The Blue Card is a permit to settle in Turkey for people who are Turkish citizens by birth but have renounced their citizenship by obtaining an exit permit. The Blue Card allows a foreigner to work, study or establish a business in Turkey. In addition, Blue Card holders can benefit from health insurance and other social rights in Turkey.
Consequences of renouncing Turkish Citizenship
Renunciation of Turkish citizenship can be realized within the framework of the legal regulations in force according to the Constitution of the Republic of Turkey and the Turkish Civil Code. In case of a request to renounce Turkish citizenship, you must be a resident in Turkey for the renunciation of Turkish citizenship to be valid.
The consequences of renouncing Turkish citizenship may include that renouncing Turkish citizenship will not be valid if you are not a resident in Turkey, it will be difficult for you to live or do business in Turkey after renouncing Turkish citizenship, you will not be able to benefit from health insurance in Turkey, renouncing Turkish citizenship will not make it easier for you to settle abroad, and you may face legal restrictions for foreign businesses to do business or work in Turkey after renouncing Turkish citizenship.
Rights of Blue Card Holders
Blue Card holders have the right to work, study and establish businesses in Turkey. They can also benefit from health insurance in Turkey. Blue Card holders are considered foreigners who have obtained a residence or work permit in Turkey and are therefore considered legal in Turkey.
Blue Card holders can be covered by social security in Turkey. They are also considered legal residents in Turkey. Blue Card holders have the right to study in Turkey. Blue Card holders have the right to start a business or establish an enterprise in Turkey
How to Apply for a Blue Card?
Blue Card applications can be made by foreigners residing in Turkey. Among the documents required for the application:
- Copy of passport or visa
- 2 photos
- Petition stating the request
- A proof of address (e.g. invoice, rental agreement, etc.) dated within the last two months and addressed in Turkey
- Work permit
- Tax returns received in the last two years
- Health insurance
- Other documents required for application
Together with the original and a photocopy of these documents, an application must be made to the population directorate of the relevant settlement or the relevant governorship. It can often take several weeks for the application to be assessed.
Note: This information may change over time or additional requirements may be added, so we recommend that foreigners residing in Turkey contact us for the most up-to-date information.
How to get a Blue Card?
In order to obtain a blue card, certain conditions must be met and various legal procedures must be completed. Persons who are Turkish citizens by birth will be issued a Blue Card after making the necessary applications and obtaining permission to renounce their existing citizenship. The requirements for applying for a Blue Card are as follows:
- The person applying for a blue card must have been born in Turkey or his/her parents must be Turkish citizens.
- After making the necessary application and obtaining permission from the Ministry of Interior, he/she must renounce Turkish citizenship. This is important because it is not possible for a person who has renounced citizenship for any reason to obtain permission to apply for a Blue Card. An example would be a person who has been deprived of citizenship.
What are the Privileges of the Blue Card?
Blue Card holders have the right to work, study and establish businesses in Turkey. They also enjoy the following privileges:
- They can benefit from health insurance in Turkey
- They can buy and sell real estate
- They can own a car in Turkey
- They can open a bank account in Turkey
- They can invest in Turkey
- They can be covered by social security in Turkey
- They have the right to study in Turkey
- They are considered legal in Turkey and this provides an advantage in the transition to Turkish Citizenship.
Note: This information may change over time or additional terms may be added.