Republic of Turkey, if all legal directives are followed.
The key aspects of Turkish inheritance law are:
Making a will
As in any other civilized state, Turkish citizens have the opportunity to make a will. Foreigners are also entitled to the same rights, according to the “principle of reciprocity.” But for the document to be legal, it must be drawn up taking into account the articles of the Turkish Civil Code.
Basic requirements for the person making a will:
- age — at least 15 years;
- adequate mental state.
If the heir/heirs do not agree with the way the property is divided, they have the opportunity to file a petition for review of the document in accordance with the procedure provided for by Turkish laws. Any claims related to the determination of inheritance rights in Turkey are considered by the magistrate court and the court of first instance. It is quite difficult to predict the duration of the litigation process. The deadline is determined by the workload of the legal authority and the complexity of the case.
Inheritance of real estate in Turkey in the absence of a will
If a will has not been drawn up, Turkish law provides for a certain hierarchy or order of succession:
- Children and spouse have first priority of inheritance.
- If there are no offspring and no husband/wife, then the inheritance is transferred to the parents.
- If the parents die, the right to succession passes to the brothers and sisters, and then — to grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
If the owner has no heirs, the accumulated benefits are transferred to the disposal of the Turkish government.
How is inheritance divided between relatives in Turkey
Inherited shares between relatives are distributed as follows:
- The inheritance is divided into equal parts between the husband/wife and children.
- The heir-spouses together with their children receive ¼ property.
- The spouse sharing the inheritance with the parents and their children receives the half prescribed by law.
- If the deceased's estate is to be divided between the spouse and the grandparents and their children, they are entitled to ¾ shares according to law.
Important! The Civil Code regulates the distribution of property between relatives, providing for some restrictions. In the inheritance law of the Turkish Republic, there is such a thing as a “reserved part”. This is that part of the share of the inheritance established by law to which heirs without a will have full rights.
The reserved portions of the share provided by law are distributed as follows:
- no more than 75% — children.
- no more than 50% — father and mother.
- no more than 25% — brothers and sisters
- no more than 50% — spouse without children.
If the heir is a minor child, the right to manage the property is given to his officially married father or mother, or third parties (guardians) determined by the court if there are no parents.
Inheritance of real estate in Turkey for foreigners
Turkish legislation regarding the inheritance rights of foreigners in Turkey is based on the “principle of reciprocity”. Thus, automatic inheritance of real estate in Turkey by a citizen of the Russian Federation is not possible. To transfer the rights to inherit their Turkish apartments, Russian owners must draw up a legally valid will.
The process of preparing documents for inheriting real estate located abroad requires a serious and professional approach. And, as a rule, in this matter you cannot do without the help of a good lawyer. Since an apartment or house in Turkey is a profitable and reliable asset, it is very important that it remains in the family, regardless of the circumstances.
In the Oba district, we present a 1+1 apartment of 45 m² unfurnished, located in a complex built in 2023, just 2000 m from the sea and 1500 m from the center of the district, with developed infrastructure for comfortable living and recreation.
1+1
45 m²
10946
A new 2+1 apartment of 90 m² without furniture is located in the green area of Verkhnyaya Oba, in a modern complex built in 2025, 2300 m from the sea and 1900 m from the center of the area.
2+1
90 m²
10945
A 71 sq m unfurnished one-bedroom apartment with a view is located on the 8th floor of a modern complex built in 2026 in the Kestel district. Panoramic windows offer views of the sea, mountains, and picturesque surroundings. The sea is 2,300 m away, and the district center is 1,500 m away.
1+1
71 m²
10944
This bright, partially furnished 1+1 apartment with an area of 56 m² is located on the 3rd floor of a residential complex built in 2023 in the Kestel district, just 300 m from the sea and 150 m from the district center.
