Wills

📜 Making a Will in Northern Cyprus: What You Need to Know to Protect Your Legacy
Last updated: October 2025
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🙋‍♂️Introduction

Everyone hopes for the best, but a well-drafted will is your way of ensuring your wishes are respected in case the unexpected happens. If you own property, bank accounts, or other assets in the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC), making a will there is crucial. This guide will walk you through everything you need to know: legal requirements, what happens without a will (intestacy), special considerations for expats, inheritance tax, and practical tips.
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💎Why You Should Make a Will in Northern Cyprus

• Assets located in TRNC may not be covered by wills made elsewhere. A will made in your home country might not meet TRNC legal requirements, which can lead to delays or disputes.

• Protecting your beneficiaries. If you die without a will, statutory rules determine how your estate is divided - these may not reflect your wishes.

• Ensuring unmarried partners or non-traditional relationships are considered. Under TRNC law, partners not married have no automatic inheritance rights
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⚖️Legal Requirements for a Valid Will in TRNC

To ensure your will is legally valid in Northern Cyprus, make sure you satisfy all of the following:

📍 The testator (person making the will) must be at least 18 years old and of sound mind.

📍 The will must be in writing.

📍 Signed by the testator in the presence of two independent witnesses, who also sign.

📍 The witnesses should not be beneficiaries.

📍 Registration- not strictly required, but lodging your will with the Probate Registry at the District Court adds strength and helps avoid disputes.
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👉What Happens If You Don’t Have a Will (Intestacy Rules)

If you die intestate (without a will), TRNC law provides for a default scheme of inheritance. Important points include:

❓ Spouse & children share in the estate. For example, where there is a surviving spouse and children, the spouse gets 1/6 of the estate; the remaining 5/6 goes to the children.

❓ If there are no children, parents, siblings, or other nearer kin, more distant relatives up to sixth degree of kindred are considered.

❓ Unmarried partners have no automatic rights. Children born out of wedlock also often have more limited rights unless specific legal steps have been taken.
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👉What You Can and Cannot Do in Your Will

• Freedom of disposal differs by nationality. Certain nationals (e.g. British nationals) may have greater freedom to leave their entire estate by will. Others are limited: TRNC law sometimes reserves a portion of assets for statutory heirs (spouse, children).

• You may only be able to dispose of part of immovable property (land, houses) beyond statutory minimum shares.
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💲Inheritance Tax & Financial Considerations

• TRNC imposes inheritance tax under certain thresholds. Estates above a specified value may be subject to ~1% tax.

• Always consider debts, liabilities, and outstanding obligations of the deceased; these must be settled before asset distribution. Heirs are generally not personally liable beyond the size of the estate.
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👣Step-by-Step: How to Make a Will in Northern Cyprus

✅ Identify all your assets in TRNC. Immovable (property, land), bank accounts, vehicles, personal possessions, etc.

✅ Decide beneficiaries and executor(s). Be clear who should inherit what. Unmarried partners or friends need special attention.

✅ Choose a lawyer. They can draft a will in English, Turkish or bilingually and ensure it satisfies TRNC legal formalities (see below).

✅ Sign in presence of two witnesses. Make sure witnesses are independent and not beneficiaries.

✅ Register the will (recommended). Submit to Probate Registry in the local District Court so that it’s filed, stamped and secured.

✅ Update periodically. If your circumstances change (marriage, children, divorce, additional assets), review your will.
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🌍Special Considerations for Expats or Foreign Nationals

• If you live outside TRNC but own assets there, it’s wise to have two wills: one covering your home country assets, another covering your TRNC assets.

• Wills made abroad may not conform fully to TRNC law. This can lead to probate complications, delays, or parts being invalidated.
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⚠️Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Using a will drafted in another country without ensuring it meets TRNC requirements.
• Having witnesses who are beneficiaries.
• Failing to register or safely store your will.
• Leaving out assets unintentionally (forgetting bank accounts, vehicles, personal valuables).
• Not updating your will despite change in your life situation.
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⚖️Legal Process After Death

• The executor submits the will to the Probate Registry.
• Probate or similar administration is granted, allowing the executor to distribute assets.
• Inheritance tax and any other liabilities must be handled before assets are transferred.
• Heirs may be required to provide proof of identity, documentation for the assets, etc.
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👌Summary & Recommendations

Making a will in Northern Cyprus isn’t just good practice — it’s essential if you want control over what happens to your assets there. For many people, particularly expats, double-wills (for home country + TRNC) are the safest route. Working with a qualified local lawyer, keeping your will updated, and registering it properly are key steps.

If you haven’t already, consider doing these three things now:

1. List all your TRNC-based assets.
2. Make or update your will to reflect your current wishes.
3. Choose an executor and witnesses you trust, and have legal help.
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💯RECOMMENDED LAWYER TO HELP YOU DRAFT YOUR WILL:

Av. Songül Çelik
Sht Zeka Adil Cadesi
No. 78, Çatalköy

📞 +90 548 846 4531 / +90
✉ av.songulcelik@gmail.com