tech
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Base: 35 / 100 pts
Turquoise Card for Software Engineers & High-Tech Specialists
TL;DR / Quick Summary
Senior software engineers and AI/cloud architects enjoy preferential evaluation under Turkey's Turquoise Card point system. Qualified applicants with advanced degrees, recognized technical achievements, or above-average salary history can secure indefinite work authorization and immediate family residency.
Scoring Matrix & Multiplier Breakdown
Ministry Matrix| Evaluation Dimension | Threshold / Requirement | Awarded Points |
|---|---|---|
| Doctorate / Ph.D. Level | STEM, Engineering, or High-Tech Research | 40 Pts |
| Master's Degree (MSc) | Relevant technical or scientific field | 30 Pts |
| Professional Industry Experience | 10+ Years Verifiable Industry Tenure | 30 Pts |
| Compensation Multiplier | Gross income ≥ 6x Turkish Minimum Wage | 20 Pts |
| Language Competence | Turkish C1/C2 or 2+ International Languages | 15 Pts |
Statutory Criteria Under Law No. 6735
The Ministry of Labour prioritizes STEM specialists contributing to Turkey's technological ecosystem. Points are awarded for academic level (BSc 20, MSc 30, PhD 40), verified industry tenure (up to 30 points), proven income exceeding multiple times the Turkish minimum wage (up to 30 points), and intellectual property or open-source impact.
Required Evidence & Dossier Checklist
- ✓ University degree in Computer Science, Software Engineering or related field
- ✓ Verifiable portfolio of production systems, GitHub / GitLab repositories, or technical architecture leadership
- ✓ Proof of salary level (payroll, international client contracts, tax returns)
- ✓ CV documenting at least 5 years of professional software development experience
- ✓ Professional certifications (AWS, GCP, Azure, CMMI, ISO) if applicable
Frequently Asked Questions
Can freelance or remote software engineers apply for the Turquoise Card?
Yes. Remote engineers with verifiable foreign income contracts exceeding ministerial thresholds qualify under the highly-skilled workforce criteria.
Do I need a Turkish employer sponsor to apply?
No. The Turquoise Card can be applied for independently based on your individual qualifications, credentials, and achievements.
How does the points scoring work for software engineers?
Points are calculated across 5 dimensions: Education (up to 40), Professional Tenure (up to 30), Compensation Multiplier (up to 30), Language Proficiency (up to 15), and Strategic Technology Alignment (up to 25). A score of 70+ indicates strong eligibility.
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Check Your Turquoise Card Eligibility Score in 3 Minutes
Benchmark your qualifications against official criteria under Law No. 6735 and verify if your profile passes the 70-point qualification threshold.