Engineers and Architects May Gain Green Passport Rights in Turkey
Green Passport in Turkey: Engineers and Architects to Gain Eligibility
Significant changes are being prepared in Turkey’s green (special) passport system. A draft law has officially been submitted to the agenda of the Grand National Assembly of Turkey (TBMM), proposing an expansion of the list of individuals eligible for the hususi damgalı pasaport. The initiative directly affects engineers and architects—one of the country’s key professional groups.
Draft Law Submitted to Parliament
According to information published on the official TBMM website, the initiative was registered during the 28th parliamentary term, 4th legislative year, under number 2/3312. The document was submitted to the parliamentary office on October 13, 2025, and is currently listed as “under review by committee.”
Who Will Be Eligible for the Green Passport
The explanatory memorandum clearly defines the group of specialists covered by the proposed regulation. Eligibility for the green passport is planned for:
- Engineers and architects;
- Members of chambers affiliated with TMMOB (the Union of Chambers of Turkish Engineers and Architects);
- Professionals actively practicing their profession;
- Individuals with at least 15 years of documented professional experience.
If all conditions are met, eligible specialists will be able to obtain a hususi damgalı pasaport, which offers broader visa-free travel opportunities.
Visa Restrictions as a Systemic Issue
The justification for the initiative places special emphasis on visa barriers. It notes that engineers and architects frequently face difficulties when traveling abroad for professional purposes.
Visa procedures complicate the participation of Turkish engineers and architects in international conferences, technical inspections, industry exhibitions, and overseas projects, reducing the country’s competitiveness in technical and infrastructure fields.
According to the authors of the draft law, these restrictions negatively affect not only individual careers but also Turkey’s international image as a provider of engineering and architectural expertise.
Expected Impact if Adopted
If approved by parliament, the initiative is expected to lead to several systemic effects:
- Increased international mobility for engineers and architects;
- Easier participation in cross-border projects and tenders;
- Stronger positioning of Turkey in the global engineering and architectural services market;
- Accelerated technical and investment cooperation.
After review by the relevant committee, the draft law is expected to be submitted for discussion in the TBMM General Assembly.
Experts note that expanding access to the green passport for technical professionals could become an important step in Turkey’s strategy to develop service exports and enhance international business activity.
