Turquoise Card
"What is the Turquoise Card and who is eligible?"
Quick Answer
Turquoise Card provides indefinite residence and work rights for qualified foreigners including investors, scientists, and strategic employees. It is often compared to a green card style scheme because it is designed to grant long term work authorization and residence rights to qualified foreigners, subject to legal conditions.
Turkish Labor Law Framework
The Turquoise Card regime is regulated under Türkiye’s foreign work authorization framework and the Turquoise Card secondary legislation issued by the competent authority. It is designed to grant qualified foreigners a long term right to work and reside in Türkiye, subject to statutory criteria and administrative assessment.
Key Points to Remember
- Turquoise Card is a special status for qualified foreigners (e.g., investors, highly skilled professionals, researchers, and internationally recognized talent)
- Applicants are assessed based on statutory criteria and supporting evidence
- The card generally provides an enhanced work authorization status and a pathway to long term residence rights, subject to conditions
- Family members may qualify for derivative residence rights under the applicable rules
Compliance Requirements
From a compliance perspective, the key issues are eligibility assessment, correct filing, supporting documentation, and maintaining conditions required by the Turquoise Card framework. Applicants should also consider tax, social security, and immigration planning implications based on their intended stay and work model.
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