Turquoise Card is a different employment permit system in Turkey which the first three years is a transition period. Turquoise Card is given to foreigners in line with the international labor force policy.
In Turquoise Card applications; those who have internationally accepted studies in the academic field, those who have come to the fore in a field that is considered strategic for Turkey in science, industry and technology, or those who make or are expected to make a significant contribution to the national economy in terms of export, employment or investment capacity are considered as qualified foreigners.
In accordance with international labour policy, Turquoise Card is given to foreigners whose application is approved according to their education, experience, contribution in science and technology, the impact of their activity or investment in Turkey on the economy and employment in the country as well as the recommendations of the International Labour Policy Advisory Board and procedures and principles determined by the Ministry.
Turquoise card is granted to foreigners provided that first three year period is the transition period. The Ministry might request information and documents from the employer or foreigner in relation to the activities carried out in the transition period.
According to the legislation, the spouse and dependent children of the Turquoise Card holder are given a document that proves that they are relatives of the Turquoise Card holder and replaces the residence permit. This document entitles spouses and children to enjoy the privileges of long-term residence permit holders. For this reason, Turquoise Card holder and their spouse and children are considered as privileged foreigners.