Turquoise Card
Turquoise Card: which group are you in?
Choose your applicant group and family situation. You will see the main documents usually required.
General list; the Ministry of Labour and Social Security decides after scoring and reviewing the file.
Turquoise Card Turkey: requirements, applicant groups and family rights
Turquoise Card is a permit granted under Article 11 of International Labour Force Law No. 6735 to investors, highly qualified professionals, scientists and people with international achievements in culture, arts or sport. The card is first issued with a 3-year transition period; if the conditions continue during this time, it gives an indefinite right to work and reside in Turkey. The holder’s spouse and children receive a Turquoise Card family member document, which replaces a residence permit.
What is the Turquoise Card, and how is it different from a work permit?
A regular work permit is tied to a specific employer and must be renewed at intervals. The Turquoise Card, after a transition period, allows the holder to work and live in Turkey without a time limit. Its aim is to attract qualified labour and investment; applications are assessed under the scoring criteria of the Turquoise Card Regulation.
- It is not tied to a specific employer.
- It replaces both the work permit and the residence permit.
- It also covers the spouse and children.
Who can apply for a Turquoise Card?
- Highly qualified professionals: assessed on education, professional experience, field of work and salary level.
- Investors: people who make investments, create jobs or export at the required level.
- Scientists and researchers: with internationally recognised academic work.
- Culture, arts and sport: people with documented international achievements.
- Promotion of Turkey: people prominent in promoting Turkish culture and interests.
The 3-year transition period
The card is first issued with a 3-year transition period. During this time the Ministry checks whether the conditions on which the card was granted (investment, qualified employment and so on) still exist. The holder applies in time for the transition note to be removed; if the conditions continue, the card becomes indefinite. If they no longer exist, the card may be cancelled.
Rights of the holder’s family
- The spouse and minor or dependent children receive a “Turquoise Card family member document”.
- As long as it is valid, this document replaces a residence permit.
- Marriage and birth certificates must carry an apostille (or consular legalisation) and have notarised Turkish translations.
- Article 12 of Turkish Citizenship Law No. 5901 allows Turquoise Card holders and their families to apply for citizenship through the exceptional route; the decision is at the authorities’ discretion.
How to apply for a Turquoise Card
Preliminary review
The applicant group and likely score under the Regulation’s criteria are assessed.
Application
From inside Turkey through the Ministry’s online system; from abroad through Turkish missions.
Opinions
Where needed, the Ministry asks other ministries and institutions for their opinion.
Issue of the card
The card is issued with a 3-year transition period.
Indefinite status
If the conditions continue at the end of the transition period, the note is removed.
Turquoise Card and other routes
- Regular work permit: tied to an employer and time-limited; see work permit application.
- Working as a company partner: you can set up a company and obtain a permit as partner or manager; see work permit for company partners.
- Citizenship by investment: a separate route with its own conditions; see Turkish citizenship by investment.
Turquoise Card: frequently asked questions
Is the Turquoise Card citizenship?
No. It grants the right to work and reside; citizenship requires a separate application and decision.
Is the Turquoise Card tied to an employer?
No. Unlike a regular work permit, it is not tied to a specific employer.
How long is the transition period?
3 years. If the conditions continue, the card becomes indefinite at the end of this period.
Do family members get residence rights?
Yes. The spouse and children receive a Turquoise Card family member document, which replaces a residence permit.
This guide is based on the official legislation of the Republic of Türkiye and was last updated on .
This page provides general information and is not a substitute for legal advice on a specific case. No particular outcome of any application or proceeding is promised.
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