Immigration
Turquoise Card in Turkey: A Comprehensive Guide
Turquoise Card in Turkey: A Comprehensive Guide for Foreign Nationals
Authored by: Attorney Mert Veysel Yılmaz, Managing Partner at Yılmaz Attorneys
Turkey offers numerous opportunities for foreign nationals aiming to work, invest, or contribute to the country's scientific, cultural, and economic development. One such opportunity is the Turquoise Card (Turkuaz Kart), a special work and residence permit that grants its holder the right to indefinite work and residence in Turkey. It also provides residence rights to their spouse and dependent children. Additionally, under certain conditions and upon completing the necessary procedures, Turquoise Card holders and their family members may have the opportunity to acquire Turkish citizenship.
At Yılmaz Attorneys, with offices in both Antalya and Ankara, we specialize in assisting clients with Turkish immigration law, including Turquoise Card applications, residence permits in Antalya, and citizenship by investment in Antalya. Our team of experienced Antalya lawyers and English-speaking attorneys is dedicated to providing comprehensive legal support to foreign nationals.
What is the Turquoise Card?
The Turquoise Card is a document that grants foreign nationals the right to indefinite work and residence in Turkey. It also extends residence rights to the holder's spouse and dependent children. The Turquoise Card system was established to attract highly qualified workforce and investors to Turkey by offering them a streamlined path to live and work in the country. Additionally, Turquoise Card holders and their family members may have the opportunity to acquire Turkish citizenship, provided they meet certain conditions and complete the necessary procedures.
Who Can Obtain the Turquoise Card?
According to Article 5 of the Turquoise Card Regulation and Article 11 of Law No. 6735 on International Labor Force, the Turquoise Card can be granted to foreign nationals who fall into one of the following categories:
Highly Qualified Investors:
Individuals considered as highly qualified investors in terms of investment, export level, employment they will provide, or their contribution to scientific and technological development.
Scientists and Researchers:
Individuals who contribute to the development of science or technology or who conduct studies or research considered strategic in terms of the country's interests in these areas.
Highly Qualified Workforce:
Individuals considered as highly qualified workforce due to their educational level, professional knowledge and experience, and contribution to science and technology.
Persons with International Achievements in Cultural, Artistic, or Sports Activities:
Individuals who have international success in cultural, artistic, or sports activities.
Contributors to Turkey's International Recognition:
Individuals who contribute to the international recognition or promotion of Turkey or Turkish culture and engage in international activities related to Turkey's national interests.
To be eligible to apply for the Turquoise Card, a foreign national must fall into one of the categories listed above. Additionally, applicants must not be among those who are prohibited from being granted a visa or entering Turkey.
Who Cannot Apply for the Turquoise Card?
The Turquoise Card cannot be granted to foreign nationals who:
Do Not Meet Eligibility Criteria: Those who do not fall into any of the categories listed above.
Are Prohibited from Entering Turkey: Individuals banned from entering Turkey under Article 9 of the Law on Foreigners and International Protection. The main reasons for a prohibition are listed below.
Lack Valid Documentation: Those without a valid passport, travel document, visa, residence permit, or work permit, or who have obtained these documents fraudulently.
Pose a Security Risk: Persons considered dangerous for public order or public security.
Have Certain Health Conditions: Individuals carrying diseases that pose a threat to public health.
Are Suspects or Convicts: Those who are suspects or convicts regarding crimes that require extradition under international agreements to which Turkey is a party.
Lack Health Insurance: Individuals without valid health insurance covering their stay in Turkey.
Cannot Justify Purpose of Stay: Those who cannot justify their purpose of stay in Turkey with legitimate reasons.
Lack Financial Means: Persons who do not have sufficient and regular financial means for the duration of their stay.
Have Outstanding Debts: Individuals who do not agree to pay debts or penalties resulting from visa violations or previous residence permits.
Have a Deportation Order: Those who have a deportation order issued against them.
Applicants must not be among the above categories; otherwise, their applications will be rejected by the authorities.
How to Apply for the Turquoise Card
Application Process Steps
The Turquoise Card application process proceeds as follows:
Online Application or Consular Application:
Applications can be made online through the Foreigners Application, Evaluation, and Monitoring System operated by the Ministry.
