Anasayfa / Makalelerimiz / Wills and Inheritance Law for Expats in North Cyprus
Planning ahead in life always gives you benefits, as the old saying goes, “If you fail to plan, you plan to fail.” This is especially true when it comes to arranging your affairs and estate in a foreign country. Many expatriates who reside in or have assets in North Cyprus are not fully aware of how local inheritance laws work. Our law firm provides specialized guidance on wills and inheritance law for expats in North Cyprus, ensuring your assets are passed on according to your wishes and that your loved ones are protected.
Why You Need a North Cyprus Will
Many expats assume that if they pass away, their spouse will automatically inherit all their North Cyprus assets. However, TRNC’s inheritance rules – governed by the Wills and Succession Law of 1959 – often split the estate among a broader range of family members if you don’t leave a valid will. For example, if you die without a will (intestate) and have children, your surviving spouse would receive only one-sixth of your estate, while the rest goes to your children. Even if you have no children, a spouse typically gets only half, with the other half going to parents, siblings, or more distant relatives.
Furthermore, unmarried partners have no legal claim in the TRNC without a will. If you’re not legally married, your long-term partner would inherit nothing by default. Children born outside of marriage also do not automatically inherit from their father absent a will providing for them. North Cyprus does not recognize foreign civil partnerships or same-sex marriages for inheritance purposes, so even if you have a legally recognized partnership elsewhere, you must explicitly name your partner in a will to ensure they are taken care of here.
In short, making a will in North Cyprus is absolutely vital for expats – it allows you to override the default inheritance scheme and ensure that your chosen beneficiaries (whether your spouse, partner, children, or friends) inherit according to your wishes, rather than according to an old statutory formula.
Making a Valid Will in TRNC
A will is only useful if it’s legally valid. While some may think a simple handwritten will is sufficient, in North Cyprus there are specific formalities that must be followed or a will can be declared invalid. Our lawyers help you draft a clear, valid will and handle all required formalities:
By working with us, you can be confident that your North Cyprus will is correctly drafted and will hold up in court. We’ve seen cases where well-meaning expats drafted their own wills that failed to meet TRNC requirements and were held invalid, leading to the estate being distributed according to the default law. We help you avoid such outcomes.
How Does a North Cyprus Will Relate to My Foreign Will?
If you already have a will in your home country, you may wonder if you need a separate one for North Cyprus. Technically, a foreign will could cover assets in TRNC, but using it can be complicated in practice. The North Cyprus courts would require proof of the will’s validity under its original jurisdiction, possibly including court orders from abroad and affidavits from the original witnesses. Moreover, if your foreign will was not executed with the formalities that TRNC law expects (for instance, some countries allow a will with a single witness or other variations), the TRNC courts might not accept it for local assets.
For these reasons, many expats choose to make a separate will for their North Cyprus assets. This local will can be limited to assets in North Cyprus, ensuring it doesn’t conflict with your main will at home. Having a TRNC-specific will usually makes the local probate process faster and smoother, because the document is already tailored to local legal requirements. Our lawyers can coordinate with your overseas lawyers to ensure that your wills in different countries work together and don’t inadvertently revoke or override one another. The goal is to have all your estate plans aligned and effective in each jurisdiction where you hold assets.
Inheritance Tax and Probate Process
One piece of good news is that North Cyprus imposes minimal inheritance taxes. In fact, many inherited assets are tax-exempt (such as funds in joint bank accounts, personal belongings, etc.). For assets that are taxable, the rate is low – generally around 1% on the net value of the estate after debts. We advise your heirs on complying with any tax filing, but often the impact of inheritance tax in TRNC is negligible.
