Citizen by Investment
Do the Rights of a Naturalized Citizen Differ from a Native Turkish Citizen?
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What Does Naturalization Mean Under Turkish Law?
Naturalization under Turkish law refers to the acquisition of Turkish citizenship by a foreign national in accordance with specific legal conditions, without being born to a Turkish mother or father.
Naturalization in Turkey can be obtained through several legal pathways, most notably:
- Turkish citizenship through real estate investment: A foreign national may obtain Turkish citizenship by purchasing one or more properties with a total value not less than the legally approved minimum, with a commitment not to sell the property for a specified period.
- Long-term residence: An individual may apply for Turkish citizenship after 5 years of continuous and legal residence in Turkey, provided they demonstrate social integration, good moral character, and financial stability.
- Marriage to a Turkish citizen: A foreign national may apply for citizenship after a legally valid and genuine marriage to a Turkish citizen for a minimum period of three years, subject to verification of the authenticity of the marriage.
- Professional or exceptional merit: Citizenship may be granted by an exceptional decision to individuals who make significant contributions in fields such as the economy, investment, science, culture, or sports.
Once the naturalization decision is officially issued and published, the individual becomes a full Turkish citizen with complete legal status.
Understanding the Turkish Citizenship Program Through Real Estate Investment 2026
Equal Rights Between Naturalized and Native Turkish Citizens
Under Turkish law, the fundamental principle is full equality between naturalized citizens and native Turkish citizens. Turkish legislation does not recognize or create any form of “second-class citizenship.”
This equality includes the following rights:
Civil Rights
- The right to own property
- Freedom of movement and residence within Turkey
- The right to access all courts and judicial remedies
- Protection by the Turkish state inside and outside the country
Social Rights
- Access to the public healthcare system (SGK)
- Public and university education
- Social services and government support programs
Economic Rights
- The right to work in almost all sectors (with very limited exceptions)
- The right to establish companies
- The ability to open bank accounts
- Freedom to invest without restrictions
Turkish law does not differentiate between naturalized and native citizens in daily life, business activity, or economic rights.
Are There Any Legal Exceptions?
Yes, there are very limited exceptions, which are constitutional in nature and not discriminatory.
Certain high-level sovereign positions may require that the citizen:
- Be born to Turkish parents, or
- Have never held another nationality
Positions that may fall under these exceptions include:
- The Presidency
- Certain senior military or security positions
- Specific high-level intelligence roles
These exceptions do not affect 99% of citizens and have no impact on civil life, property ownership, or investment activities.
Political Rights of Naturalized Turkish Citizens
A naturalized Turkish citizen has the right to:
- Vote in elections
- Run for municipal and parliamentary elections
- Join political parties
- Participate in public and political life
This is subject only to the narrow constitutional exceptions related to certain top sovereign offices.
Legal Conclusion for Investors
The rights of a naturalized Turkish citizen do not differ from those of a native Turkish citizen, except in a very limited scope related to a small number of sovereign positions.
For real estate investors obtaining Turkish citizenship:
- Full civil and economic rights are granted
- There are no restrictions on property ownership or investment
- Turkish citizenship is permanent and unconditional
- Family members (spouse and children) enjoy the same citizenship rights
From a legal and investment perspective:
Turkish citizenship by investment grants genuine, full citizenship, not a temporary residence status or a limited legal position.
Frequently asked questions
Are the rights of a naturalized citizen different from those of a native Turkish citizen?
No, a naturalized citizen enjoys the same legal, civil, and economic rights as a native Turkish citizen, with very limited constitutional exceptions.
What does naturalization mean in Turkish law?
Naturalization is the acquisition of Turkish citizenship by a foreign national under legal conditions, without being born to a Turkish parent.
What are the ways to obtain Turkish citizenship?
The most prominent methods include: citizenship through real estate investment, long-term residency, marriage to a Turkish citizen, or exceptional citizenship for skilled workers.
How long is the residency period required to apply for Turkish citizenship?
Citizenship can be applied for after five years of legal and continuous residency in Turkey, provided additional conditions are met.
Is a naturalized citizen entitled to own property in Turkey?
Yes, they are entitled to own property without any restrictions, just like a native Turkish citizen.
Is Turkish citizenship through investment permanent?
Yes, Turkish citizenship through investment is permanent and unconditional and cannot be revoked as long as it was not obtained illegally.