Alternatively, applications can be submitted via Turkish foreign missions (embassies or consulates) in the applicant's country of citizenship or legal residence.
Submission of Required Information and Documents:
Applicants must provide all necessary information and submit the required documents, as outlined in the application requirements.
Evaluation by the General Directorate:
The application is reviewed by the General Directorate of International Labor Force.
Scoring System Assessment:
The applicant is evaluated using a point-based scoring system.
Consultation with Relevant Authorities:
If necessary, the Ministry may seek opinions from other relevant authorities, public institutions, and organizations.
Decision on the Application:
Approval: If the application is successful, the foreign national is granted the Turquoise Card with an initial three-year transition period.
Rejection: If the application is unsuccessful, a rejection decision is communicated to the applicant, who may then have the opportunity to appeal.
Required Documents for Turquoise Card Application
When applying for the Turquoise Card, the following documents must be submitted and uploaded to the system:
General Documents Required for All Applicants
Application Petition: A formal letter requesting the Turquoise Card.
Copy of Passport or Travel Document: A valid passport or equivalent travel document.
Certificate of Conformity (if available): Issued by relevant public institutions and organizations, confirming that the applicant possesses the required qualifications.
Specific Documents Based on Applicant's Category
For Highly Qualified Workforce
Diplomas and Degree Certificates: Proof of educational background.
Employment Contract or Job Offer: Documents showing the terms of employment.
Curriculum Vitae (CV): Detailing professional experience.
Appointment or Assignment Letters: If applicable.
Proof of Professional Experience: Certificates or letters from previous employers.
Foreign Language Proficiency Certificates: Internationally recognized certificates showing proficiency in languages other than the mother tongue.
For Highly Qualified Investors
Investment Amount Documents: Proof of the amount invested.
Financial Statements: Demonstrating financial capability.
Export and Import Figures: If applicable.
Employment Levels: Number of employees hired.
Information on Sector, Region, and Business Activity: Details about the investment.
Ownership Documents: Proof of movable or immovable assets, intellectual property rights in Turkey.
For Scientists or Researchers
Diplomas and Academic Titles: Proof of academic qualifications.
Evidence of Academic Studies: Publications, research projects.
Patents, Trademarks, or Licenses: Certificates of registered intellectual property.
Involvement in Innovation Activities: Documents showing participation in R&D or innovation projects.
For Persons with International Achievements in Cultural, Artistic, or Sports Activities
Certificates of Success: Awards, recognitions, or certificates proving national or international success.
Membership in Professional Organizations: If applicable.
For Athletes:
Sports Licenses: Proof of active participation in sports.
Achievements and Awards: Records of medals, titles, or rankings.
Club Affiliation: Information about the sports club and its achievements.
For Contributors to Turkey's International Recognition
Documents Related to International Activities: Proof of activities promoting Turkey or Turkish culture.
Intellectual and Artistic Works: Evidence of contributions.
Details about Promotional Activities: Information on the duration, sustainability, continuity, and impact area of the activities.
Additional Notes
Documents obtained from abroad must be apostilled and have a notarized Turkish translation when submitted to the relevant authority.
Failure to provide properly authenticated documents may result in delays or rejection of the application.
Evaluation and Decision Process
Point-Based Scoring System
The Turquoise Card application is evaluated using a point-based scoring system established by the General Directorate of International Labor Force in line with international labor policies. Specific criteria are set for each category of applicant, and the applicant is scored based on how well they meet these criteria.
Scoring Criteria for Each Category
Highly Qualified Workforce
Educational Level and Institution Reputation
Salary Level
Professional Experience and Seniority
Alignment of Education and Profession
Foreign Language Proficiency
Highly Qualified Investors
Investment Characteristics
Export Level
Employment Creation
Sector and Regional Needs
Business Nature
Scientists or Researchers
Academic Title and Career
Previous Institutions
Publications and Studies
Patents and Innovations
Work in Strategic Sectors
Persons with International Achievements
Awards and Recognitions
Club Affiliation and Status
National Representation
Contributors to Turkey's International Recognition
Duration and Continuity of Activities
Impact Area
Transition Period and Removal of Transition Period
Transition Period
Upon approval, the Turquoise Card is initially granted with a three-year transition period.
