Inheriting in Turkiye while living in the US.

Inheriting property in Turkiye while you live in the US? Three things usually come up: a certificate of inheritance (mirasçılık belgesi), an inheritance tax return, and the title-deed transfer. The tax return deadline depends on where the death occurred and where the heirs live: from 4 to 8 months. Turkish citizens abroad may file at a Turkish consulate. Turkish-law work is handled by the Turkish attorneys at Sonmez Partners.

1. 01

   Step 1

   Certificate of inheritance.

   The mirasçılık belgesi is issued by a notary or a civil court of peace. When a foreign element is involved, notaries cannot issue it, so the court route applies.

2. 02

   Foreign certificates

   A US document is not enough alone.

   For land registry use, a certificate of inheritance issued by a foreign court must be approved by a Turkish court.

3. 03

   Step 2 · Tax return

   Deadlines when the death was in Turkiye.

   • Heirs in Turkiye: 4 months
   • Heirs abroad: 6 months
4. 04

   Step 2 · Tax return

   Deadlines when the death was abroad.

   • Heirs in Turkiye: 6 months
   • Heirs in the same country: 4 months
   • Heirs in a third country: 8 months
5. 05

   Where to file

   Turkish citizens abroad can use the consulate.

   The return goes to the tax office of the deceased's last residence in Turkiye. Citizens abroad may file at a Turkish consulate, and a representative may sign.

6. 06

   Step 3 · Title deed

   Registered first, sold later.

   Heirs can be registered as owners before the tax is assessed. The property cannot be sold until the inheritance tax on it is paid or secured.