Can Foreign Doctors Work or Open a Clinic in Turkey? Equivalency, Prior Authorization, and Work Permit

It is possible for a foreign national doctor to practice medicine in Turkey. However, the practice of profession by a foreign physician is subject to interrelated administrative procedures such as diploma and, if applicable, specialty equivalency, registration with the Ministry of Health, special working conditions for foreign healthcare professionals, work permit, and personnel working license.

In contrast, a foreign physician opening a private clinic independently and working in a licensed private healthcare institution are not subject to the same legal regime. The special regulation in force for foreign healthcare professionals primarily regulates the practice of the profession through the working in a private healthcare institution model.

For the general framework regarding the work and residence status of foreigners in Turkey, immigration law and work permit for foreigners guides can also be reviewed.

Can Foreign Doctors Work in Turkey?

Yes. It is possible for a foreign medical doctor to practice medicine in Turkey, provided that they meet the necessary professional and administrative conditions.

The fundamental legal framework for the practice of medicine in Turkey is regulated by Law No. 1219 on the Practice Style of Medicine and its Branches .

With the amendments made in 2011, the prior requirement of Turkish citizenship for the practice of medicine under Law No. 1219 was abolished, establishing the legal basis for foreign physicians to work in Turkey under conditions stipulated in the legislation.

The implementation principles of this system are set forth in the Ministry of Health's Regulation on the Procedures and Principles regarding the Employment of Foreign Healthcare Professionals in Private Healthcare Institutions in Turkey .

Working Regime of Foreign Physicians

Regulation on Foreign Healthcare Professionals

Pursuant to Article 5 of the Regulation, in order for a foreign healthcare professional to practice their profession in a private healthcare institution, essentially:

• the equivalency of their diploma and, if applicable, specialty certificate must be recognized and registered by the Ministry of Health,
• there must be no legal impediment to the practice of the profession,
• knowledge of Turkish,
• having the necessary permits ensuring the right to work,
• having mandatory professional liability insurance for physicians

.

The general principles of work permits are regulated under Law No. 6735 International Labor Law shall be evaluated within the scope of.

For current evaluation criteria regarding work permit applications Ministry of Labor and Social Security work permit evaluation criteria must be verified.

Can a Foreign Doctor Open a Private Practice Under Their Own Name?

With respect to foreign physicians opening an independent private clinic and practicing medicine by being employed in a private healthcare institution must be distinguished from one another.

The Regulation on Foreign Healthcare Professionals establishes the working system of foreign physicians on a service contract concluded with a private healthcare institution and an application system conducted through that institution. According to Article 6 of the Regulation, the foreign healthcare professional applies to the private healthcare institution where they wish to work; the application is transmitted to the Provincial Health Directorate through the chief physician (medical director) of the institution.

The application guidelines of the Ministry of Health provincial health directorates also state that there is no regulation permitting foreign national physicians to open private clinics in their own name.

Therefore, it is not possible for a foreign physician to merely register for tax purposes and begin accepting patients independently in the capacity of a self-employed person. Professional activities must be conducted in compliance with the permit regime applicable to foreign healthcare personnel.

New Regulation on Private Healthcare Institutions Dated 2025

dated April 19, 2025 Regulation on Private Health Facilities Providing Outpatient Diagnosis and Treatment defines a physician's office as a health facility opened by a physician to practice their profession independently.

However, whether a foreign physician has the "right and authority to independently practice their profession" must be evaluated in conjunction with the working regulations specific to foreign healthcare professionals. The special regulation concerning foreign physicians still relies on the model of working in a private health facility and an employment contract.

Can a Foreign Doctor Establish a Healthcare Company or Medical Center?

Here, corporate law and the health facility license must be distinguished from one another.

As a rule, a foreign real person may be a shareholder in a limited liability or joint-stock company in Turkey. However, the registration of a company in the trade registry does not automatically grant that company the right to open a medical center or another health facility.

Pursuant to Article 7 of the Regulation on Private Health Facilities Providing Outpatient Diagnosis and Treatment dated 2025, a medical center may be opened by:

• a physician who has the right and authority to independently practice their profession,
• a partnership of multiple physicians and dentists, or
• a legal entity at least 51% of whose shares are owned by a partnership of physicians and dentists

.

Therefore, merely establishing a standard company with 100% foreign capital does not mean that the company can automatically obtain a medical center license.

Regarding the relationship between the activities conducted by foreigners through a company and their work permits work permit for foreigners through company establishment and residence permit for the purpose of establishing business connections or starting a business guides can be reviewed.

Company partnership does not grant a foreign physician the authority to independently perform medical interventions or accept patients. All permits pertaining to the medical profession must also be obtained in order to engage in medical practice.

