Republic of Türkiye · skilled migration · Leads to settlement
Turkey Turquoise Card
By Sam Parks · Last reviewed:
Special status conferring the rights of an indefinite work permit on highly qualified professionals, investors, researchers, and cultural figures, after a three-year transition period.
- Processing time
- Indicative: applications are assessed by the Ministry against qualification criteria; confirm current processing expectations on the official page.
- Government fees
- Indicative: card and document fees are set by the Ministry; confirm current amounts on the official page.
- Typical duration
- Provisional three-year transition period, then indefinite on successful conversion.
- Sponsorship required
- No
- Leads to permanent residency
- Yes
Overview
The Turquoise Card (Turkuaz Kart) is granted by the Ministry of Labour and Social Security to foreigners judged outstanding by education, professional experience, contribution to science and technology, or the economic and employment impact of their activities or investments in Türkiye. It is initially issued with a provisional three-year transition period; the holder applies within the final 180 days of that period to have the provisional status removed and an indefinite Turquoise Card issued. The card confers the rights of an indefinite work permit, and the holder spouse and dependent children receive a document serving as a residence permit.
Eligibility
Typical criteria
- ✓Demonstrated excellence by education, professional experience, or contribution to science and technology.Directorate General of International Labour Force ↗
- ✓Or significant investment activity with measurable impact on Türkiye economy and employment.Directorate General of International Labour Force ↗
- ✓Application assessed and approved by the Directorate General of International Labour Force.Directorate General of International Labour Force ↗
Common blockers
- !Profile that does not meet the high qualification, investment, or recognition thresholds.Directorate General of International Labour Force ↗
- !Holding temporary protection status, which excludes a foreigner from the Turquoise Card.Directorate General of International Labour Force ↗
- !Missing the 180-day window to convert provisional status, which invalidates the card.Directorate General of International Labour Force ↗
Typical evidence
- ·Diplomas and proof of advanced qualifications.Directorate General of International Labour Force ↗
- ·Evidence of professional experience, scientific contribution, or recognition.Directorate General of International Labour Force ↗
- ·Investment and employment-impact documentation where the investor ground is used.Directorate General of International Labour Force ↗
- ·Valid passport.Directorate General of International Labour Force ↗
Application pathway
Confirm qualifying category
Establish eligibility under the professional, investor, researcher, or cultural/sports grounds.
Apply to the Ministry
Lodge the Turquoise Card application with the Directorate General of International Labour Force.
Hold provisional card
On approval, a provisional card with a three-year transition period is issued; the Ministry may request activity documentation.
Convert to indefinite
Apply within the final 180 days of the transition period to have provisional status removed and the indefinite card issued.
Official application links
Where to actually go next
These are the official pages to use for this route. Open them before preparing documents: the forms, fees, appointment systems, and sponsor steps can change without warning.
- Official guidanceApplicantUse official Turkey Turquoise Card route page ↗
Use this official page to confirm requirements and follow the government filing route for Turkey Turquoise Card.
Directorate General of International Labour Force · verified
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Related routes
Turkey Work Permit (employer-sponsored)
Employer-sponsored permit issued by the Ministry of Labour and Social Security that grants both the right to work and to reside in Türkiye for its validity period.
Turkey Long-Term Residence Permit
Indefinite residence permit for foreigners who have lived continuously in Türkiye for at least eight years on valid residence permits.
Frequently asked questions
Is the Turquoise Card permanent from day one?+
No. It is issued with a provisional three-year transition period. You must apply within the final 180 days of that period to remove the provisional status and obtain the indefinite Turquoise Card; missing the deadline invalidates the card.
Can my family join me on a Turquoise Card?+
Yes. The spouse and dependent children of a Turquoise Card holder are issued a document proving their relationship to the holder, which also serves as a residence permit.
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