1+1
56 m²
10943
This two-story, 180 m², modern 3+1 villa is located in the Kargicak district within a residential complex. Built in 2025, the villa is offered partially furnished and features a private pool, a closed garage, and panoramic views of the sea, mountains, and picturesque surroundings.
3+1, Duplex
180 m²
10942
In the Tosmur district, this furnished two-bedroom apartment measures 115 m² and features a separate kitchen. It's located just 300 m from the sea and 150 m from the district center. The apartment is eligible for a residence permit and is fully occupied.
2+1
115 m²
10941
In the Mahmutlar area, a new 1+1 apartment with an area of 50 m² is presented in a modern residential complex built in 2024, located 600 m from the sea and 350 m from the center of the area.
1+1
50 m²
10940
Mahmutlar: a furnished 1+1 apartment of 45 m², located just 500 m from the sea and 300 m from the district center. This modern residential complex offers all the necessary amenities and is fully occupied.
1+1
45 m²
10939
Hasbahçe, a furnished 2+1 apartment of 85 m² with two balconies and private garden access. This modern residential complex, built in 2018, is located just 1 km from Alanya city center.
2+1
85 m²
10938
In the Mahmutlar area, furnished 1+1 apartments of 55 m² in a new residential complex built in 2026 on the first coastline, with panoramic sea views, south exposure and premium infrastructure.
1+1
55 m²
10937
In the Mahmutlar area, a furnished studio apartment 1+0 with an area of 40 m² in a complex built in 2016, located 350 m from the sea and 250 m from the center of the area, with a sea view and developed infrastructure.
1+0
40 m²
10936
In the Mahmutlar area, furnished 1+0 apartments with an area of 55 m² in a complex built in 2010, located just 400 m from the sea and 100 m from the center of the area, with a modern layout and developed infrastructure.
1+0
55 m²
10935
In the Bektash area, a spacious furnished 4+1 duplex with an area of 160 m², located in a complex of townhouses, with panoramic views of the sea and mountains, three bathrooms, two balconies and a terrace.
4+1, Duplex, Penthouse
160 m²
10934
Obagol furnished 2+1 apartments with an area of 90 m² in a complex built in 2010, located 300 m from the sea and 100 m from the center of the district, with the possibility of obtaining a residence permit and a convenient family layout.
2+1
90 m²
10933
In the Kargicak area, a 3+1 duplex apartment with an area of 110 m² in a complex built in 2025, located 2000 m from the sea, with an American kitchen, a ready-made TAPU received by Iskan and a panoramic view.
3+1, Duplex
110 m²
10932
In the Mahmutlar area, furnished 3+1 apartments with an area of 130 m² in a complex built in 2009, located 400 m from the sea, with two bathrooms, two balconies and a view of the pool and the complex grounds.
3+1
130 m²
10931
Konakli furnished villa 3+1 with an area of 200 m², built in 2010, is located only 300 m from the sea and 500 m from the center of the area, with the possibility of obtaining a residence permit, sea views, two bathrooms and a spacious area.
3+1, Duplex
200 m²
10930
Avsallar furnished 1+1 apartments of 45 m² in a complex built in 2024, located 1500 m from the sea and 1250 m from the center of the area, with a bright interior, views of the surrounding area and modern infrastructure for a comfortable life.
1+1
45 m²
10929
1+1 apartment of 60 m² in Mahmutlar is located in a complex with a swimming pool, garden and parking, just 300 meters from the sea.
1+1
60 m²
10926
This 1+1 apartment with an area of 54 m² in Mahmutlar is a modern home in a new complex built in 2025 with a rich infrastructure for relaxation and comfortable living.
1+1
54 m²
10925
Registration of inheritance in Turkey
The best way to transfer an inheritance — take care of drawing up a written will. The legality of the procedure is confirmed by two witnesses and a state notary (or other officially authorized person). There are two main requirements for witnesses: age of majority and legal capacity.
The testator writes a will for real estate in Turkey by hand, puts a date and signature.
