Inheritance procedure in Cyprus

Inheritance procedures in Northern Cyprus can be challenging, but with the assistance of knowledgeable experts, they become much easier. When we have a death certificate in hand:

1. If a person passes away in Northern Cyprus, the death certificate is issued by either the Turkish or Northern Cypriot authorities. With the certificate and the will number, the close relatives go to court, where the court opens the file with the will and determines who has been appointed as the executor. The executor may be one of the heirs. They then contact a lawyer (who can also be the executor) and provide the lawyer with relevant documents, such as their relationship with the deceased. If the executor is the heir themselves, they provide their passport, a certificate from the Muhtar, and any additional documents requested by the lawyer. Once they receive these documents, the lawyer initiates the case in court. After 15 days, if other heirs do not claim their rights to the gifted property, the court appoints the executor as responsible for obtaining the permission. The executor obtains the permission from the Committee for Inheritance Affairs. Upon receiving the permission, immovable property is transferred through the Land Registry, vehicles are transferred through the Vehicle Registration Office, and if there are bank accounts, the executor must withdraw and distribute the funds accordingly. After distribution, the lawyer closes the case in court.
2. If the deceased passed away abroad but had assets in Northern Cyprus, the heir brings apostilled documents that have been translated into Turkish, including the birth certificate, marriage certificate, will, and others. These documents must be issued, certified, and translated in the country where the person passed away. The heir then registers the documents and follows the aforementioned inheritance procedures.

An important addition: If the deceased had only one vehicle or one immovable property in their estate, it is not subject to taxation. However, if there is more than one property or vehicle, they are subject to taxation.

The Committee calculates the property tax, which must be paid within one year from the date of death. If the tax payment is delayed, the Committee imposes penalties amounting to 16%.

To discuss your specific situation, please contact an expert from Veles company.