Turkish Civil & Family Law Handbook for Foreigners

This handbook provides a clear and structured overview of key areas of Turkish civil and family law that most frequently affect foreigners living in or dealing with Türkiye. It is organized around three main subjects: the legal status of being a foreigner in Türkiye, marriage and divorce under Turkish law, and inheritance law, including the transfer of assets through inheritance and frequently asked questions.

The first part explains how Turkish law approaches foreigners in everyday legal matters, focusing on legal capacity, rights, obligations, and interactions with public authorities. The second part addresses marriage and divorce, covering applicable law, jurisdiction of Turkish courts, and the legal consequences of marital relationships involving foreign nationals. The third part is dedicated specifically to inheritance law from a foreigner’s perspective and examines the succession of assets upon death, particularly where assets or immovable property are located in Türkiye, followed by a section that answers common practical questions based on statutory law. This handbook is intended solely as a general informational guide to the Turkish legal framework.

It does not constitute legal advice and cannot replace individualized legal consultation or formal legal representation by a licensed attorney. It is designed to help readers understand how legal rights, obligations, and procedures operate in practice in Türkiye without promising shortcuts, guaranteed outcomes, or risk-free scenarios.

This handbook is intended solely as a general informational guide to the Turkish legal framework. It does not constitute legal advice and cannot replace individualized legal consultation or formal legal representation by a licensed attorney.

The information presented in this book is intended to provide the reader with a general legal framework and to raise awareness, and it should not be used as a direct or sole legal basis in any specific case. Since each case has its own unique circumstances, the matters discussed here cannot be guaranteed to be directly applicable in every situation. In order to avoid any loss of rights, readers should independently verify the current legislation and the applicable time limits in force. This work does not aim to provide legal advice or to establish an attorney–client relationship. Individuals who are faced with a criminal investigation or prosecution in Türkiye, particularly with respect to rights subject to strict time limits, should seek professional legal assistance from a qualified attorney. Otherwise, changes in legislation or differences in practical application may lead to serious and potentially irreparable consequences.