What is a Special Passport (Green Passport)?

A special passport is a type of passport issued for a period of 5 years to government employees and their families, provided they meet certain conditions. It is also called a green passport due to its color. The special passport offers many privileges, including visa-free entry to many countries for a limited number of days. Holders can travel by simply purchasing a flight ticket and completing the check-in process without any additional procedures.

Who Can Obtain a Green Passport?

The special passport is granted only to civil servants registered with the Pension Fund.

• Former members of the Turkish Grand National Assembly (TBMM) and former ministers,
• Civil servants and other public officials in first, second, and third-degree positions, including retirees,
• Mayors of metropolitan cities, districts, and provinces (during their tenure),
• Former mayors who have retired in the first-degree category,
• State athletes,
• Employees of privatized institutions such as Türk Telekom, T.C. Ziraat Bank, Halk Bank, and Emlak Bank, subject to specific conditions,
• Businesspeople meeting certain export volume thresholds under the 2017 law “Principles for Granting Special Stamped Passports to Exporters,”
• Spouses and children (under 25) of eligible individuals.

How to Apply for a Green Passport?

Applicants must complete the required documents and payments and apply at provincial population directorates. Appointments can be scheduled online through the General Directorate of Population and Citizenship Affairs.

Documents Required for Green Passport Application

Eligible individuals must provide the following documents:

• Employees: Signature circular prepared by their institution’s provincial, regional, or general directorate.
• Retirees: Document showing their position at the time of retirement.
• Resigned employees: Document showing their position during employment.
• Heirs of deceased eligible persons: Document showing the deceased’s position at the time of death.
• Minors: Parental consent document.
• Student certificate (for children receiving a special stamped passport through their parents).
• Two biometric photos (5 x 6 cm).
• Original national ID card.

What is the Validity Period of a Green Passport?

Due to the start of domestic passport production, the validity of special (green) passports has been extended from 5 years to 10 years. Expiring or nearly expired passports (within one year) can be renewed for free.

How to Renew a Green Passport?

To renew a green passport, the old passport must have expired. Renewal procedures are carried out by the General Directorate of Population and Citizenship Affairs.

Documents Required for Renewal

In addition to the required documents for initial issuance, the old passport must be submitted. Applicants can apply online through the General Directorate of Population and Citizenship Affairs website and pay only the booklet fee.

For additional required documents, visit the “Passport Required Documents” page.

How Much is the Green Passport Renewal Fee?

No fee is charged for the green passport itself. Both first-time applicants and those renewing only need to pay the booklet fee.

As of 2024, the booklet fee for a green passport is 793 TL for all application periods.

Advantages of a Green Passport

Green passport holders can travel visa-free to several countries. They are also exempt from passport fees.

Which Countries Can Be Visited Visa-Free with a Green Passport?

One major privilege of a special (green) passport is the ability to travel to certain countries without a visa. A full list of visa-free countries can be found on our Visa-Free Countries for Green Passport Holders page.

What are the Eligibility Criteria for a Green Passport?

The green passport is granted to first, second, and third-degree civil servants, retired officials who meet these conditions, former bureaucrats, certain exporters, mayors of cities and districts, state athletes, and their eligible family members.

What Are the Conditions for Family Members to Obtain a Green Passport?

• Children under 18 can obtain a green passport unconditionally.
• Those under 25 must meet the conditions of residing with the parent, being unmarried, unemployed, and continuing their education.
• In case of divorced parents, the consent of the custodial parent is required.
• If a divorce case is ongoing, temporary court orders will be followed.
• If the green passport holder is deceased, adult children do not need a legal representative, but minors require consent from the surviving parent or legal guardian.
• Spouses can obtain a green passport without additional conditions. For more details, visit the Passport Transactions page.

Eligibility of Exporters for a Green Passport

Exporters with an average annual export volume of over 500,000 USD in the last three calendar years (totaling over 1.5 million USD in three years) are eligible for a green passport. This right extends to company owners, partners, and employees.

How Many Years of Civil Service Are Required for a Green Passport?

There is no minimum service requirement. Civil servants in first, second, and third-degree positions are eligible for a green passport.