Paylaş: Work Permits for Foreign Doctors
Foreign doctors are required to obtain a work permit from the Ministry of Labor and Social Security (MLSS) to practice in Turkey. Previously reserved only for Turkish citizens, the profession of medicine now allows foreign doctors and nurses to work in Turkey, following legal changes and regulations.
Pre-Approval from the Ministry of Health Before Work Permit Application
Foreign doctors must obtain a pre-approval certificate from the Ministry of Health before applying for a work permit. Doctors who did not graduate from Turkish universities are also required to provide an equivalency certificate from the Council of Higher Education (YÖK) and a minimum B-level Turkish Language Certificate.
Conditions for Work Permits for Foreign Doctors
Fields Where Foreign Doctors Can Work in Turkey
Foreign doctors are permitted to work in private hospitals and clinics in Turkey. To apply for a work permit, the following conditions must be met:
- Obtain a pre-approval certificate from the Ministry of Health,
- Obtain a Turkish proficiency certificate (minimum B level),
- Obtain an equivalency certificate from YÖK (for graduates of foreign universities).
Documents Required for Pre-Approval Application
For Doctors Graduated from Turkish Universities:
- Turkish-translated copy of the passport,
- Copy of residence permit card,
- Residence certificate,
- Copy of the doctor's diploma,
- Two passport-sized photos,
- Director's petition,
- Foreign doctor's application letter,
- Service agreement with a private hospital or medical center.
For Doctors Not Graduated from Turkish Universities:
- Turkish-translated copy of the passport,
- Copy of residence permit card,
- Residence certificate,
- Copy of the doctor's diploma,
- Two passport-sized photos,
- Director's petition,
- Foreign doctor's application letter,
- Service agreement with a private hospital or medical center,
- Equivalency certificate from YÖK,
- Turkish language proficiency certificate (TÖMER),
- Certificate showing that the doctor has no medical restrictions.
Working Conditions for Foreign Doctors
Ministry of Health and Work Permit
The Ministry of Health is responsible for approving foreign doctors’ employment in the health sector, while the work permit from the MLSS is necessary for them to practice their profession. The pre-approval certificate from the Ministry of Health is a prerequisite for obtaining a work permit.
Documents Required for Work Permit Application for Foreign Doctors
Once pre-approval from the Ministry of Health is obtained, the following documents are required for the work permit application:
- Equivalency certificate from YÖK,
- Turkish proficiency certificate (minimum B level),
- Certificate showing that the doctor has no medical restrictions,
- Service agreement with a private hospital or health center.
Use of Work Permit as a Residence Permit
The work permit also serves as a residence permit for foreign doctors, eliminating the need for an additional residence permit application.
Employment Requirement
The healthcare institution employing a foreign doctor must have at least 5 Turkish citizens employed for each foreign doctor. This requirement is a crucial criterion for the approval of work permit applications and must be fully met.
