Republic of Türkiye · skilled migration · Leads to settlement
Turkey Turquoise Card
By Sam Parks · Last reviewed:
Source check: all 3 official citations reconfirmed 11 July 2026
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
In short
As of 9 July 2026, the Turkey Turquoise Card for Republic of Türkiye is an unsponsored Turkey immigration route. Sources: official Republic of Türkiye government pages, reviewed 9 July 2026.
Cite this: https://visaatlas.org/visas/turkey/turquoise-card#answer
What is the Turkey Turquoise Card in Republic of Türkiye?
Turkey Turquoise Card is an unsponsored Turkey route. Indicative government fees are Indicative: card and document fees are set by the Ministry; confirm current amounts on the official page; indicative processing time is Indicative: applications are assessed by the Ministry against qualification criteria; confirm current processing expectations on the official page; typical duration is Provisional three-year transition period, then indefinite on successful conversion. This route can lead to permanent residence.
Verified against Directorate General of International Labour Force on 1 June 2026.
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.
Do I need a job offer or employer sponsor to get a Turquoise Card?+
No. The Turquoise Card does not require sponsorship; it is granted to foreigners judged outstanding by education, professional experience, contribution to science and technology, or significant investment impact, and the card confers the rights of an indefinite work permit. A profile that does not meet the high qualification, investment, or recognition thresholds is a listed blocker.
Can I qualify for a Turquoise Card as an investor rather than a professional?+
Yes. Alongside the professional and research grounds, the Turquoise Card can be granted for significant investment activity with measurable impact on Türkiye's economy and employment, supported by investment and employment-impact documentation. The Directorate General of International Labour Force assesses each application against the criteria.
Does the Turquoise Card let me work in Turkey without a separate work permit?+
Yes. The Turquoise Card confers the rights of an indefinite work permit, so it functions as work authorisation. It is issued with a provisional three-year transition period before conversion to indefinite status.
Need tailored advice?
We do not provide legal advice. For an application that depends on your exact circumstances, consult a regulator-listed immigration advisor.
Find a regulated advisor in TurkeyHow we verified this
We check every figure on this page against the primary government source, record the date it was last checked, and re-check it on a regular schedule. Rules change, so always confirm time-sensitive details with the official source before you rely on them. Visa Atlas is an information-only publication and does not give legal advice.
Primary source: Directorate General of International Labour Force
Last checked: 1 June 2026