SimplyTR
SimplyTR
Back to Blog

The Ultimate Guide to Understanding the Turquoise Card

Hamit Ekşi
Hamit Ekşi
August 9, 2022
4 min read

The Turquoise Card offers foreigners indefinite work and residency rights in Turkey. Learn about eligibility, application requirements, and benefits for families.

What is the Turkish Turquoise Card?

The Turkish Turquoise Card is a special residency and work permit system. It gives you the right to work and live in Turkey forever. The government uses this card to attract high-skilled workers, investors, and artists. These people help the Turkish economy and culture grow.

Family members like your spouse and kids get the same rights. It's a high-level permit that makes life easier for global talent. You can work for a boss or start your own business as an independent employer.

Key Benefits of the Turkish Turquoise Card

This card gives you more perks than a standard work permit. One big plus is the right to enter and exit the country many times. You don't need to get a new visa every time you fly back to Turkey.

If you need a closer look here, see Key Benefits of Holding Multiple Nationalities.

Legal matters are also simpler for cardholders. You'll enjoy many of the same rights as Turkish citizens. This covers things like:

  • Travel and living in the country.
  • Investing and starting a business.
  • Buying property and leaving it to heirs.
  • Buying or selling assets like cars or land.

Local laws treat you like a citizen in these areas. This creates a safe and stable legal home for you and your family.

Rights and Obligations of Cardholders

While the card offers great freedom, you still have rules to follow. You need to know your legal standing in Turkey to stay safe.

Exemptions and Restrictions

  • Military Service: You don't have to serve in the Turkish military.
  • Political Rights: You can't vote, run for office, or work in public government jobs.
  • Social Security: You have social security rights, but you must follow specific Turkish laws to use them.

If a law says only Turkish citizens can do something, you won't be able to do it. Also, make sure you send all paperwork to the Ministry on time during your first few years.

The Three-Year Transition Period

You'll get your card for a three-year trial period first. During this time, the Ministry watches your progress. An expert checks if you're meeting your goals and helping the economy as you promised.

To keep the card forever, you must apply to remove this trial status. You have to do this within 180 days before the three years end. If you miss the deadline, your card expires. But if the Ministry likes your work, they'll make your card permanent.

Turquoise Card for Family Members

Your spouse and young children can get a "Relative Card" too. This card acts as their residence permit. It stays valid as long as your card is active. If your card gets canceled, the Ministry will revoke their cards as well.

Path to Turkish Citizenship

Under Article 12 of the Turkish Citizenship Law, cardholders and their families can become citizens. The Ministry might offer you citizenship once your trial period ends. You just need to show you aren't a threat to public safety. Getting that permanent status is the first step toward your new passport.

Grounds for Cancellation of the Turquoise Card

The Ministry can take away your card for several reasons. They don't need your permission to do this. Common reasons include:

  • Not coming to Turkey within six months of getting the card.
  • Staying outside Turkey for over two years without a very good reason.
  • Working illegally or breaking labor laws.
  • Not working for a full year.
  • Giving fake or wrong info on your application.
  • Missing paperwork during the trial period.
  • Being a safety risk or facing deportation.

If the Ministry cancels it, the card stops working right away. Getting a Turkish Turquoise Card is a smart move for elite talent, but you must follow the rules to keep it.

Related Articles

If you need a closer look here, see Related Articles.

If you need a closer look here, see Related Articles.

Frequently Asked Questions


#apply for turkish residence permit#apply for turkish residence permit online#apply for turkish residency#documents needed for turkish residence permit#getting work permit in turkey#hsbc turkey open an account#independent work permit turkey#open a turkish bank account online#open account ziraat bank#open bank account turkey
Hamit Ekşi

About Hamit Ekşi

Expert real estate consultant specializing in Turkish Citizenship by Investment programs. Helping international investors find their dream properties in Turkey.

HomePropertiesCitizenshipContact