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Türkiye Turquoise Card (Turkuaz Kart)

Turquoise Card (Turkuaz Kart) for qualified foreigners

In short

The Turquoise Card is Türkiye's permit for highly qualified foreigners under Article 11 of the International Workforce Law. It is granted by the Ministry of Labour and Social Security on the basis of education, experience, scientific contribution or the economic effect of the holder's investment, carries the rights of an indefinite work permit and becomes indefinite after a three-year transition period.

Apply on Ministry of Labour and Social Security: International Labour Force checked 24 October 2026

Key facts

Maximum stay: Unlimited while the card is valid.
Validity: First three years are a transition period; then an indefinite card on application.
Work: Yes, with the rights of an indefinite work permit.
Family: Spouse and dependent children receive the Turquoise Card Holder's Relative Card, which replaces a residence permit.
Path to permanent residence: Indefinite card after the transition period; holders share the rights of long-term residents.
Where to apply: Through the Ministry of Labour and Social Security, from Türkiye or via a Turkish mission.

Who is considered qualified

The law lists three groups: people with internationally recognised academic work; people who stand out in a field of science, industry or technology considered strategic for Türkiye; and people who contribute, or are expected to contribute, significantly to the national economy through exports, employment or investment. Applications are scored in line with international workforce policy and the recommendations of the International Workforce Policy Advisory Board.

What the Ministry weighs

Decisive factors are the level of education, professional experience, contribution to science and technology and the impact of the person's activity or investment in Türkiye on the economy and employment. Foreigners under temporary protection are excluded by law. Meeting the criteria does not create an automatic right; the Ministry decides on each file.

Transition period

The card is first issued with a three-year transition period. During that time the Ministry can ask the holder or employer for information and documents about the activity carried out. If the card is not cancelled, the holder applies to remove the transition note from 180 days before the period ends and in any case before it ends; a late application is refused and the card becomes invalid.

Check that your profile fits one of the three qualified-foreigner groups in Article 11.
Gather evidence of education, experience, scientific output or investment impact.
Apply through the Ministry of Labour and Social Security, from Türkiye or through a Turkish mission.
After approval, pay the fees and receive the card; register your address on arrival.
Apply for relative cards for spouse and children.
Within the last 180 days of the three-year transition, apply for the indefinite card.

Family members

The spouse and dependent children receive a Turquoise Card Holder's Relative Card. It shows the family link and serves as a residence permit for as long as the main card is valid. Cards carry a QR code and can be checked on the Ministry's permit verification service.

Rights of the card holder

Holders enjoy the rights of an indefinite work permit, which in turn gives the rights of long-term residence. Except for special laws, they are treated like Turkish citizens in most areas, but they cannot vote, stand for election, enter public service and have no military service obligation. The card replaces the residence permit, and holders can travel between provinces without a travel permit.

Documents

Required documents

Identity

Passport and, if in Türkiye, a valid residence permit.

Work

Evidence of professional experience and current position or employment offer.

Study

Diplomas and academic records; publications or patents for academic applicants.

Supporting documents (where they apply)

Money

For investors: evidence of the investment, exports or jobs created in Türkiye.

Family

Marriage and birth certificates for the relative cards.

Frequently asked questions

Is the Turquoise Card a residence permit?

Yes. Like a work permit it replaces the residence permit, and the relative card does the same for family members.

What happens if I miss the deadline at the end of the transition period?

The application to remove the transition note is refused and the card becomes invalid, so it must be filed within the last 180 days.

Can people under temporary protection apply?

No. Article 11 excludes foreigners under temporary protection.

Can Turquoise Card holders vote?

No. They cannot vote, stand for election or enter public service, and they have no military service obligation.

Official sources

International Workforce Law No. 6735 (consolidated text, mevzuat.gov.tr) · checked 24 October 2026
Ministry of Labour and Social Security: Documents issued to foreigners (Turquoise Card) · checked 24 October 2026

Summarised from the official sources above. Rules, fees and processing times change: confirm with the embassy or the official portal before you apply.