Conditions for Foreign Doctors to Work in Turkey

1. Equivalency of the Medical Diploma

In order for a medical doctor's diploma obtained from a higher education institution abroad to produce professional effects in Turkey, the diploma equivalency process must be completed.

of the Council of Higher Education Recognition and Equivalency system during the review conducted via the higher education institution graduated from, program, duration of education, curriculum, and professional competencies are evaluated.

The outcome of the equivalency review is not the same for every applicant. By YÖK:

• direct equivalency,
• Level Determination Exam,
• clinical practice,
• completion of courses or internships

different Level and Competency Determination System procedures may be applied.

Therefore, it is not accurate to establish an absolute rule such as "every foreign doctor who will work in Turkey must take the STS."

2. STS Medicine

The Level Determination Exam for Higher Education Diploma Equivalency in the Field of Medicine is administered by ÖSYM within the scope of YÖK's equivalency system.

For current exam dates and guides ÖSYM STS Medicine announcements must be verified.

In 2026, the STS Medicine exam was administered in two terms. However, whether an applicant will be subject to the exam depends on YÖK's evaluation of the applicant's equivalency file.

3. Specialty Equivalence and Registration

For a foreign physician to use their specialty title acquired abroad as a specialist physician in Turkey, their specialty certificate must undergo an additional evaluation.

Within the structure of the Ministry of Health, the Department of Registration and Equivalence Procedures carries out the administrative proceedings in this field.

The possession of a specialty certificate obtained from a foreign country does not, by itself, grant the right to accept patients under the same specialty title in Turkey.

4. Absence of Any Impediment to the Practice of the Profession

Foreign healthcare professionals who will practice their profession in Turkey for the first time are required to submit a document issued by the competent authorities of their home country, demonstrating that there is no legal impediment to their practicing the profession.

In practice, this document is mostly issued under names such as "Certificate of Good Standing" or similar titles.

There are exceptions under Annex-1 of the Regulation where this document is not required in certain circumstances. These include graduating from educational institutions in Turkey within the year preceding the application, residing in Turkey uninterruptedly for at least five years as of the application date, and having taken refuge in Turkey due to extraordinary conditions in their home country.

5. Turkish Language Proficiency

Foreign healthcare professionals are required to know Turkish.

In the current Annex-1 provision of the Regulation, the Turkish proficiency exam conducted by universities' Turkish Teaching Application and Research Centers requires, according to the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages criteria, "Grade B or higher" a level of achievement certificate is stipulated.

Therefore, it should not be stated that a fixed level such as "B2" is directly written in the legislation.

The language certificate within one year at the latest from the application date may be submitted. If the certificate is not submitted by the end of this period, the personnel work permit shall be revoked by the Provincial Health Directorate.

However, this certificate shall not be required from those who graduated from educational institutions providing instruction in Turkish.

6. Ministry of Health Compliance / Prior Approval Process

Within the scope of the International Labour Law No. 6735, the professional qualification assessment of the relevant public authority is of importance for foreigners who will work in healthcare services.

The foreign healthcare professional shall first apply to the private healthcare institution where they will work. The chief physician of the healthcare institution shall forward the necessary documents to the Provincial Health Directorate.

The file shall be examined by the Ministry in terms of planning and professional conditions. If deemed appropriate, the diploma shall be registered, and a document indicating that the practice of the profession has been approved shall be issued.

7. Work Permit

Following the professional suitability procedures, a work permit must be obtained from the Ministry of Labor and Social Security on behalf of the foreign physician.

A work permit is an administrative authorization that allows a foreigner to work in Turkey within the framework of a designated employer and profession pursuant to Law No. 6735.

Regarding the general application system and 2026 criteria, foreign work permit 2026 and short-term work permit guidelines can be consulted.

8. Impact of the Work Permit on Residence Status

Pursuant to Article 27 of Law No. 6458, Law on Foreigners and International Protection a valid work permit serves as a residence permit as a rule.

Therefore, although the work permit and residence status are interconnected for the foreign physician, special statuses such as international protection applicants, conditional refugees, and persons under temporary protection must be evaluated separately.

9. Compulsory Professional Liability Insurance

Foreign physicians are also subject to the compulsory professional liability insurance system during their medical practice activities in Turkey.

Pursuant to Additional Article 12 of Law No. 1219, physicians are required to obtain professional liability insurance for damages that may arise from medical malpractice.

How to Apply for a Work Permit as a Foreign Physician?

