What Is the Turquoise Card, and Who Is Eligible to Get It?
The Turquoise Card is issued to highly qualified workers, investors, scientists, artists, and athletes, as well as to foreign nationals who contribute to Turkey’s international recognition. It grants the holder the opportunity to enjoy the rights provided by a permanent work permit. The first three years constitute a transition period, and an application must be submitted to have the transition status removed before this period expires.
What exactly is the Turquoise Card?
The Turquoise Card is not an ordinary work permit. It is a special document issued by the Ministry of Labour and Social Security to foreign nationals who meet certain criteria, granting the holder the opportunity to enjoy the rights provided by a permanent work permit.
The goal is clear: to make Turkey a preferred destination for highly qualified workers. For this reason, the evaluation is not based solely on employer criteria, as is the case with standard work permit applications; rather, the foreign national’s own qualifications, contribution to the country, and investment are taken into account.
The decision rests with the Ministry and is made within the framework of international labor policy. Meeting the requirements does not, in and of itself, entitle an applicant to the card; the application must be deemed eligible.
Who is eligible to apply?
The regulations define five groups. Belonging to one of these groups is a prerequisite for applying.
| Group | The primary criterion considered in the evaluation |
|---|---|
| Highly skilled workforce | Level of education, salary, professional knowledge and experience, contributions to science and technology |
| High-net-worth investor | The level of investment or exports, the number of jobs it will create, and its contribution to technological advancement |
| Scientist or researcher | Contributions to scientific and technological advancement; research considered strategic in the fields of science, industry, and technology |
| Artists and athletes | Success at the international level in cultural, artistic, or athletic activities |
| Contributors to the presentation | Contributing to the international recognition of Turkey or Turkish culture; international activities related to national interests |
These groups are not a checklist but rather an evaluation framework. Applications are reviewed in accordance with the recommendations of the International Labor Policy Advisory Board and the procedures and principles established by the Ministry.
A three-year transition period and a date not to be missed
The Turquoise Card is not issued directly for an indefinite period. The first three years are considered a "transition period." During this period, the Ministry may request information and documents from the employer or the foreign national regarding their activities.
If the card has not been revoked during the transition period, the transition period notation on the card will be removed upon the foreign national’s application, and a permanent Turquoise Card will be issued. However, this application is not processed automatically; it must be requested.
The application window is clearly defined: Applications may be submitted starting 180 days before the transition period expires and must, in any case, be completed before the period expires.
Applications submitted after the deadline will be rejected, and the Turquoise Card will become invalid. This is not a delay that can be extended; the timeline must be established at least six months in advance.
When should I apply to have my transition period record removed?
You may apply starting 180 days before the end of the transition period, and the application must be completed before the deadline. Applications submitted after the deadline will be rejected, and the card will become invalid.
What does it offer the family?
The spouse and dependent children of a Turquoise Card holder are issued a document certifying that they are relatives of the Turquoise Card holder, which serves as a residence permit.
This document grants the right to reside; it does not automatically grant the right to work. If a family member intends to work, they must obtain a separate work permit in their own name or qualify for an exemption under the relevant legislation.
How is it different from a permanent work permit?
Both provide the holder with the opportunity to work permanently, and Turquoise Card holders enjoy the rights granted by an indefinite work permit. The difference lies in how one gains entry.
For a permanent work permit, the primary criterion is the length of time spent in Turkey: applicants must have a long-term residence permit or a history of legal employment for a specific period. For the Turquoise Card, however, the criterion is qualifications; it is not required to have resided in Turkey for a long period.
For this reason, the Turquoise Card is a viable alternative for foreigners who are new to Turkey but highly qualified.
Work Permit Salary CalculatorCalculate the minimum wage multiplier and Social Security costs based on job title.Frequently Asked Questions
Who submits the Turquoise Card application?
Applications are submitted through the Ministry of Labour and Social Security’s electronic system. For applications filed from within the country, the process generally proceeds through the employer; for investor and self-employed applications, the foreign national’s own circumstances are taken into account. Clarifying which category you fall under before applying ensures that you structure the contents of your application correctly from the start.
Can I change employers after receiving a Turquoise Card?
The Turquoise Card offers greater flexibility than a traditional work permit tied to a single employer, as it allows holders to enjoy the rights granted by a permanent work permit. However, during the transition period, the Ministry may request information and documentation regarding the activity being carried out; if the qualifications or activity upon which the card is based cease to exist, revocation may be considered. For this reason, any change in employment or activity during the transition period must be evaluated in advance.
I am under temporary protection. Can I get a Turquoise Card?
No. Turquoise Cards are not issued to foreigners granted temporary protection. The right of foreigners in this group to work is assessed under a separate work permit system linked to their temporary protection identification document.
Does the Turquoise Card grant Turkish citizenship?
No. The Turquoise Card is a work and residence permit; it is not a citizenship status. Citizenship requires a separate application and meets separate requirements. However, accumulating uninterrupted and legal residence time in Turkey is significant for future applications for citizenship or long-term residence.
What can I do if my application is denied?
An administrative appeal may be filed against a rejection decision within the prescribed time limit starting from the date of notification; if that is unsuccessful, a case may be brought before the administrative courts. The time limits are short, so be sure to note the date you received the rejection letter. Submitting a new application without understanding the grounds for the rejection often leads to the same result.
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Ministry of Labour and Social Security — General Directorate of International Labor, Turquoise Card page and Turquoise Card Regulation. Last updated: September 3, 2026.
This page is intended for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Decisions on Turquoise Card applications are subject to the evaluation of the Ministry of Labour and Social Security; the outcome depends on the applicant’s qualifications and application materials.
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