Issuing a Death Certificate in Türkiye

Many Arabs may not be familiar with the required documents and importance of issuing a death certificate in Türkiye. This report provides a detailed explanation of the necessary steps and documents for obtaining a death certificate in Türkiye.

Required Documents for Obtaining a Death Certificate in Türkiye

1. Passport of the deceased
2. Certified death certificate: Issued by the city where the person passed away.
3. Burial certificate: Obtained from the hospital if the death occurred there. If the death happened outside a hospital, the certificate is issued by the municipality.
4. Document proving the deceased's identity
5. Two personal photos of the deceased
6. Submission to the Civil Registry Office: The death certificate should be submitted immediately to officially record the death.
7. Timely submission: To avoid a financial penalty, the certificate must be obtained promptly. Delays over 80 days result in a fine of approximately $60. If delayed over a year, the fine increases to $150.

Important Steps After Obtaining the Death Certificate

1. Notarization: After obtaining the death certificate from the Civil Registry Office, it must be translated and notarized to be officially recognized and recorded.
2. Obtaining the Cemetery Usufruct Document:
   - Required for anyone with a first-degree relative buried in Türkiye.
   - Valid for 25 years and renewable, ensuring the grave is not reopened except for burying another close relative.
   - Failure to obtain this document allows the state to reuse the grave after five years.
3. Steps to obtain the usufruct document:
   - Visit the cemetery administration responsible for the grave.
   - Provide proof of first-degree kinship, such as a family record, marriage certificate, or birth certificate.
   - Pay a fee of 110 Turkish Lira.

By following these steps and providing the required documents, the process of issuing a death certificate in Türkiye can be streamlined and officially recognized.