Inheritance Processing in Northern Cyprus

How Inheritance is Processed in Northern Cyprus?

• Who is Eligible for Inheritance?
• Step-by-Step Procedure (Probate)
• Timelines and Possible Delays
• Specifics: “Reserved Portion” and Foreigners

The inheritance procedure in the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC) is a strictly judicial process regulated by local law (Chapter 189 "On Inheritance and Succession"). Foreign nationals have the same property rights as local residents. Inheritance can be processed either according to a will (which significantly simplifies the procedure) or, if no will exists, by law.

Who is Eligible for Inheritance?

Heirs can be individuals named in a will or the legal relatives of the deceased. TRNC courts require the appointment of a responsible person to manage the estate (Tereke) during probate:

• Executor. Appointed if the deceased left a will specifying a trusted person.
• Administrator. Appointed by the court if there is no will, usually one of the closest relatives.

Step-by-Step Procedure (Probate)

The probate process includes the following steps to legally transfer property rights:

1. Opening the inheritance case. Submit an application to the District Court where the main estate is located.
2. Collecting and submitting documents. Provide the court with a complete package:
   • Death certificate (original);
   • Documents proving relationship (birth, marriage certificates);
   • Original will (if available);
   • Full list of assets (property titles, bank statements);
   • Passports of heirs.
3. Appointment of estate manager. The court officially appoints an Executor or Administrator, granting them authority to act on behalf of the estate.
4. Publication in the press.

   It is mandatory to publish a notice in the official government gazette "Resmi Gazete" to allow potential creditors or unknown heirs to claim their rights.

5. Financial clearance and registration. After settling any debts and taxes, the court issues an order for asset distribution. Only then are property titles re-registered in the Land Registry.

Timelines and Possible Delays

In standard cases, with all documents in order and no disputes, the process takes 4 to 8 months.

Factors causing delays:

• Missing original property documents (titles);
• Legal disputes among heirs;
• Outstanding debts or encumbrances on assets;
• Need to request documents from abroad.

Specifics: “Reserved Portion” and Foreigners

When planning inheritance, it is important to consider TRNC legal nuances:

• Foreign nationals. The procedure is identical, but often requires translation and legalization of a large volume of documents from the home country.
• “Reserved Portion”. Local law provides for mandatory inheritance shares. Even with a will, certain close relatives (children, spouses) may have rights to a portion of the estate that cannot be entirely redirected to third parties.

De Jure Consulting provides full support: from collecting documents and court representation to final transfer of keys and re-registration of titles in the heirs’ names.

Elvina Sabirova

Licensed Lawyer

Phone

+905391190555

Email

[email protected]

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