Foreign nationals who want to work in Türkiye are compulsorily required to obtain a “Work Permit” or “Work Permit Exemption Certificate”. Work permits are certificates issued by the Ministry of Labour and Social Security, General Directorate of International Labor. One of the types of work permits granted for foreigners in Türkiye is the “Turquoise Card.”
In-line with the international labor policy of Türkiye; Turquoise Cards are issued to foreigners whose applications are deemed appropriate according to their level of education, professional experience, contribution to science and technology, the impact of their activities or investments in Türkiye on the country’s economy and employment, and the recommendations of the International Labor Policy Advisory Board and the procedures and principles determined by the Ministry.
Turquoise Cards are issued on condition that the first three years are a transition period. The Ministry may request information and documents regarding the activities carried out by the employer or the foreigner during the transition period.
The transition period record on the Turquoise Card, which is not canceled in accordance with the Article 15 during the transition period, is removed upon the foreigner’s application and an indefinite Turquoise Card is issued. This application is made one hundred and eighty days before the end of the transition period, and in any case before the end of the transition period. After this period has expired, the application for the removal of the transition period registration is rejected and the Turquoise Card becomes invalid.
A document indicating that the spouse and children of the Turquoise Card holder are relatives of the Turquoise Card holder and replacing the residence permit is issued to the foreigner who holds the Turquoise Card in accordance with the provisions of the legislation.
The Turquoise Card holder foreigner benefits from the rights provided by the indefinite work permit regulated in the Law on International Labour.
In the Turquoise Card application; those who have internationally recognized studies in the academic field, those who have come to the fore in a field considered strategic for our country in science, industry and technology, or those who have made or are expected to make significant contributions to the national economy in terms of export, employment or investment capacity are considered qualified foreigners.
The provisions of Turquoise Card do not apply to foreigners who are granted temporary protection.
Despite the above mentioned legal ground, the Turquoise Card has found a very little implementation in Türkiye. Thus, in general foreign nationals who want to work in Türkiye are granted with Dependent Work Permit of Indefinite-Term Work Permit, and the applications for Turquoise Card is usually refused.
