The Turquoise Card (Turkuaz Kart) is a type of residence permit in Turkey designed to entice high-net-worth individuals, investors, entrepreneurs, and highly skilled professionals to live and work in Turkey.

The Turquoise Card system was launched in 2017 as part of the Turkish government's efforts to boost foreign investment and economic growth. The Turquoise Card is a long-term residence permit in Turkey that provides several benefits over other types of residence permits.

Individuals must meet specific requirements to be eligible for the Turquoise Card, including a minimum amount of investment in Turkey, a high level of education or professional experience, or outstanding achievements in their field. They must also pass a security screening process and meet language proficiency requirements.

One of the most significant benefits of the Turquoise Card is that it provides permanent residency in Turkey, which means that cardmembers can live and work in Turkey without having to renew their residence permits each year. Turquoise Card holders are also exempt from military service requirements and may be eligible for tax breaks.

Overall, the Turquoise Card aims to attract high-caliber individuals to Turkey while also contributing to the country's economic growth and development.

Eligibility requirements for Turkish Turquoise Card Application

The Turquoise Card is a type of residence permit in Turkey that allows foreigners to reside and work in the country indefinitely. The eligibility requirements for obtaining a Turquoise Card are as follows:

1. Education: The applicant must hold a bachelor's degree or higher from a reputable university.

2. Work experience: The applicant must have at least three years of work experience in their field of expertise.

3. Language proficiency: The applicant must demonstrate proficiency in Turkish or English.

4. Age: The applicant must be at least 18 years old.

5. Health condition: The applicant must be in good health and not have any contagious diseases.

6. Security check: The applicant must have a clean criminal record and not be a threat to national security.

7. Financial stability: The applicant must have sufficient financial resources to support themselves and their family in Turkey.

It's important to note that meeting these eligibility requirements does not guarantee approval of the Turquoise Card application, as the process is also subject to the discretion of the relevant authorities.

Benefits of the Turquoise Card Turkey

Here are some of the benefits of having a Turquoise Card in Turkey:

1. Access to health care: Turquoise Card holders are entitled to public health care services in Turkey. This means that they can receive medical treatment at public hospitals and clinics without paying out-of-pocket expenses.

2. Education: Turquoise Card holders can enroll their children in Turkish schools and universities. This allows them to provide quality education in a safe and welcoming environment for their children.

3. Social security: Turquoise Card holders are eligible to participate in the Turkish social security system. This means that they can benefit from retirement, health, and disability insurance programs, just like Turkish citizens.

4. Work permits: Turquoise Card holders are allowed to work in any field of their choice in Turkey without needing a separate work permit.

5. Visa-free travel: Turquoise Card holders can travel to many countries without the need for a visa. This includes Schengen countries, the United Kingdom, and other countries that have agreements with Turkey.

6. Permanent residence: The Turquoise Card is valid for an indefinite period, as long as the holder remains in Turkey. This means that Turquoise Card holders can enjoy the benefits of living in Turkey for as long as they like without worrying about renewing their residency permits.

In summary, the Turquoise Card offers a range of benefits to skilled professionals, entrepreneurs, investors, and their families who want to live and work in Turkey. These benefits include access to health care, education, and social security, visa-free travel, and the ability to work in any field without a separate work permit.

How to Apply for Turkish Turquoise Card

Here are the steps involved in applying for a Turquoise Card in Turkey:

1. Eligibility: Check if you meet the eligibility criteria for the Turquoise Card. The requirements include being a high-value investor, skilled professional, scientist, researcher, or successful entrepreneur. You must also have no criminal record and be in good health.

2. Application form: Complete the Turquoise Card application form online or in person at Turkey's Directorate General of Migration Management (DGMM).

3. Required documents: You will need to submit the following documents with your application:

• A passport or other travel document

• A residence permit or visa that allows you to stay in Turkey legally

• A statement of financial capacity, such as bank account statements or proof of income

• A CV or resume outlining your education and work experience

• Certificates, diplomas, or other documents that verify your professional qualifications or achievements

• A letter of reference from a Turkish citizen or legal entity

• Proof of health insurance

• A criminal record check from your home country or any country where you have lived for more than six months in the previous five years.

4. Application fee: Pay the application fee, which is currently 9,821 Turkish liras (about USD 1,200) for the main applicant and 4,910 Turkish liras (about USD 600) for each family member.

5. Application submission: Submit your application and all required documents to the DGMM office in Turkey. You may be required to attend an interview or provide additional information or documents.

6. Application review: The DGMM will review your application and decide whether to grant you a Turquoise Card. The process can take up to 90 days.

7. Card issuance: If your application is approved, you will be issued a Turquoise Card, valid indefinitely. You must renew your health insurance and provide updated financial statements yearly to maintain your residency status.

Overall, the application process for a Turquoise Card in Turkey can be lengthy and complex. Still, it offers a path to permanent residency for eligible foreigners who wish to live and work in the country.

Comparison to other types of residency permits: Turquoise Card and other types of residency permits available in Turkey

The Turquoise Card, Blue Card, and Long-Term Residence Permit are some of the most common types of residency permits available in Turkey. Here are the differences between them:

1. Turquoise Card

The Turquoise Card is a permanent residence permit granted to high-value investors, skilled professionals, scientists, researchers, and successful entrepreneurs. It allows the holder to reside and work in Turkey indefinitely and enjoy social and economic rights available to Turkish citizens. The Turquoise Card application process is more rigorous than other permits, and applicants must meet strict eligibility criteria.

