Last Updated on 12/04/2023
The Turkish government passed the Turquoise Card law as an alternative to annually renewing residence permits. This came in response to a rise in the number of requests for work permits. The Turquoise Card is a recent residency and work permit program in Turkey. Through this program, people with high qualifications such as scientists, athletes, artists, and investors are eligible for this card.
What is a Turquoise Card in Turkey?
A Turquoise Card is a unique kind of work permit that is valid for an indefinite period of time. Moreover, it allows foreigners to live and work permanently in Turkey. Besides, it gives the right to their spouses and children to live legally in Turkey.
International Workforce Law (Law No. 6735) established the Turquoise Card for the first time. And the Turquoise Card Regulation took effect on March 14, 2017. Therefore, most affluent nations have been working to entice competent foreign workers to work in their countries. We can note for example initiatives like the EU’s Blue Card and the USA’s Green Card. Similarly, Turquoise Card provides highly qualified people with a full range of employment and residency options in Turkey.
Turquoise Card for Foreign Investors in Turkey
It is consistent with Turkey’s international labor policy to give this card to foreign investors. Furthermore, it allows to set up the requirements for Turkish citizenship. So, a variety of persons who have particular abilities or knowledge can grant this card. Those who have made important investments in Turkey can get it too. Consequently, having a Turkuaz card has various advantages, including allowing you to work in Turkey and exercising some of citizenship rights.
Besides, foreigners with the capacity to invest significantly in Turkey, provide new employment opportunities, and advance the economy of this nation are eligible to get the Turquoise card.
Turquoise Card Benefits
In Turkey, a turquoise card is an unrestricted work or residency authorization. As a result, holders of this card get priority when applying for Turkish citizenship. Moreover, the applicant’s spouse and minor children can legally live in the country.
The owner of a Turquoise card has many common privileges and rights as citizens of Turkey.
- Residence, travel, employment, business, investment, inherited property, both moveable and immovable property, and compensation. The rights and benefits, however, do not apply if the law stipulates that the applicant must be a citizen of Turkey.
- They doesn’t have mandatory military service.
- They have priority in the application process for Turkish citizenship.
Who can get Turquoise Card in Turkey?
Not all foreigners who want to live and work in Turkey can get a Turquoise Card. The card is only available to those who meet strict requirements. Therefore, only individuals with the following features can get Turquoise card:
- highly competent workers in terms of education, pay, professional knowledge, experience, and/or contributions to science and technology.
- Highly qualified investors based on their degree of investment or export level, employment potential, ability to contribute to the advancement of science and technology, and similar criteria.
- Contribute to the advancement of science and technology, or are scientists or researchers working abroad in the domains of business, industry, and technology for the benefit of the nation;
- Are successful on a global scale in cultural, athletic, and creative endeavors.
- Participate in international activities pertaining to Turkey’s national interests or contribute to the recognition and promotion of Turkey or Turkish culture on international stages.
How to Apply for a Turquoise Card?
You have two options for submitting your initial application to get a Turquoise card: either through the Turkish Ministry of Labor and Social Security directly, or through the Turkish Embassy or Consulate in your place of residence if you are applying from abroad. To manage the application on your behalf, you might grant power of attorney to a third party.
When relevant authorities receive your application, they assess it using the criteria established by the Directorate General of International Workforce. Regular supervision from an expert who monitors your progress will be provided. If the supervisor is not pleased with your performance, you have three months to make any necessary improvements.
What are the Documents Required for the Turquoise Card Application?
To submit your application you need to provide the following documents.
- Application form,
- a copy of the applicant’s passport or other appropriate documentation,
- a certificate of conformity obtained, if applicable, from a relevant governmental entity or institution
- Documents proving your qualifications as:
- Qualified workers:
a diploma, labor contract, CV, assignment or appointment letter, and globally recognized documents describing professional experience and foreign languages other than the native language are required.
- Qualified investors:
Records detailing the foreigners who are deemed to be qualified investors’ investment size, employment level, export amount, financial competence, and area, sector, and line of work
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- Diploma, documentation attesting to academic standing and position, academic degrees or licenses, certificates of trademark or patent for researchers or scientists,
- non-Turkish who contribute to the recognition and promotion of Turkey or Turkish culture
Achievement certificates for foreign nationals who achieved success at both a national and international level in both cultural, artistic, or athletic pursuits,
- Certificates for work completed as a Turquoise volunteer on an international scale, for literary and artistic creations, and for promotional activities that include data on the duration, sustainability, continuity, and impact area.
How to Deactivate the Turquoise Card
The following situations, in addition to the Turquoise card holder’s request, could result in the cancellation of the card:
- If the cardholder does not enter Turkey within six months of the Turquoise Card’s start date or is abroad for more than two years without a compelling reason.
- If the cardholder’s passport or other travel document is not extended, except for circumstances in which the Ministry of the Interior or the Ministry of Foreign Affairs has given its consent.
- If it is discovered that the cardholder is working illegally or in violation of the law.
- In case of the cardholder’s absence from employment for at least a year.
FAQ
What is a Turkish blue card?
The Turkish blue card is a special work permit with unlimited validity.
What is a Turkuaz card?
The Turquoise card or the blue card is an unlimited work permit.
