Turkish green passport

Structural Analysis: The fundamental difference between the Green Passport and the Grey (Service) Passport lies in "permanence" and "nature of use." The Grey Passport is strictly for official mission use and must be returned upon completion, whereas the Green Passport is an "acquired right" that can be used for personal and leisure travel as well.

Who is Eligible for the Green Passport? (Complete List 2026)

The rules governing the issuance of the Green Passport are dynamic. In 2026, the three main groups below are eligible to receive this passport:

1. Government Employees and Retirees (Bureaucratic Route)

The core holders of the Green Passport are official government employees (Memur).

• Grade Condition (Derece): Only employees who have reached grades 1, 2, or 3 of the civil service salary scale (typically with over 15 years of experience and university education) are eligible.

• Mayors: Elected mayors during their term of office.

• Retirees: If an employee was in grades 1 through 3 at the time of retirement, they retain the right to the Green Passport.

2. Exporters and Economic Actors (2026 Conditions)

To support exports, the Turkish government has maintained the required threshold for receiving the Green Passport at **$500,000** (average of the last three years). The 2026 quota table is as follows:

Important 2026 Calculation Note: The basis for calculation for the 2026 application is the average export of the last three calendar years, namely **2024, 2025, and 2026**.

3. Lawyers with Extensive Work Experience

Lawyers with a minimum of **15 years of membership** in the Bar Association (Baro) are eligible for the Green Passport according to regulations, provided they have no disciplinary record.

Do Spouses and Children Also Receive the Green Passport? (Age and Educational Rules)

The Green Passport is a "family-centric" privilege and also covers first-degree family members.

Spouse (Eş)

The legal spouse of a Green Passport holder receives an independent Green Passport without any occupational or educational preconditions. This right is revoked upon divorce.

Children (Çocuklar) and the Age 25 Rule

Children receive the Green Passport under the following conditions:

1. Under 18: All children are automatically eligible.

2. Between 18 and 25: Only if:

   • They are unmarried.

   • They are not employed (no SGK insurance is registered for them).

   • They are students (proof of enrollment is mandatory).

3. Children with Disabilities: Remain covered without age limit and without the single status requirement (if unable to earn a living).

Warning: Employment of the child (even part-time with insurance) before the age of 25 results in the immediate cancellation of the Green Passport right.

What is the Cost of the Green Passport in 2026? (New Rates)

Given the reassessment rate (Yeniden Değerleme Oranı) set at approximately **25.49%** for 2026, costs have increased. However, exemption from paying duties (Harç) remains the greatest advantage of the Green Passport.

Cost Comparison Table (2026 Estimate):

Green Passport holders only pay the booklet fee (approximately 1,424 Lira) and are exempt from the heavy issuance tax (over 14,000 Lira).

List of Visa-Free Countries with the Turkish Green Passport (2026 Update)

The Green Passport provides visa-free or easy visa access to approximately 160 countries.

• Schengen Area and Europe: All Schengen member countries (Germany, France, Italy, Spain, etc.) are **visa-free** for up to 90 days. (The UK and Ireland still require a visa).

• Russia: Visa waiver for tourist purposes.

• Asia: Japan, South Korea, Singapore, Hong Kong, Malaysia (visa-free). China (visa required).

• Latin America: Brazil, Argentina, Chile, Peru, Colombia (visa-free).

Impact of ETIAS and EES Laws on Green Passport Holders in 2026

The implementation of European security systems has been repeatedly postponed, but they are expected to be fully operational in 2026.

1. ETIAS System (Postponed to Late 2026)

According to the latest news, the implementation of the European Travel Information and Authorisation System (ETIAS) has been postponed to **late 2026** (Q4 2026). The good news is that, according to an official EU statement in Turkey, Green Passport holders are likely to be **exempt from obtaining ETIAS authorization** due to their special status, although ordinary visa-exempt citizens must obtain it.

2. EES System (Biometric Entry/Exit System)

This system, which involves the digital recording of facial image and fingerprints at Schengen entry borders, is anticipated to be activated before ETIAS (probably in early or mid-2026). This system will be implemented for **all** travelers (including Green Passport holders) and will replace traditional passport stamps.

Required Documents and Application Steps for the Green Passport (2026 Guide)

The application process includes the following steps:

1. Document Preparation:

   • Application Form (Talep Formu) typed and stamped by the relevant organization.

   • Biometric photo (1 piece, 5x6).

   • National ID Card (Kimlik Kartı).

   • Receipt for booklet fee payment (1,424 Lira for 2026).

2. Exclusive for Exporters: Obtain certification of the export volume (average of 2023-2025) from the Exporters' Union.

3. In-person Appointment: Book an appointment from the site nvi.gov.tr and attend for fingerprinting.

The Difference between the Green Passport and Citizenship by Investment (Golden Visa)

Many foreign investors confuse these two.

Key Point: Buying a $400k property alone does not lead to receiving the Green Passport. The investor must establish a company after citizenship and increase their exports to $500k to become eligible.

Summary: The 2026 Outlook

In 2026, despite the increase in government fees, the Green Passport remains the most valuable travel document for Turkish citizens and business people due to the exemption from the 14,000 Lira duty and the possibility of visa-free travel. The reduction of Schengen visa bureaucracy in 2026 for holders of this passport is a major competitive advantage in global markets.