Glossary
Mavi Kart — meaning and English translation
The Mavi Kart (Blue Card) is issued to former Turkish citizens who gave up citizenship with permission, preserving most civil rights other than voting and military duty.
Article 28 of the Turkish Citizenship Law (No. 5901) allows people who renounced Turkish citizenship with permission, typically to naturalise in a country that discourages dual nationality, to keep living, working, owning property and inheriting in Türkiye as if they were citizens. The Mavi Kart is the proof of that status; it replaced the earlier Pembe Kart. Holders cannot vote, stand for election, hold permanent civil service posts or import a vehicle duty-free, and they owe no military service. Since 2025 their children can acquire Turkish citizenship without the previous conditions.
We render it as “Blue Card (Mavi Kart)”, capitalised as a proper name, never as “blue identity card”, which would suggest a form of the national ID.
The Home Office may see it when a British citizen of Turkish origin explains ties to Türkiye or property held there. Details under Mavi Kart: rights and applications.