During this period, the cardholder's compliance with the required conditions and fulfillment of their commitments are regularly monitored.
Reports are prepared every 12 months, evaluating whether the cardholder has met their commitments.
If additional information or documents are needed, the cardholder must provide them within 15 days.
Removal of Transition Period
The application to remove the transition period notation should be made within 180 days before the end of the three-year period.
Failure to apply within this timeframe will result in the card becoming invalid.
If the report is positive, the Turquoise Card becomes indefinite.
If the report is negative, a decision may be made to either extend the transition period or cancel the card.
Transition to Turkish Citizenship After Obtaining the Turquoise Card
Eligibility for Turkish Citizenship
Turquoise Card holders and their relatives (spouse and dependent children) may become eligible for Turkish citizenship.
The cardholder must not pose a threat to national security and public order.
The transition period notation must be removed, meaning the cardholder has successfully completed the three-year transition period and obtained the indefinite Turquoise Card.
After meeting the conditions, the foreign national can apply for Turkish citizenship.
Rejection of the Application and Right to Appeal
Reasons for Rejection
Turquoise Card applications may be rejected in the following circumstances:
Failure to meet the evaluation criteria set by the Ministry.
Non-compliance with international labor policies.
Applications containing fraudulent or misleading information and documents.
Insufficient justification for the employment of the foreign national.
Applications for jobs reserved exclusively for Turkish citizens.
Applicants who are prohibited from entering Turkey or have a deportation order.
Applications deemed objectionable for public order, security, or public health reasons.
Right to Appeal
File an objection with the General Directorate of International Labor Force within 30 days from the date of notification of the rejection.
File a lawsuit in the administrative court within 60 days from the date of notification.
If an objection is filed within 30 days, the 60-day period for filing a lawsuit is suspended.
Cancellation of the Turquoise Card and Right to Appeal
Reasons for Cancellation
At the cardholder's request.
Not arriving in Turkey within six months from the effective date.
Staying abroad continuously for more than two years without a valid reason.
Failure to renew the passport or travel document.
Working illegally or contrary to specified provisions.
Not working continuously for at least one year.
Discovery of fraudulent or misleading information in the application.
Non-compliance during transition period.
Being among those prohibited from entering Turkey or having a deportation order.
Employment poses a threat to public order, security, or public health.
Rights and Obligations of Turquoise Card Holders
Rights Granted
Indefinite Work Permit: Allows unrestricted work in Turkey.
Residence Permit: Grants indefinite residence rights.
Family Residence Rights: Spouse and dependent children receive residence permits.
Path to Citizenship: Opportunity to acquire Turkish citizenship after meeting certain conditions.
Equal Treatment: Enjoy the same rights as Turkish citizens in areas like residence, travel, investment, commercial activities, inheritance, and property acquisition, except for certain exclusive rights.
Limitations
Cannot work in positions reserved for public officials.
Restricted from practicing professions exclusively reserved for Turkish citizens.
Do not have the right to vote or be elected.
Exempt from military service obligations.
Obligations
Must abide by Turkish laws and regulations.
May need to provide periodic reports during the transition period.
Must continue to meet the criteria under which the card was granted.
Conclusion
The Turquoise Card presents a valuable opportunity for highly skilled professionals, investors, scientists, artists, and individuals contributing to Turkey's international recognition to live and work in Turkey indefinitely and potentially acquire Turkish citizenship. However, the application process is complex and requires careful preparation and adherence to specific criteria and procedures.
At Yılmaz Attorneys, we are committed to providing comprehensive legal support to foreign nationals. With our offices in Antalya and Ankara, our team of experienced attorneys is well-equipped to assist you throughout the Turquoise Card application process and beyond.
For personalized guidance and assistance with your Turquoise Card application or other legal matters in Turkey, please contact us. Our dedicated team is here to help you navigate the complexities of Turkish law and achieve your goals.
Disclaimer: This guide is intended for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Immigration laws and regulations are subject to change. For the most current information and personalized advice, please consult official government sources or a qualified attorney.
