Turquoise Card vs Blue Card: Rights and Differences
September 15, 2025 |
- Articles
| 3 minutes
The Turquoise Card and the Blue Card issued to foreigners in Turkey are two separate statuses that differ in scope and purpose. In this context, we discuss to whom they are issued, the rights they provide and the main differences between them.
What is a Blue Card?
- The Blue Card is issued to those who acquired Turkish citizenship by birth and lost it through a renunciation permit, and to their descendants.
- These persons benefit from rights such as residence, work, investment, real estate acquisition, inheritance in Turkey as Turkish citizens.
- However, they do not have the right to vote, to serve in the military or to hold public office.
For details: Blue Card and Legal Rights
What is a Turquoise Card?
- The Turquoise Card is issued to highly qualified foreign workers, investors, scientists, artists or athletes who do not have Turkish citizenship.
- It gains indefinite status after the first 3-year transition period.
- The Turquoise Card holder obtains the right to work and reside, and his/her spouse and children are issued a “relative of a Turquoise Card holder” certificate.
For details: What is a Turquoise Card?
Key Differences between Turquoise Card and Blue Card
| Feature | Turquoise Card | Blue Card |
|---|---|---|
| To whom it is given | Foreigners who are not Turkish citizens (qualified labor force, investors, scientists, etc.) | Those who lost Turkish citizenship and their descendants |
| Application Requirement | Scoring system, certificate of conformity, international success or investment | Application to the Population and Citizenship Affairs after loss of citizenship |
| Duration of Status | 3 year transition period, then indefinitely | Indefinite |
| Family Rights | Residence rights for spouse and children | Depending on the line of descent, children are also entitled |
| Naturalization | Possible with additional procedures | There may already be a right to Turkish citizenship by descent |
Comparison of Rights
- Right of residence and right to work: Both cards provide.
- Social security: Being covered by the SSI and benefiting from the same rights.
- Property and inheritance: Property and inheritance rights are equal to those of Turkish citizens.
- Political rights: Neither gives the right to vote.
- Military service: Exemption applies to both statuses.
Which Card is Right for You?
- For those who have lost Turkish citizenship: Blue Card is the only and direct option.
- For foreigners who do not have Turkish citizenship but have a qualified profile: Turquoise Card is the application route.
- Both statuses provide the opportunity to live and work permanently in Turkey in the long term.
SSS
Can someone with a Blue Card get a Turquoise Card?
No, it is not. The Blue Card is already a status directly linked to Turkish citizenship.
Does the Turquoise Card grant citizenship?
Turquoise Card holders can apply for naturalization under certain conditions after obtaining permanent status.
Do family members have different rights?
For Turquoise Card, spouses and children are issued a special document; for Blue Card, entitlement is based on lineage.
To Determine the Right Status
The correct assessment of the differences between the Turquoise Card and the Blue Card depends on the foreigner’s current status and tiesto Turkey. You can seek advice from MFY Legal | Law Firm’s specialized lawyers to determine the appropriate option.
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This Briefing is for Informational Purposes; it is not Legal Advice. If You Have any Questions, Please Contact Us. All Rights Reserved.
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