When a person who owned assets in North Cyprus passes away, a local probate or letter of administration process is needed to legally transfer those assets to the heirs. If there is a will, the executor named in the will applies to the TRNC court to be granted the authority to administer the estate. If there is no will, a close family member can apply to act as the administrator, and the estate will be divided as per the law. Our firm assists executors or family members through this probate procedure, preparing the necessary court papers, and representing them in the TRNC courts. We also handle practical steps like obtaining official translations of foreign documents (e.g., death certificates), dealing with local banks to release funds, and transferring property titles to the new owners.
Because we understand this is a difficult time for families, our approach is compassionate yet efficient – we aim to expedite the legal process so that the deceased’s wishes are honored and assets are distributed without unnecessary delay.
Plan Today for Peace of Mind
Handling cross-border estates can be complex, but with the right legal guidance, you can prevent future headaches for you and your family. We offer expats in North Cyprus comprehensive estate planning services. From drafting wills that reflect your precise wishes to advising on trusts or gifting strategies, we tailor our advice to your personal and financial situation.
Our experience with international clients means we are sensitive to cultural and legal differences. We explain everything in clear English, ensure confidentiality, and foster trust so you feel comfortable discussing sensitive matters. In all cases, our objective is to give you peace of mind knowing that your loved ones will be provided for and that any inheritance process in North Cyprus will be straightforward when the time comes.
Call to Action: Don’t leave your North Cyprus assets to uncertainty. Whether you need to create a will, update an existing one, or navigate the probate process for a family member, our legal team is here to help. Contact us today for expert advice on wills and inheritance planning in North Cyprus – secure your legacy and protect those who matter most.
ity-Focused Wills and Inheritance Services in North Cyprus
Inheritance Legal Support in Lefkoşa (Nicosia)
As the judicial and administrative capital of the TRNC, Lefkoşa (Nicosia) is where many inheritance cases are formally registered and processed. Our probate lawyers in Lefkoşa provide expert legal advice to expats navigating the TRNC succession law. From registering a will in Lefkoşa courts to representing clients in inheritance disputes, we offer full support with transparency and care.
For individuals with assets in the city, or those residing in Lefkoşa with North Cyprus property, our team ensures that your estate planning is legally sound and tailored to your family structure. We also coordinate with overseas legal teams to harmonize your foreign will with your TRNC-specific testament.
Trusted Will and Probate Services in Girne (Kyrenia)
Girne (Kyrenia) remains a favored destination for expats and retirees. However, many property owners here are unaware of the probate and inheritance procedures required after death in TRNC. Our will lawyers in Girne provide local expertise for those looking to draft or register a valid will that complies with North Cyprus inheritance law.
We help clients with:
Our team in Kyrenia ensures a seamless process, whether you're preparing now or dealing with a loved one’s estate.
Inheritance and Will Services in İskele (Trikomo)
İskele is rapidly growing as a preferred location for new homeowners and retirees. With that growth comes the need for legal planning, especially concerning wills and estate transfer. Our inheritance lawyers in İskele are experienced in succession planning for expats and provide personalized legal services.
Whether you need help preparing a TRNC-specific will, avoiding intestate succession, or guiding your family through the probate process in İskele, our team ensures all legal requirements are met with compassion and professionalism. We assist in:
Comprehensive Inheritance Services in Gazimağusa (Famagusta)
In Gazimağusa (Famagusta), we provide expats with full support in estate planning and inheritance law. Our services include drafting wills, securing court registration, and providing guidance during the probate process. We’ve supported families through sensitive cases where will disputes or unclear foreign wills threatened rightful inheritance.
Our inheritance lawyers in Gazimağusa help you:
With deep experience in both TRNC inheritance law and international estate administration, we safeguard your intentions and help secure your family’s future.
Need Will or Inheritance Help in Lefkoşa, Girne, İskele, or Gazimağusa?
If you're living in or own property in North Cyprus, don’t wait until it’s too late to prepare your estate. Whether you need to:
—our local legal team is here to assist. With offices serving Nicosia, Kyrenia, Famagusta, and İskele, we’re ready to provide multilingual, personalized estate planning for your peace of mind.