1. The diploma equivalency file is prepared. The recognition and equivalency process for the medical diploma is conducted before YÖK.
2. Specialty equivalency, if applicable, is completed. The specialty certificate is evaluated within the Ministry of Health system.
3. The private healthcare institution to be employed at is determined. A service contract is executed with the institution.
4. An application is made to the Provincial Health Directorate. The application is processed through the chief physician (medical director) of the institution that will employ the foreign healthcare personnel.
5. The professional competency assessment by the Ministry of Health is completed.
6. The work permit is obtained. The application is processed through the e-Permit system of the Ministry of Labor and Social Security.
7. The personnel employment certificate is issued. Following the approval of the Provincial Health Directorate, the physician may commence work at the relevant institution.
8. SGK and employer notifications are completed.

For the social security procedures of the foreign employee following the permit, wage criteria for foreign employees and regarding the work permit/SGK processes, the website contents may be reviewed separately.

Can Work Begin Without a Turkish Language Proficiency Certificate?

While retaining the requirement to know Turkish, the Regulation allows the language certificate to be submitted within one year at the latest from the application date.

The decision of the 15th Chamber of the Council of State, numbered E.2013/11123, K.2016/2174, and dated 30.03.2016, also examined the legality of this regulation.

The Council of State concluded that knowing Turkish is a fundamental requirement for foreign healthcare professionals; however, allowing the submission of the document prescribed in the legislation within the specified timeframe is not unlawful.

Fundamental Status Differences Between Turkish and Foreign Doctors

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Can a Foreign Physician Be the Managing Director of a Medical Center?

No. The current Regulation on Private Healthcare Organizations Providing Outpatient Diagnosis and Treatment stipulates that the medical director of a medical center must be a Turkish citizen.

Therefore, the possibility of a foreign physician becoming a partner in a healthcare company and their ability to serve as the medical director of a healthcare organization are distinct matters.

Employment of Foreign Physicians in Council of State (Danıştay) Decisions

Council of State 15th Chamber, E.2013/11123, K.2016/2174, 30.03.2016

This ruling directly concerns the legality of the amendments made to the Regulation on Foreign Healthcare Professionals.

The dispute notably centered on the Turkish language proficiency of foreign physicians and the time granted for the submission of certain documents.

The 15th Chamber of the Council of State dismissed the action for annulment of the regulations in question, taking into account the legal provisions enabling foreign physicians to work in Turkey and the Ministry of Health's professional suitability assessment.

The citation has been verified: Council of State, 15th Chamber, E.2013/11123, K.2016/2174, D.30.03.2016.

Council of State, 8th Chamber, E.2018/4315, K.2022/1704, 16.03.2022

Although the citation of this decision has been verified, the decision does not concern the equivalence of a medical doctor diploma or the employment of a foreign physician in Turkey.

The dispute pertains to the foreign language requirement sought by the Interuniversity Board regarding the recognition of a doctorate degree obtained in Bulgaria.

Therefore, the decision in question should not be used as a precedent directly validating the YOK diploma equivalence or STS process for foreign medical doctors.

Citation details: Council of State, 8th Chamber, E.2018/4315, K.2022/1704, D.16.03.2022.

Consequences of Unauthorized Medical Practice

Working Without a Work Permit

The employment of a foreigner without the required work permit within the scope of the International Labor Law No. 6735 may entail administrative sanctions for both the foreigner and the employer.

The current administrative fines for 2026 by the Ministry of Labor and Social Security administrative fines regarding foreign employees must be checked from the page.

Working without a work permit may also have consequences regarding the foreigner's immigration law status. However, the absence of a work permit does not automatically imply deportation proceedings in every case; deportation grounds, exceptions, and the person's current status under Law No. 6458 are evaluated separately.

In this regard, current guide on deportation decisions may be examined.

Article 25 of Law No. 1219

Article 25 of Law No. 1219, without holding a medical diploma imposes a penalty of imprisonment from two to five years and a judicial fine of up to one thousand days for persons who treat patients or use the title of physician.

Pursuant to this provision, the legal status of a person who works without a work permit or foreign healthcare personnel permit, but holds a medical diploma, is not the same. The sanctions for permit or registration deficiencies must be determined separately depending on which condition has been violated.

Medical Malpractice Liability of Foreign Physicians

Foreign physicians are subject to Turkish law regarding the diagnoses, treatments, and medical interventions they perform in Turkey.

The legality of the medical intervention, the patient's information and consent, the obligation to act in accordance with medical standards, and the causal link between the damage and the intervention are evaluated based on the specific case.

The status of the foreign physician does not reduce the obligation of medical care. The liability of the private healthcare institution where the physician works may also arise separately depending on the legal structure of the incident.

Regarding the general principles governing the employer-employee relationship, labor law page may also be reviewed.

