Blue Card Program in Turkey: Application Process and Benefits

With the globalisation of the world, dual citizenship becomes more common every day, despite this some countries do not allow multiple citizenship. As a solution to this problem, the Republic of Turkey established the blue card programme.  In this article, we will examine the blue card as an institution of immigration law in Turkey. 

What Is a Blue Card? 

A blue card is an official document used to aid protect many of the rights one has as a Turkish citizen. It can be used as an identity card. People with this card have almost all the rights of Turkish citizens. This card is covered by the Law on Valuable Papers No. 210.

Who Can Get a Blue Card?

Those who were Turkish citizens by birth but lost their Turkish citizenship by obtaining an exit permit and their descendants up to the third degree may continue to benefit from the same rights granted to Turkish citizens, except for the exceptions listed by law. 

Turkish citizens living abroad in countries that do not accept dual citizenship acquire the citizenship of the country they reside with the intention to better benefit from the political, economic, social and other rights of the country by obtaining permission to renounce Turkish Citizenship as stipulated in Article 25 of the Turkish Citizenship Law No. 5901.

What are the Rights of Blue Card Holders?

In accordance with the Regulation on the Implementation of the Turkish Citizenship Law, Blue Card Holders have the same rights as Turkish Citizens in matters such as residence, travel, work, investment, commercial activity, inheritance, acquisition and transfer of movable and immovable property in Turkey. 

Along with all these, blue card holders can use the cars they buy from abroad in Turkey by getting a domestic licence plate. While foreigners cannot practice professions such as lawyers or doctors in Turkey, there is no obstacle for blue card holders to practice these professions in Turkey.

In addition, in the regulation introduced with Law No. 6552, Blue Card holders can also make a borrowing abroad to retire by way of borrowing from Turkey without applying to the court for the periods they worked abroad as Turkish citizens.

It is sufficient to present the Blue Card for the exercise of these rights. In the event that the card cannot be presented, the procedure is also carried out with the registration sample to be obtained from the Blue Card Registry through the Identity Sharing System and the document showing the identity information issued by the authorities of the state of nationality.

Which Rights Blue Card Holders Cannot Benefit From? 

The rights and obligations that blue card holders are excluded from are as follows: 

• The right to vote and be elected
• Right to import vehicles and household goods with exemption
• The right to hold essential and permanent public service positions
• Obligation to perform military service

How To Make A Blue Card Application 

The Blue Card is issued by foreign representations abroad and by provincial directorates in Turkey. 

 The documents required to obtain a Blue Card are as follows: 

• a petition stating the request, 
• two photographs,
• an identity document or passport showing that the applicant is a foreign citizen. 

Notification of Civil Status Events to the Blue Card Registry

Those who were Turkish citizens by birth but lost their Turkish citizenship by obtaining an exit permit and their descendants specified in Article 28 of Law No. 5901 shall be registered in the Blue Card Registry kept electronically by the Directorate General.  Blue card holders are obliged to declare population events such as birth, marriage and divorce, their residential addresses and changes therein to the population directorates in Turkey and to the foreign representative offices abroad. Upon notification, the necessary procedures shall be carried out by the Population Directorates and these changes shall be recorded in the registry of blue card holders.

How We Can Assist You?

As Viridis Legal Partners, we understand the intricacies surrounding blue card processes and applications in Turkey, and our dedicated team of immigration attorneys in İstanbul is well-equipped to guide you through the legal processes. Whether you are seeking assistance in obtaining an exit permit from Turkish citizenship, navigating the complexities of a blue card, or ensuring compliance with the relevant legal requirements, our experienced lawyers of foreigners law in Turkey are here to provide comprehensive support. 

We can assist you in understanding the nuances of immigration laws, aid you compile the necessary documentation for blue card applications, and ensure that you are well-informed about the benefits and obligations associated with this status.

Our personalized services extend to facilitating the notification procedures required by the law and ensuring that your application aligns with the current legal framework. Whether you are an individual, a family, or a business entity, we tailor our expertise to meet your specific needs. Trust Viridis Legal Partners to be your legal partner in navigating the complexities of blue card, offering guidance, and facilitating a smooth process for you. 

Contact us today to explore how we can assist you on your journey to acquiring or managing dual citizenship in Turkey.

FAQs

• What is a Blue Card in Turkey?
  • A Blue Card is an official document that helps protect the rights of individuals who were Turkish citizens by birth but lost their citizenship and their descendants.

• What rights do Blue Card holders have?
  • Blue Card holders have almost all the rights of Turkish citizens, including those related to residence, travel, work, investment, commercial activity, inheritance, and property acquisition and transfer in Turkey.

• Who is eligible for a Blue Card?
  • Those who were Turkish citizens by birth but lost their citizenship by obtaining an exit permit, as well as their descendants up to the third degree, may qualify for a Blue Card.

• Can Turkish citizens living abroad apply for a Blue Card?
  • Yes, Turkish citizens living abroad in countries that do not accept dual citizenship can acquire a Blue Card after renouncing Turkish citizenship.

• What rights are excluded for Blue Card holders?
  • Blue Card holders are excluded from certain rights, including the right to vote and be elected, the right to import vehicles and household goods with exemption, the right to hold essential and permanent public service positions, and the obligation to perform military service.

• How is the Blue Card application process carried out?
  • Blue Cards are issued by foreign representations abroad and provincial directorates in Turkey. The required documents for application include a petition, two photographs, and an identity document or passport proving foreign citizenship.

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