For highly qualified foreign professionals, investors, managers, scientists and internationally successful professionals who work or plan to work in Türkiye, the Turquoise Card is an important work and residence status.
The Turquoise Card is a special status that provides eligible foreigners with the right to work in Türkiye indefinitely. Applications are assessed based on factors such as the applicant’s education, professional experience, expertise, salary level, contribution to science and technology, investment and export capacity, potential to create employment and other qualifications.
Who Can Be Considered for a Turquoise Card?
Turquoise Card applications may be considered particularly for the following profiles:
- Highly qualified foreign professionals and managers
- Specialists, engineers and technical professionals
- Investors and entrepreneurs
- Scientists and researchers
- Professionals working in R&D and technology
- Artists and athletes with national or international achievements
- Foreign professionals who may contribute to the international recognition of Türkiye
In addition to the applicant’s personal qualifications, their business, investment or professional activities in Türkiye may also be taken into consideration, where applicable.
How Is a Turquoise Card Application Made?
A Turquoise Card application can be made through the relevant electronic system or Turkish foreign missions, depending on whether the foreigner is in Türkiye or abroad.
The application may require documents supporting the applicant’s education, professional experience, position, salary, investment, exports, employment, academic work or international achievements.
As the required documents and assessment criteria may vary depending on the nature of the application, it is important to review the applicant’s circumstances before submitting the application.
The First 3 Years of the Turquoise Card
The Turquoise Card is initially issued with a three-year transition period.
During this period, the Ministry may monitor the Turquoise Card holder’s activities and commitments and may request additional information or documents when necessary.
After the transition period, an application must be made within the period specified under the applicable legislation to remove the transition record and make the Turquoise Card indefinite.
The application period starts 180 days before the end of the transition period, and the application must be submitted before the three-year period expires.
Family Members of a Turquoise Card Holder
A Turquoise Card Holder Family Member Card may be issued to the spouse and dependent children of the Turquoise Card holder as defined under the applicable legislation.
This card may serve as a residence permit for the duration of the Turquoise Card’s validity.
Turquoise Card for International Companies
For international companies and foreign-invested companies employing foreign managers, specialists, engineers, researchers or other highly qualified professionals in Türkiye, the Turquoise Card may be considered as an alternative work status.
For foreign professionals working in sectors such as technology, R&D, high value-added production, investment and specialised fields, both the applicant’s qualifications and the company’s activities should be reviewed together.
RL Turkey Turquoise Card Consultancy
RL Turkey provides consultancy services for Turquoise Card applications for foreigners working or planning to work in Türkiye, as well as international companies employing foreign professionals.
Our support may include:
- Preliminary assessment of the applicant’s eligibility for the Turquoise Card criteria
- Identifying the required documents
- Preparing the application file
- Following up on the application process
- Following up on additional information and documents requested by the Ministry
- Assistance during the three-year transition period
- Consultancy for the process of making the Turquoise Card indefinite
- Relevant residence procedures for family members
Each Turquoise Card application should be assessed separately based on the applicant’s qualifications and the legislation in force at the time of application.
For information about Turquoise Card applications in Türkiye or to have an applicant’s circumstances reviewed, you can contact RL Turkey.