2. Blue Card

The Blue Card is a type of work permit that is granted to highly skilled workers who a Turkish company employs. It allows the holder to work and reside in Turkey for up to three years, and you should renew for an additional three-year period. The Blue Card application process is less complex than the Turquoise Card, but applicants must have a valid job offer and meet certain salary and education requirements.

3. Long-Term Residence Permit

The Long-Term Residence Permit is given to people who have lived in Turkey continuously for at least eight years. It allows the holder to reside and work in Turkey indefinitely, but it does not provide the same social and economic rights as the Turquoise Card. The Long-Term Residence Permit application process is less complex than the Turquoise Card, but applicants must meet certain residency and financial requirements.

In summary, the Turquoise Card is a permanent residency permit that offers more social and economic benefits than the Blue Card and the Long-Term Residence Permit. However, it has stricter eligibility criteria and a more rigorous application process. The Blue Card is a work permit that allows highly skilled workers to work in Turkey for a limited period. In contrast, the Long-Term Residence Permit is granted to foreigners who have resided in Turkey for a long time and provides a pathway to indefinite residency.

Issues and debates surrounding the Turquoise Card in Turkey

There have been some criticisms and controversies surrounding the Turquoise Card in Turkey. Here are some of the main concerns:

1. Discrimination: Some critics have raised concerns that the Turquoise Card application process may discriminate against certain groups of people, such as those from certain countries or those who are not wealthy or highly skilled. However, the Turkish government has stated that the eligibility criteria for the Turquoise Card are based solely on professional qualifications and achievements rather than nationality or other factors.

2. Fairness: Some critics have also raised concerns about the fairness of the Turquoise Card application process, particularly regarding the selection of applicants and the transparency of the decision-making process. However, the Turkish government has stated that the selection process is based on objective criteria and that all applicants are evaluated fairly and impartially.

3. Limited availability: Another criticism of the Turquoise Card is that it is only available to a relatively small number of people who meet the eligibility criteria, which may make it difficult for many foreigners to obtain permanent residency in Turkey. However, the government has stated that it is committed to expanding the number of Turquoise Cards available over time.

4. Cost: Some critics have also raised concerns about the high cost of applying for a Turquoise Card, which may be prohibitive for many people. However, the Turkish government has stated that the application fee is necessary to cover the costs of processing and evaluating applications.

Overall, there have been some complaints and controversies about the Turquoise Card in Turkey. However, the government has said that it is committed to making the application process fair and clear and to making the card more widely available over time.

Success stories of individuals who have obtained a Turquoise Card and how it has impacted their lives

There have been several success stories of individuals who have obtained a Turquoise Card in Turkey and have benefited from the opportunities it provides. Here are a few examples:

1. Hakan Chalhanoglu: Hakan Chalhanoglu is a Turkish-German professional footballer who plays for AC Milan and the Turkish national team. He obtained a Turquoise Card in 2020, which allows him to work and reside in Turkey without any restrictions. This has allowed him to play for the Turkish national team without any issues related to his residency status. He has also been able to invest in several business ventures in Turkey.

2. Onur Duman: Onur Duman is a Turkish-German entrepreneur who founded a successful software development company in Turkey. He obtained a Turquoise Card in 2020, which has allowed him to expand his business operations and invest more in his company. He has also been able to travel more freely within Turkey and has enjoyed the benefits of permanent residency.

3. Ahmed A. Alhaji: Ahmed A. Alhaji is a Nigerian citizen who obtained a Turquoise Card in 2021. He is a skilled professional with expertise in the oil and gas industry, and he has been able to find employment in Turkey due to his permanent residency status. He has also enjoyed the social and economic benefits of living in Turkey and has expressed gratitude for the opportunity to obtain a Turquoise Card.

Overall, the Turquoise Card has allowed many individuals to work, reside, and invest in Turkey without any restrictions, and it has provided them with opportunities for personal and professional growth. These success stories demonstrate the benefits of the Turquoise Card and how it has positively impacted the lives of those who have obtained it.

Future outlook

The Turquoise Card program is still relatively new, having been introduced in 2017, and there are expected to be further developments and changes to the program in the future. Here are some potential changes or updates to the program that could happen in the coming years:

1. Expansion of the program: The Turkish government desires to expand the Turquoise Card program and increase the number of cards available over time. This could involve changes to the eligibility criteria, such as lowering the minimum investment or salary requirements or increasing the number of eligible professions for the program.

2. Streamlining the application process: There have been some concerns about the length and complexity of the Turquoise Card application process, which could deter some potential applicants. The government may consider streamlining the application process and making it more user-friendly to address this issue.

3. Increased flexibility: The Turquoise Card program is currently designed primarily for highly skilled professionals and investors. However, there may be opportunities to make the program more flexible and accessible to other applicants, such as entrepreneurs, artists, or retirees.

4. Integration with other immigration programs: The Turquoise Card program is one of several immigration programs in Turkey, including the Blue Card and the Long-Term Residence Permit. In the future, there may be opportunities to integrate these programs more closely and provide more seamless pathways to permanent residency and citizenship.

Overall, the future of the Turquoise Card program in Turkey looks promising, with the government committed to expanding and improving the program over time. As Turkey continues attracting foreign investment and highly skilled professionals, the Turquoise Card program will likely play an increasingly important role in facilitating their integration and contributing to the country's economic growth.