Turquoise Card is one of Turkey’s new immigration programs introduced in 2021. This program is designed to attract talented and skilled immigrants from all over the world and has been introduced as a new immigration option in Turkey.
This card is awarded to some highly skilled people such as scientists, athletes, artists, investors and those who want to stay in Turkey.
The Turquoise Card is issued in Turkey without a work permit or residence permit for an indefinite period, and cardholders have priority in obtaining Turkish citizenship.
Turquoise card points
Turquoise card holders enjoy the benefits and rights that Turkish citizens enjoy in full, in addition to medical care in Turkish public and private hospitals, they are also given the right to study in Turkish schools and universities. .
Some of the advantages of the turquoise card are that it enables the holder to travel between the provinces of Turkey or even travel abroad safely.
They also enjoy all the rights related to real estate ownership and have the priority of receiving Turkish citizenship. In addition, they are exempted from compulsory military service after obtaining Turkish citizenship.
Turquoise card for foreign investors in Turkey
The turquoise card in Turkey can be considered as a green card in the United States, or a blue card in the European Union.
This card gives investors two permanent rights in Turkey, the right to work and the right of permanent residence, as well as the investor family of a spouse and children under the age of 18 in Turkey.
Who can get a turquoise card in Turkey?
Turquaz card is not granted to all foreigners in Turkey, there are certain people who can get it including:
- Foreigners who have high scientific qualifications and contribute to the advancement of science and technology.
- Foreign investors who bring manpower to the country and carry out investment projects that support the Turkish economy.
- Foreigners working in import and export
- Foreigners who work in scientific research and contribute to the development of the country’s technology systems.
- Foreign athletes who have achieved international success in terms of artistic and sports activities.
- Foreign thinkers and intellectuals who contributed to the spread of Turkish culture around the world.
- Foreign politicians interested in issues of Turkish national interest.
How to get a turquoise card in Turkey
About how to get a turquoise card, foreigners legally residing in Turkey can use their foreign identity number to go to the relevant department, to evaluate the programs and study the files electronically, then with Accepting or rejecting them will be answered.
In the case of foreigners residing outside Turkey, they must apply through the official Turkish embassies in their country of residence, and applications will be sent electronically to the Turkish Ministry of Labor for electronic evaluation.
Documents required to receive a turquoise card in Turkey
Many documents are not required as turquoise card requirements, but some general documents required are:
- application form
- Passport
- Photocopy of residence permit
- Official translation and certification of the degree
- personal photo
- Portfolios, projects or research that has already been done
- A document to prove the amount of investment of investors
Turquoise card acceptance rule
After submitting the required documents to receive the turquoise card, the file is reviewed and evaluated electronically and the electronic evaluation is performed using the points system.
Programs that score well enough in the rating system are evaluated positively. While turquoise card programs are rejected for people who do not meet the evaluation criteria set by the ministry.
Obtaining Turkish citizenship for turquoise cardholders
Holders of the Turquoise Card can apply forTurkish citizenship after 5 years from the date of obtaining the permanent residence permit after obtaining the right of permanent residence and working in a public or private company in Turkey.
How to disable the turquoise card?
Many may wonder if a turquoise card can be canceled.
The answer is yes, the turquoise card can be canceled in the following cases:
- If the work is done in a way that violates Turkish law
- Failure to comply with the travel period specified by the Turkish Ministry of Labor
- Not returning to Turkey for two years after traveling from Turkey
- If the passport is not renewed
- Stopping work for more than 6 months
- Provide forged documents
