What is the Blue Card in Turkey? Who Can Apply?

What is the Blue Card (Mavi Kart)? Comprehensive Guide

The Blue Card (Mavi Kart) is a special status document issued to persons who have renounced Turkish citizenship with permission and to their descendants up to the third degree. Previously known as the "Pink Card" (Pembe Kart), this document is regulated under Article 28 of the Turkish Citizenship Law No. 5901. The Blue Card provides its holder with a powerful status that allows them to benefit from many citizenship rights in Turkey.

For professional consultancy regarding your Blue Card application and rights, you can benefit from our residence and citizenship consultancy services.

Legal Basis of the Blue Card

Article 28 of the Turkish Citizenship Law No. 5901 regulates the rights of persons who acquired Turkish citizenship by birth and lost it by obtaining an Exit Permit. Under this article, such persons and their descendants up to the third degree continue to enjoy certain rights. The Blue Card is the official document that serves to prove and exercise these rights.

The process that began with Law No. 4112 was initially implemented under the name "Pink Card," then expanded in scope with Law No. 5203, and finally renamed "Blue Card" with Law No. 5901. This regulation particularly aims to ensure that Turkish citizens who have emigrated to European countries do not sever their ties with Turkey in countries that do not permit dual citizenship.

Who Can Apply for a Blue Card?

Primary Right Holders

• Persons born as Turkish citizens who renounced citizenship with permission: These individuals must have lost their Turkish citizenship through an exit permit (Ministry of Interior decision). Persons who lost citizenship through denaturalization (iskat) cannot benefit from the Blue Card right.

Descendant Right Holders

• Children (first-degree descendants): Children of persons who acquired Turkish citizenship by birth and renounced it may apply for a Blue Card.
• Grandchildren (second-degree descendants): Grandchildren of Blue Card holders may also benefit from this right.
• Great-grandchildren (third-degree descendants): Under the law, descendants up to the third degree also have Blue Card rights.

Status of Spouses

The spouse of a Blue Card holder does not directly have Blue Card rights. However, if the spouse wishes to reside in Turkey, they may apply for a family residence permit. For the spouse to benefit from the Blue Card, they must themselves be a former Turkish citizen who renounced citizenship by birth.

Rights Provided by the Blue Card

Blue Card holders continue to benefit from the rights granted to Turkish citizens in the following areas:

1. Right to Work and Work Permit Exemption

Blue Card holders may work in Turkey without obtaining a work permit. This applies to both dependent employment (working for an employer) and independent work (self-employment). The quota rule, minimum wage requirement, and other restrictions imposed by the work permit application process do not apply to Blue Card holders. This exemption is valid across all professions and sectors where foreigners would otherwise need to obtain a work permit.

2. Property Acquisition Rights

Blue Card holders have the same rights as Turkish citizens regarding real estate acquisition in Turkey. Restrictions on property acquisition by foreigners (military restricted zones, reciprocity principle, etc.) do not apply to Blue Card holders. This means no additional permits or procedures are required for property transactions, title deed registration, and real estate investments.

3. Social Security Rights

Blue Card holders may benefit from the social security system in Turkey. They can register with the SGK (Social Security Institution), pay premiums, and benefit from all social security rights including retirement rights. Past premium periods of Blue Card holders who previously worked in Turkey are also taken into account.

4. Entry-Exit and Residence Convenience

Blue Card holders may enter Turkey without a visa and stay indefinitely. They are also not required to obtain a residence permit. The Blue Card itself functions as an entry-exit and residence right document. However, Blue Card holders must travel with their foreign passports; they do not have the right to use a Turkish passport.

5. Inheritance Rights

Blue Card holders retain their inheritance rights in Turkey. They may inherit and bequeath under the same conditions as Turkish citizens. This right applies to both movable and immovable property.

6. Education Rights

Blue Card holders and their children may benefit from educational institutions in Turkey under equal conditions with Turkish citizens. They have the opportunity to be admitted through Turkish student quotas rather than foreign student quotas at state universities.

Rights Not Covered by the Blue Card

The Blue Card excludes certain citizenship rights:

• Right to vote and be elected: Blue Card holders cannot vote and cannot run for political office.
• Military service: Blue Card holders have no military service obligation.
• Appointment to public office: There is no right to be appointed as a civil servant or public official.
• Village headmanship and council membership: These positions are open only to Turkish citizens.
• Using a Turkish passport: Blue Card holders travel with their foreign passports.

Differences Between Blue Card and Residence Permit

The Blue Card and residence permit are different statuses and should not be confused:

• Duration: The Blue Card is indefinite, while residence permits are issued for specific periods and must be renewed.
• Work rights: Blue Card holders have work permit exemption, while residence permit holders must obtain a separate work permit.
• Property: Blue Card holders may acquire unlimited real estate, while residence permit holders are subject to restrictions for foreigners.
• Eligibility: The Blue Card is only available to specific former Turkish citizens, while residence permits are open to all foreigners.
• Social security: Blue Card holders can register directly with SGK, while residence permit holders cannot register without a work permit.

Blue Card Application Process

Where to Apply

Blue Card applications may be submitted to the following authorities:

• Abroad: Turkish consulates
• Domestically: Provincial Population and Citizenship Directorates

Required Documents

• Blue Card application form
• Original and photocopy of valid foreign passport
• Turkish citizenship renunciation permission certificate or exit certificate
• Population registry record (from the Turkish citizenship period)
• 2 biometric photographs
• For descendant applications: documents showing lineage (birth certificate, population registry record)
• Marriage certificate (when required)

Processing Time

Blue Card applications are typically processed within 2 to 4 weeks. Having complete documentation helps expedite the process.

Advantages of the Blue Card Over Other Statuses

The Blue Card offers significant advantages compared to other residence and work statuses:

• Compared to residence permits: Indefinite stay rights, work permit exemption, unlimited property acquisition rights.
• Compared to work permits: Freedom to work at any workplace and position, exemption from quota rules, no employer dependency.
• Compared to long-term residence permits: No eight-year waiting requirement, direct application right.
• Compared to Turquoise Card: No qualified workforce requirement, simpler application process.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can Blue Card holders obtain a Turkish passport?

No, Blue Card holders are not Turkish citizens and do not have the right to obtain a Turkish passport. They travel with their foreign country passports. However, they may apply for reacquisition of Turkish citizenship.

Does the Blue Card have an expiration date?

The Blue Card is valid indefinitely. However, the card may need to be updated if personal information changes (name change, etc.).

Can Turks who became German citizens get a Blue Card?

Yes, those who renounced Turkish citizenship with an exit permit to acquire German or other countries' citizenship may apply for a Blue Card. This is particularly important for persons of Turkish origin living in Germany.

Can a Blue Card holder establish a company in Turkey?

Yes, Blue Card holders may establish companies in Turkey and engage in commercial activities without any additional permits.

For detailed information and professional consultancy regarding your Blue Card application and rights, contact Emir Law & Consulting.