Turquoise Card: Comprehensive Guide (Terms, Application, Scoring, Indefinite Rights)

The Turquoise Card is a privileged status that allows foreigners to work and reside in Turkey indefinitely and attract highly qualified labor and investors. This guide explains in a clear and practical way who is granted the Turquoise Card as of 2025, the scoring and evaluation criteria, all steps including the application-document-transition process, the rights of family members, cancellation/appeal and costs.

What is a Turquoise Card?

The Turquoise Card is a special work and residence permit issued to highly qualified foreigners who will contribute to the country’s economy, employment, science and technology within the scope of Turkey’s international labor policy.

• The first 3 years are regulated as a “transition period”. During this period, the Ministry of Labor and Social Security monitors the activities of the card holder.
• If the criteria are maintained at the end of the transition period, it is made indefinite.
• Criteria such as educational level, professional experience, wage level, investment or export contribution, scientific/technological studies are taken into account.

Turquoise Card holders have the advantage of both a work permit and a residence permit with a single document. In this respect, it is one of the most comprehensive permits Turkey offers for foreign investors, scientists, researchers and highly qualified labor force.

For detailed legal regulation: Turquoise Card Regulation published in the Official Gazette (March 14, 2017).

For more detailed information and terms and conditions, you can access the Turkuaz Card’s Turkish/English brochure here: Turquoise Card Brochure (Turkish-English).

Who can apply?

• Highly skilled labor force
• Highly qualified investor
• Scientist/researcher
• Cultural, artistic or sporting achievers
• People who contributed to Turkey’s recognition

Application process (step by step)

1. The application channel is selected in Turkey or from a foreign representative office
2. Documents are prepared
3. Application is made through the system
4. Scoring and certificate of conformity check
5. Transition period and annual monitoring reports
6. Application for indefinite extension (180 days rule)

Required documents

• Passport copy
• Application petition
• Certificate of conformity (if applicable)
• Diplomas, proofs of investment, patents, award certificates, etc.

Certificate of conformity

Official document verifying the applicant’s qualifications; provides an advantage in scoring.

Scoring system

It is calculated according to criteria such as education, income, investment amount, foreign language, patents and awards.

Transition period and indefinitization

• First 3 years transition period
• Annual monitoring reports
• 180 days before the application is mandatory

Family members and residents

The proximity card issued to spouses and children replaces the residence permit.

Rights and obligations

Rights Permanent residence, multiple entry, investment and trade rights

Obligations SSI responsibilities, no right to vote

Fees, charges and costs

Fee exemptions, valuable paper fees and consultancy fees.

Cancellation, rejection and objection

Reasons for cancellation: forged document, no entry, SSI violation, etc.

SSS

Is the Turquoise Card indefinite?

The first 3 years are granted on a transitional basis, after the application for indefinitization it becomes indefinite.

Can family members reside in Turkey?

Yes, they can reside with a proximity card.

What if the application is submitted after the transition period has expired?

The card is invalid.

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