How to Transfer an Apartment by Inheritance in Bishkek - Step-by-Step Guide

Receiving an apartment as inheritance is not just a right - it's a procedure with strict deadlines. Missing the deadline or gathering wrong documents can delay registration for years. Here's a step-by-step guide.

Inheritance Acceptance Deadline

Under Kyrgyzstan's Civil Code, an heir must accept the inheritance within 6 months of the deceased's death. This is not the deadline for completing paperwork - it's the deadline for filing a notary application.

What "accepting inheritance" means:

Filing an acceptance application with a notary, or
Actually taking possession of the property (living in the apartment, paying utilities, making repairs) - this also counts

Order of Heirs Under the Law

If there is no will:

1st priority: children (including adopted), spouse, parents
2nd priority: siblings, grandparents
3rd priority: aunts, uncles

Next-in-line heirs are called only if no previous-priority heirs exist.

Step-by-Step Registration Procedure

Step 1: Contact a Notary (within 6 months)

Go to the notary at the place where the inheritance was opened (usually the deceased's last place of residence).

Documents for the notary:

Heir's passport
Death certificate of the deceased
Documents confirming kinship (birth certificates, marriage certificates)
Title documents for the apartment
GRS extract for the apartment
Technical passport for the apartment

Step 2: Property Valuation

The notary will require an apartment valuation to calculate the notarial fee. Valuation cost in Bishkek: 3,000-8,000 soms.

Step 3: Pay Notarial Fees

Notarial fee for inheriting an apartment:

For children, spouse, parents: 0.3% of the apartment value, maximum 30,000 soms
For other heirs: 0.6%, maximum 100,000 soms

Additional: notary service fees (technical costs) - 3,000-10,000 soms.

Step 4: Receive the Inheritance Certificate

Six months after the date of death, the notary issues the certificate. Earlier only if you're the sole heir and there are no other claimants.

Step 5: Register Ownership at GRS

With the received inheritance certificate, contact the GRS to register ownership. Timeline: 3-10 business days. State fee: 1,000-3,000 soms.

What to Do If You Missed the 6-Month Deadline

1. Other heirs' consent - if all other heirs agree, they can include the latecomer through a notary without court.

2. Court - if other heirs refuse or are absent. The court will restore the deadline if the reason for missing it is valid (illness, not knowing about the death, living abroad). Review period: 1-3 months.

Tax When Inheriting an Apartment

Under Kyrgyzstan law, an apartment received by inheritance is not subject to personal income tax at the time of receipt. Tax arises only upon subsequent sale of the apartment if less than 3 years have passed since the deceased's death.

Consultation with Aziza Talantbekovna - realtor with 30 years of experience in Bishkek's real estate market. From 2,000 soms. In-office meeting with on-site payment, or call with prepayment. Tel: +996 702 584 477