Drafting a will in two languages, registration in the local court

Making a Will in Northern Cyprus: Key Aspects

Drafting a will is an important step to protect the property interests of your heirs. In Northern Cyprus, legislation in this area has specific features that must be taken into account when preparing the document.

Why is it important to make a will?

Without a will, inheritance is distributed according to the law, which may lead to an undesirable allocation of assets. A properly drafted will helps to avoid legal disputes and clearly defines the shares of the heirs.

Basic requirements for a will

  1. Legal capacity of the testator – a will can only be made by a person with full legal capacity.

  2. Written form – it must be prepared in writing and signed personally by the testator.

  3. Notarization – although notarization is not mandatory, it significantly reduces the risk of disputes over the document in the future.

  4. Presence of witnesses – the document must be signed by two independent witnesses who are not beneficiaries.

  5. Registration in court – a will can be registered in the court of Northern Cyprus. This procedure is not obligatory, but it adds extra legal strength to the document and reduces the likelihood of disputes. Registration is carried out in the district court, where the original will is kept in the official archive.

Can a will be changed or revoked?

Yes, the testator has the right to change the content of the document or revoke it at any time by drafting a new version in the prescribed form.

Inheritance tax considerations

There is no inheritance tax in Northern Cyprus, which makes drafting a will especially beneficial from a financial perspective.

Documents required for drafting a will

  • Testator’s identification document
  • List of assets with supporting ownership documents
  • Personal details of the heirs (full name, degree of kinship)

A properly drafted will ensures the protection of your loved ones' interests. Our lawyers will ensure full compliance with the legislation of Northern Cyprus at all stages of drafting and registration.

Elvina Sabirova
Elvina Sabirova
Licensed Lawyer
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