Disguised gifts and transfers intended to exclude heirs
The actual purpose of the transfer, available evidence and requirements for a claim under Turkish law are assessed.
Inheritance · Germany–Turkey
Legal support from Germany for inheritance disputes in Turkey
Advice from Essen on estate division, property transfers and disputes between heirs in Turkey, with consultations available in Turkish and German.
Consultations are available in German and Turkish.
Eda Aydın Hayim, LL.M.Attorney at lawDeutschland | Türkiye
Inheritance disputes in Turkey
Disguised gifts and transfers intended to exclude heirsThe actual purpose of the transfer, available evidence and requirements for a claim under Turkish law are assessed.Read the details →Reserved inheritance shares and reduction claimsLifetime gifts, estate calculations and time limits are reviewed against protected inheritance shares under Turkish law.Read the details →Equalisation between heirsLifetime gifts are reviewed to determine whether they must be accounted for when the estate is divided.Read the details →Inheritance-related land registry claimsThe legal grounds, parties and evidence for cancellation and registration proceedings concerning Turkish property are assessed.Read the details →Compensation for use of inherited propertyUse by one heir does not automatically create an Ecrimisil claim. The use of the property, exclusion of other heirs and applicable requirements are assessed for the particular case.Read the details →
Reserved inheritance shares and reduction claims
Lifetime gifts, estate calculations and time limits are reviewed against protected inheritance shares under Turkish law.
Equalisation between heirs
Lifetime gifts are reviewed to determine whether they must be accounted for when the estate is divided.
Inheritance-related land registry claims
The legal grounds, parties and evidence for cancellation and registration proceedings concerning Turkish property are assessed.
Compensation for use of inherited property
Use by one heir does not automatically create an Ecrimisil claim. The use of the property, exclusion of other heirs and applicable requirements are assessed for the particular case.
Estate administration and cross-border documents
Legal guidance for inheritance matters involving Germany and Turkey: Turkish property, inheritance evidence, estate administration and multiple heirs.
A cross-border inheritance involving Germany and Turkey may raise separate questions about applicable law, jurisdiction, proof of inheritance and administration of individual assets. The correct inheritance document cannot be determined solely by where the heirs live.
Why Germany–Turkey estates require specific analysis
Germany and Turkey remain connected by the 1929 Consular Convention and its inheritance provisions. Depending on the facts, European, German and Turkish rules may also need to be considered.
Property in Turkey
If the estate includes an apartment, house or land in Turkey, the process will usually involve both establishing the heirs and completing the relevant Turkish property or inheritance procedures.
German or Turkish inheritance certificate?
There is no universal answer. Relevant factors include the deceased’s nationality, the type and location of the asset and what the certificate will be used for.
Do I need to travel to Turkey?
Not necessarily for every step. Depending on the transaction, representation under a suitable power of attorney may be possible.
Several heirs
Where several heirs are involved, questions may arise about signatures, sale of property, distribution, representation and disputes.
Renunciation
Cross-border renunciation should be reviewed promptly because formal requirements and time limits may apply.
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Frequently asked questions
Is a German inheritance certificate always sufficient in Turkey?
No. The correct evidence depends on the particular estate and procedure.
Is Turkey part of the European Certificate of Succession system?
Turkey is not an EU Member State. Cross-border use of inheritance documents therefore requires separate analysis.
Can Turkish property be handled from Germany?
Depending on the transaction, representation may be possible.
Does your matter involve Germany and Turkey?
For an initial assessment, briefly describe the matter, countries involved, your objective and any running deadline.