The Turquoise Card

Who is the Turquoise Card for?

The card is granted to foreigners judged qualified against the Ministry's assessment criteria. Applications are evaluated through a scoring system.

• Qualified professionals — foreigners whose education, professional experience and contribution to science and technology stand out
• Qualified investors — assessed on the investment's effect on the economy and employment
• Academics and researchers — through their scholarly work and international standing
• Foreigners recognised at national level for cultural, artistic or sporting activity
• Foreigners contributing to the international recognition of Türkiye or Turkish culture

Scoring covers education, salary level, professional experience, contribution to science and technology, and the impact of any investment. Meeting the criteria does not create an absolute entitlement.

The three-year transition period

The card is issued with the first three years marked as a transition period. During that time the Ministry may monitor the activities of the foreigner or the employer and request information and documents.

The card can be cancelled if requested information is not provided or if the conditions on which it was granted cease to apply.

If it is not cancelled within the transition period, the transition note is removed on the foreigner's application before the period ends and an indefinite Turquoise Card is issued. Without that application the card becomes invalid.

Do not forget to apply as the transition period nears its end. This is the step Turquoise Card holders most often miss.

What the card gives you

A Turquoise Card holder enjoys the rights an indefinite work permit provides.

• The right to work without being tied to a specific employer
• The card itself confers the right to reside and work in Türkiye — no separate residence permit is needed
• The rights granted by a long-term residence permit
• The rights afforded to Turkish citizens, other than voting and standing for election, entering public service and military service

Turquoise Card holders pay no permit fee; only the valuable paper charge for the document issued.

Spouses and children: the Relative Card

A Turquoise Card Holder's Relative Card is issued to the holder's spouse and dependent children, valid alongside the main card.

That document serves in place of a residence permit. It does not, however, grant a right to work on its own; a spouse or child who wants to work needs their own work permit.

The relative card's validity depends on the main card. If the main card is cancelled, the relative cards lapse with it.

How to apply

Applications are made through the e-İzin system, either from inside or outside Türkiye. From abroad, a reference number is first obtained at a Turkish mission.

The file includes educational certificates and their equivalences, documents evidencing professional experience, investment paperwork where relevant, and anything showing international recognition. Every foreign-language document needs a sworn translation with notary certification.

If the application succeeds the card is printed and sent to the address given.

The Turquoise Card and the Turquoise Card Holder's Relative Card — specimen images published by the Ministry.