Turkish citizenship through real estate investment has become one of the most popular and attractive citizenship programs worldwide—not only for its economic and lifestyle advantages, but also for the full political and civil rights it grants to investors and their families. Once the legal process is completed and the citizenship decision is issued, foreign investors receive the same rights as natural-born Turkish citizens, with the exception of a few sovereign positions defined by the Turkish Constitution.

This article outlines in detail the key political rights granted to individuals who acquire Turkish citizenship through real estate investment, along with the legal basis for each right.

1. The Right to Vote in Turkish Elections

Voting is one of the most fundamental political rights granted to new citizens immediately after receiving their Turkish ID card (T.C. Kimlik).

What does this mean for the investor?

They are eligible to vote in:

• Presidential elections
• Parliamentary elections (TBMM)
• Municipal elections
• National referendums, including constitutional amendments

Note: The new citizen must register their residential address with the Population Directorate (Nüfus) to appear on the voter list.

2. The Right to Run for Political Office

Investors who obtain Turkish citizenship have the right to run for political office, following the same eligibility requirements as all Turkish citizens.

Positions they can run for:

• Member of the Turkish Parliament
• Mayor or member of local municipal councils
• Membership in political parties, including the ability to establish a new party

Positions they cannot run for:

• Certain high-level sovereign positions require:
• Being born to Turkish parents, or
• Meeting special national security requirements

The main positions restricted by law include:

• President of the Republic
• Chief of the General Staff and top military command
• National Intelligence Organization (MIT) leadership
• Certain top positions within the Ministry of Defense and Ministry of Interior

3. The Right to Join or Establish Political Parties

Like any Turkish citizen, a naturalized investor can:

• Join any political party
• Establish a new political party
• Participate in internal party elections
• Attend political meetings and election campaigns

These rights are protected under Political Parties Law No. 2820.

4. The Right to Work in Public Sector Positions (With Some Exceptions)

After receiving Turkish citizenship, the investor gains the ability to apply for:

• Government positions
• Public institutions
• Municipalities
• Public universities

Exceptions:

Certain positions are restricted for naturalized citizens, such as:

• National security roles
• Police and military positions (some may require waiting periods or specific conditions)
• Judicial positions (judge/prosecutor roles require Turkish origin by birth)
• High-level sovereign positions

5. Participation in Civil and Constitutional Rights

A naturalized Turkish citizen enjoys the full civil rights granted by the state, including:

• The right to peaceful assembly and protest
• Freedom of expression, within the limits of Turkish law
• The right to file lawsuits and appeals in Turkish courts
• Full access to public services such as education, healthcare, and social security

6. Are There Any Limitations on Political Rights for New Citizens?

In general, new citizens face no restrictions on their political rights, except for:

• Requirements for a minimum period of residence before some government appointments
• Ineligibility for sovereign roles requiring Turkish birth
• Address registration before voting

Otherwise, the investor enjoys complete equality with native-born citizens.

7. The Importance of Political Rights for Foreign Investors

These political rights provide investors with:

• Full integration into Turkish society
• The ability to influence economic and investment-related policies
• Greater legal and social stability for their families
• A strong sense of identity and belonging within a democratic system

Conclusion

Turkish citizenship through real estate investment grants investors and their families broad political rights, making them full citizens with the same rights and responsibilities as native-born Turks—except for a few high-level sovereign positions restricted by constitutional law.

A new Turkish citizen has the right to:

Vote

Run for political office

Work in most public sector jobs

Join or establish political parties

Exercise all civil and constitutional rights

These political freedoms make the Turkish citizenship-by-investment program a powerful combination of profitable real estate investment and long-term political and social stability in one of the region’s most influential countries.