As a rule, a testamentary document is prepared directly at the notary's office. The owner will need the following documents:
- Passport (original, copy with photo, translation into Turkish).
- Copies of heirs’ passports and their translation into Turkish.
- Photos — 3 pieces
- TAPU (certificate confirming ownership of property).
- Mental health certificate. Remember that the validity of the certificate is limited to one day. It is important to have time to transfer it to the notary.
It is not necessary to have a TIN in Turkey. But you cannot do without a licensed translator during the procedure. Witnesses also need to have their passports with them.
The will is drawn up in three copies, which are handed over to:
- to the interested party;
- to the Official Documentation Office of the Republic of Turkey;
- To the Ministry of Housing of Turkey.
If the testator needs to revoke a valid will, you can update the document. New amendments that are incompatible with the old ones will replace them.
Forms of wills in Turkey
Drafting a will is possible in two forms:
- written;
- oral.
Inheritance in Turkey for Russians, Belarusians, Ukrainians and other foreign citizens must be prepared in writing and executed in accordance with all official regulations in a notary office.
The will is kept by a notary and, if necessary, can be submitted to the court to confirm inheritance rights.
Procedure for inheritance in Turkey
Step-by-step instructions for receiving bequeathed property:
1. Preparation of a package of documents:
- copy of the will;
- copy of the testator’s death certificate;
- documents confirming the relationship with the testator.
2. The heir contacts a lawyer in Turkey (preferably a Russian-speaking one) and hands over the documents to him.
3. The lawyer submits a petition to the court, attaching documents. If no difficulties/clarifications arise, after a short period of time a court decision is made, according to which the heir receives TAPU on the property.
Important!
If the document was drawn up in the country where the heir lives and certified according to all the rules by a notary, it will also have legal force in the Republic of Turkey. But to do this, the will must be certified at the Turkish consulate, and then forwarded to the municipal court of the region where the property is located.
4. The court ruling is forwarded to the Cadastral Department, where the certificate of ownership of the object is reissued to the heir.
5. The notary records the fact of inheritance in the Chamber of Notaries and transmits the information to the Turkish embassy at the place of permanent residence of the heir. Embassy employees notify the regional registry office about this.
Inheritance tax in Turkey
Donations and transfers of inheritance to real estate impose certain tax obligations on the heirs. The amount of tax is correlated with the cost of housing, which is determined according to the inventory carried out, on the date specified when drawing up an inheritance or drawing up a deed of gift. That is, the lower the value of the property, the lower the tax deductions. The amount of the contribution, in comparison with the EU powers, is small. The rate varies from 1% to 30%.
The law provides for payment of inheritance tax twice a year (May and November) in equal payments over 3 years. Foreigners pay an additional state fee.
In the Oba district, we present a 1+1 apartment of 45 m² unfurnished, located in a complex built in 2023, just 2000 m from the sea and 1500 m from the center of the district, with developed infrastructure for comfortable living and recreation.
1+1
45 m²
10946
A new 2+1 apartment of 90 m² without furniture is located in the green area of Verkhnyaya Oba, in a modern complex built in 2025, 2300 m from the sea and 1900 m from the center of the area.
2+1
90 m²
10945
A 71 sq m unfurnished one-bedroom apartment with a view is located on the 8th floor of a modern complex built in 2026 in the Kestel district. Panoramic windows offer views of the sea, mountains, and picturesque surroundings. The sea is 2,300 m away, and the district center is 1,500 m away.
1+1
71 m²
10944
This bright, partially furnished 1+1 apartment with an area of 56 m² is located on the 3rd floor of a residential complex built in 2023 in the Kestel district, just 300 m from the sea and 150 m from the district center.
1+1
56 m²
10943
This two-story, 180 m², modern 3+1 villa is located in the Kargicak district within a residential complex. Built in 2025, the villa is offered partially furnished and features a private pool, a closed garage, and panoramic views of the sea, mountains, and picturesque surroundings.
