Listen to this page
Press play to listen.
The recording could not be played. Please try again later.
Who is eligible for a Turkish Blue Card?
The Turkish Blue Card is issued to people who were Turkish citizens by birth and relinquished citizenship with permission, and to their descendants up to the third degree. Its legal basis is Article 28 of Turkish Citizenship Law No. 5901.
The card grants a status close to citizenship in Türkiye; its main users are Turks abroad who obtained permission to relinquish citizenship because their country of residence does not allow dual citizenship.
Which rights does it provide?
- Employment in Türkiye — no separate work permit is required
- Property ownership and inheritance rights
- Residence in Türkiye and access to social security procedures
- Crediting overseas periods under Law No. 3201 — only for periods spent as a Turkish citizen
The exclusions are also clear: there is no right to vote or stand for election, no military service obligation, and no entitlement to import vehicles or goods under the relevant exemptions.
Application and registration procedures
Applications for a Turkish Blue Card are made to provincial directorates of civil registration and citizenship or, abroad, to diplomatic missions. Card information is held in the Blue Card Holders Registry.
Translation is needed for documents issued by foreign authorities:
- Foreign citizenship document and passport — notarised Turkish translation
- Birth, marriage, and name change records from abroad — apostilled originals and translations
- Foreign documents proving descent in applications by descendants
Translations frequently requested by Turkish Blue Card holders
Card holders use documents in both directions: translating foreign documents into Turkish for procedures in Türkiye, and Turkish documents into the local language for procedures in their country of residence.
- Pension and contribution-credit files: contribution or employment records from foreign insurance institutions
- Land registry and inheritance procedures: inheritance certificates and powers of attorney
- Banking: identity and address documents
Frequently asked questions
Does a Turkish Blue Card replace a passport?
No. A Turkish Blue Card is an identity and status document; you travel using the passport of your country of citizenship. Carrying both your Blue Card and passport when entering or leaving Türkiye makes the process easier.
I hold a Turkish Blue Card — which translation direction is required for my procedures in Türkiye?
Institutions in Türkiye require documents in Turkish: your foreign documents are submitted as apostilled originals with notarised Turkish translations. For institutions in your country of residence, Turkish documents are translated into that country's language.
This content is for information purposes. The documents and procedures required by institutions may change; we recommend confirming the requirements with the relevant institution before applying.
