What Is the Turquoise Card?
The Turquoise Card is Turkey's special status granted to highly skilled foreign professionals, investors and academics. Similar to the United States "green card", it provides card holders with permanent work and residence rights in Turkey.
Introduced under Law No. 4817 in 2017, the Turquoise Card is evaluated under updated criteria as of 2026.
Who Can Apply?
1. Highly Skilled Professionals
- Individuals holding a doctorate from an internationally recognised institution
- Scientists and artists recognised with international or national awards
- Managers with at least 5 years of experience who graduated from foreign universities with ÖSYM equivalency
2. Investors
- Those who have invested at least 500,000 USD or equivalent in Turkey
- Those who provide employment for at least 50 people
- Those who contribute at least 1,000,000 USD annually to Turkish exports
3. Science and Technology Leaders
- Researchers and inventors with international patents
- Academics who have published in international scientific journals
- Tech entrepreneurs operating in accredited technology development zones
Benefits of the Turquoise Card
| Feature | Detail |
|---|---|
| Work rights | Permanent, with any employer |
| Residence rights | Permanent residence in Turkey |
| Family coverage | Spouse and children under 18 included |
| Social security | Full SGK coverage |
| Path to citizenship | Eligible to apply after 5 years |
Application Process
1. Temporary Turquoise Card (3 Years)
In the first phase, the applicant is granted a 3-year provisional Turquoise Card. This period is a trial phase during which Turkey evaluates the applicant's contribution.
2. Permanent Turquoise Card
At least 180 days before the temporary card expires, an application can be made to the Ministry for conversion to a permanent card. If eligibility criteria are met, a permanent Turquoise Card is issued.
Turquoise Card vs Standard Work Permit
| Work Permit | Turquoise Card | |
|---|---|---|
| Duration | 1–3 years (renewable) | Permanent |
| Employer tie | Specific employer | Independent |
| Residence permit | Obtained separately | Included |
| Family coverage | Separate application | Automatically included |
For Turquoise Card consultancy, contact the Deniz Kurumsal team.
Related Services: Work Permit · Residence Permit · Turkish Citizenship