The Regulation makes this document a mandatory annex to the application, but does not enumerate its contents. What is meant becomes clear when the articles are read together.
The Requirement: Art. 28/1
Article 28/1 of the Press Card Regulation: a press card application is made by completing the press card declaration on the Directorate's website in electronic form. During the application it is mandatory to upload a passport photograph and a document evidencing at least six months of professional work.
| Element | Content |
|---|---|
| Where uploaded | The electronic application system |
| Period covered | At least six months |
| Subject | Professional work |
| Status | Mandatory, together with the passport photograph |
Approval of the Declaration Is a Separate Step
Article 28/2: the printout of the declaration completed electronically is approved by the owners of the media organisation or by persons registered as authorised in the trade registry.
The same paragraph provides an exception: for media organisations that have obtained a password for the system to be created by the Directorate and that meet the conditions the Directorate sets for using it, application declarations are approved electronically.
What Does the Commission Assess?
Article 35 shows what the document is for. Under the second paragraph, the Commission decides whether an applicant may receive a press card by assessing their qualifications, professional work, published works, awards and the qualities of the media organisation they belong to.
An Extra Measure for News Site Staff
Article 35/3: where the applicant is a member of staff at an internet news site, the site's unique visitor count and page view count are also taken into account.
A Different Document for Information Officers
A separate document is required from applicants under the title of information officer. Article 8/3: a duty letter stating the unit and staff title at the public institution and signed by the senior manager is required.
Article 28/6 repeats this: applicants under that title must produce, as an annex to the declaration approved by the senior manager, a duty letter evidencing that they actually work in state information services. Article 35/4 gives the assessment measure: the applicant's title and whether the duty actually performed is media-related are taken into account.
For Applicants Resident Abroad
Article 28/5: Turkish press members resident abroad apply by sending to the Directorate their application documents together with a letter from the embassy or consulate general in their country of residence confirming their position.
Preparation List
- A professional service certificate covering the last six months
- A passport photograph
- The declaration printout — approved by the owner or an authorised person in the trade registry
- A written employment contract compliant with Law 5953 (Art. 8/1-f)
- Evidence of education — at least high school or equivalent (Art. 8/1-b)
- For information officers, a duty letter signed by the senior manager
The full document list is in the documents article, and a tickable version in the application checklist.
Bottom Line
The professional service certificate is the document, mandatory at application, evidencing at least six months of professional activity. The Commission assesses it alongside the applicant's qualifications, professional work, published works and awards. For information officers, a duty letter signed by the senior manager takes its place.