3+1, Duplex
180 m²
10942
In the Tosmur district, this furnished two-bedroom apartment measures 115 m² and features a separate kitchen. It's located just 300 m from the sea and 150 m from the district center. The apartment is eligible for a residence permit and is fully occupied.
2+1
115 m²
10941
In the Mahmutlar area, a new 1+1 apartment with an area of 50 m² is presented in a modern residential complex built in 2024, located 600 m from the sea and 350 m from the center of the area.
1+1
50 m²
10940
Mahmutlar: a furnished 1+1 apartment of 45 m², located just 500 m from the sea and 300 m from the district center. This modern residential complex offers all the necessary amenities and is fully occupied.
1+1
45 m²
10939
Hasbahçe, a furnished 2+1 apartment of 85 m² with two balconies and private garden access. This modern residential complex, built in 2018, is located just 1 km from Alanya city center.
2+1
85 m²
10938
In the Mahmutlar area, furnished 1+1 apartments of 55 m² in a new residential complex built in 2026 on the first coastline, with panoramic sea views, south exposure and premium infrastructure.
1+1
55 m²
10937
In the Mahmutlar area, a furnished studio apartment 1+0 with an area of 40 m² in a complex built in 2016, located 350 m from the sea and 250 m from the center of the area, with a sea view and developed infrastructure.
1+0
40 m²
10936
In the Mahmutlar area, furnished 1+0 apartments with an area of 55 m² in a complex built in 2010, located just 400 m from the sea and 100 m from the center of the area, with a modern layout and developed infrastructure.
1+0
55 m²
10935
In the Bektash area, a spacious furnished 4+1 duplex with an area of 160 m², located in a complex of townhouses, with panoramic views of the sea and mountains, three bathrooms, two balconies and a terrace.
4+1, Duplex, Penthouse
160 m²
10934
Obagol furnished 2+1 apartments with an area of 90 m² in a complex built in 2010, located 300 m from the sea and 100 m from the center of the district, with the possibility of obtaining a residence permit and a convenient family layout.
2+1
90 m²
10933
In the Kargicak area, a 3+1 duplex apartment with an area of 110 m² in a complex built in 2025, located 2000 m from the sea, with an American kitchen, a ready-made TAPU received by Iskan and a panoramic view.
3+1, Duplex
110 m²
10932
In the Mahmutlar area, furnished 3+1 apartments with an area of 130 m² in a complex built in 2009, located 400 m from the sea, with two bathrooms, two balconies and a view of the pool and the complex grounds.
3+1
130 m²
10931
Konakli furnished villa 3+1 with an area of 200 m², built in 2010, is located only 300 m from the sea and 500 m from the center of the area, with the possibility of obtaining a residence permit, sea views, two bathrooms and a spacious area.
3+1, Duplex
200 m²
10930
Avsallar furnished 1+1 apartments of 45 m² in a complex built in 2024, located 1500 m from the sea and 1250 m from the center of the area, with a bright interior, views of the surrounding area and modern infrastructure for a comfortable life.
1+1
45 m²
10929
1+1 apartment of 60 m² in Mahmutlar is located in a complex with a swimming pool, garden and parking, just 300 meters from the sea.
1+1
60 m²
10926
This 1+1 apartment with an area of 54 m² in Mahmutlar is a modern home in a new complex built in 2025 with a rich infrastructure for relaxation and comfortable living.
1+1
54 m²
10925
These materials have been prepared for informational purposes and are not of a commercial nature.
Point Property — a certified real estate agency that specializes in providing a full range of real estate services for transactions with residential and commercial real estate in Turkey. Our company takes care of all the organizational aspects of a real estate transaction: searching for an object, organizing a sightseeing tour, assistance in collecting documents and checking the legal purity of documentation, support in re-registration of ownership. In addition, we provide our customers with a wide range of after-sales services.