Checklist Before a Foreign Doctor Starts Working in Turkey

1. It must be checked whether the foreign medical diploma is recognized by YÖK.
2. The application for diploma equivalence must be completed.
3. It must be determined whether YÖK requires the STS (Medical Specialization Education Entrance Exam), clinical practice, or any other completion procedure.
4. If applicable, the equivalence and registration of the foreign specialty certificate in Turkey must be completed.
5. A document stating that there is no impediment to the practice of the profession must be prepared.
6. The Turkish proficiency requirement must be verified.
7. The private healthcare institution to work at and the appropriate position must be determined.
8. An employment contract must be prepared.
9. The compliance procedures of the Ministry of Health / Provincial Health Directorate must be completed.
10. A work permit must be obtained.
11. A personnel employment certificate must be issued.
12. Professional liability insurance and social security procedures must be completed.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can a foreign doctor work in Turkey?

Yes. Once the necessary procedures such as diploma equivalence and registration, professional requirements for foreign healthcare personnel, work permit, and personnel employment certificate are completed, a foreign physician may practice medicine in a private healthcare institution in Turkey.

Can a foreign doctor open a private practice in their own name?

The special employment regime regarding foreign healthcare professionals is based on the foreign physician working through a private healthcare institution and within the scope of a service contract. Current regulations do not grant a foreign physician the right to open an independent private clinic solely by virtue of holding equivalence and a work permit.

Can a foreign doctor open an aesthetic clinic?

Using the designation "aesthetic clinic" does not circumvent healthcare institution licensing provisions. Medical applications for aesthetic or cosmetic purposes must be performed by an authorized physician in a licensed healthcare institution, within the scope of the physician's training or certification competence and the institution's permitted field of activity.

Can a foreign doctor establish a 100% foreign-owned company and open a medical center?

Merely establishing a 100% foreign-owned commercial company is not sufficient for a medical center license. According to the current Regulation, at least 51% of the shares of the legal entity that will open a medical center must belong to a physician and dentist partnership. The relevant physicians must also meet the professional requirements set forth in healthcare legislation.

Can a foreign doctor accept patients in a private hospital without YÖK equivalence?

No. The equivalence of the foreign physician's diploma and specialty certificate (if any) must be approved, and the Ministry of Health registration procedures must be completed.

Is every foreign doctor required to take the STS?

No. The STS is one of the assessment tools within the scope of the YÖK diploma equivalence system. Depending on the applicant's file, direct equivalence, STS, clinical practice, or other Level and Proficiency Determination System procedures may be applied.

Is a B2 certificate required for Turkish?

The current Regulation Annex-1 does not explicitly state "B2", but rather, pursuant to the European Language Portfolio criteria, Grade B or higher the expression indicating that success has been achieved at that level is used.

What happens if the Turkish proficiency certificate is not available at the time of application?

The Regulation allows the document to be submitted within a maximum of one year from the application date. If the document is not submitted by the end of this period, the personnel work certificate shall be revoked.

Is a foreign doctor who graduated from a medical faculty in Türkiye required to obtain YÖK equivalency?

No. Since a medical diploma obtained from a higher education institution in Türkiye is not a foreign higher education diploma, it is not subject to YÖK's foreign diploma equivalency procedure. However, the foreign individual must also fulfill the work permit requirements and other conditions regarding foreign healthcare personnel.

Can a foreign specialist doctor use their specialty title directly?

No. The recognition and registration in Türkiye of the specialty certificate obtained abroad must also be completed.

Is a foreign doctor required to obtain a separate residence permit after obtaining a work permit?

As a rule, a valid work permit serves as a residence permit pursuant to Article 27 of Law No. 6458. Different provisions may apply with respect to foreigners under special protection statuses.

Can a foreign doctor become a civil servant in a state hospital?

Due to the citizenship requirement under the Civil Servants Law No. 657, the employment of a foreign individual in a conventional civil servant cadre is not possible as a rule. However, special regulations such as universities, special laws, or contracted foreign personnel regimes must be evaluated separately.

Conclusion

It is legally possible for foreign physicians to practice medicine in Turkey; however, due to the authorization system specific to foreign healthcare personnel, holding a diploma alone does not grant the right to accept patients.

The equivalence of a foreign medical diploma, specialty equivalence if applicable, Ministry of Health registration, Turkish language proficiency requirement, professional competence assessment, work permit, personnel work certificate, and professional liability insurance must be evaluated together.

Furthermore, the concepts of opening an independent private practice, being a physician working in a private healthcare institution, and becoming a partner in a healthcare company must be distinguished from one another. Just as company partnership does not grant the authority to perform medical activities, the establishment of a company does not automatically confer a medical center license.

For the general legal framework of the work permit work permit for foreignersregarding employment through a company work permit through establishing a companyand regarding the general status of the foreigner in Turkey immigration law the respective contents can be reviewed.