Many foreign nationals who live in or own property in Turkey assume that a will made in their home country automatically covers everything. When it comes to foreign wills in Turkey, this is not always the case.
If you own assets in Turkey, having a Turkish will alongside your foreign will can make a significant difference in how smoothly your estate is handled.
Do foreign wills apply in Turkey under Turkish law?
Turkish law does allow wills made abroad to be recognised, provided certain legal conditions are met. These usually include:
- The will being valid under the law of the country where it was made
- The person having legal capacity at the time it was signed
- Proper notarisation and official Turkish translation
- Recognition procedures before the Turkish courts
While this means a foreign will may be accepted, recognition does not always mean simplicity. In practice, heirs often face additional administrative steps, delays, and costs before assets in Turkey can be dealt with.
Why many foreign nationals choose to make a Turkish will
For this reason, many non-Turkish citizens who own property or assets in Turkey choose to prepare a separate Turkish will that deals only with those assets.
A Turkish will can help to:
- Clearly define how assets in Turkey should be distributed
- Reduce delays during inheritance procedures
- Make the process easier for heirs
- Limit the need for lengthy court recognition steps
- Avoid uncertainty or misunderstandings
A Turkish will does not replace a foreign will, instead, the two documents work alongside each other when properly drafted.
How Turkish inheritance law can affect foreign nationals
One important point to understand is that Turkish inheritance law includes mandatory “reserved shares” (forced heirship rules). These rules mean that certain close relatives may have a legal right to a portion of an estate, regardless of what a will says.
These provisions can apply even when the deceased was not a Turkish citizen, particularly in relation to immovable assets located in Turkey. As a result, the outcome may differ from what someone expects under the law of their home country.
Understanding how forced heirship works, and how it interacts with foreign wills, is an important part of inheritance planning.
Can you have more than one will?
Yes. Many international property owners have:
- One will covering assets in their home country
- A separate Turkish will covering assets located in Turkey
The key is that these wills must be carefully coordinated so they do not contradict one another. Each should clearly state which assets and jurisdictions it applies to.
When structured correctly, this approach can provide clarity, reduce delays, and make things much easier for heirs.
What if you only rent property in Turkey?
In most cases, foreign nationals who only rent in Turkey and do not own property or other significant assets there do not need a Turkish will. Turkish inheritance rules mainly apply to assets located in Turkey, such as real estate or bank accounts.
That said, some renters may still have financial arrangements, belongings, or long-term plans that make it useful to understand how Turkish law would apply in their situation. Others may be considering buying property in the future.
For anyone living in Turkey long term, whether renting or owning, obtaining legal guidance can help clarify what steps, if any, are appropriate for their circumstances.
Common mistakes foreign nationals make
Some of the most common issues arise when people:
- Assume a single foreign will automatically covers all countries
- Do not update their will after buying property in Turkey
- Rely on generic templates or online documents
- Overlook forced heirship rules
- Leave heirs to deal with unfamiliar legal procedures
- Delay getting advice until a problem arises
These situations often only come to light after a death, when resolving them becomes more complicated and stressful for family members.
When should you consider legal advice?
It may be worth seeking advice if you:
- Own property or assets in Turkey
- Have family members in more than one country
- Want clarity about how your estate would be handled
- Wish to avoid delays or disputes for your heirs
- Are planning to buy property in Turkey
A short consultation is often enough to understand your options and decide whether any steps are needed.
If you wish to read our other articles on inheritance:
How Inheritance Works For Foreigners In Turkey: A Simple Guide For Expats
Turkish Inheritance Law and Inheritance Tax in Turkey
Final thought
Planning ahead can make a significant difference for those you leave behind. For foreign nationals with assets in Turkey, understanding how local inheritance rules interact with foreign wills is an important part of that planning, and one that can help avoid unnecessary complications later.
For more details also try the Istanbul Bar association
