Are you a doctor or nurse who wants to work in a good private hospital in Istanbul or Antalya? Turkey’s healthcare field is growing fast. Many foreign medical workers dream of jobs here. But the rules for work permits change every year. In 2026, the Turkish government updated the fees from the Ministry of Labor and Social Security (MoLSS). This guide explains the costs for healthcare jobs in simple words. It covers work permit fees, equivalence (called “Denklik”), and other expenses. Use this to plan your budget.
The 2026 Pricing Components: Breaking Down the Numbers
The cost of a Turkey Employment Pass (work permit) for medical jobs has many parts. These are government fees that change each year because of inflation and revaluation rates.
The main fees come from the Ministry of Labor. For most people, the work permit is for a fixed time, like 1 year.
Essential Government Fees (2026)
- Work Permit Certificate Fee: About 12,575 TL for a 1-year permit. This is the main fee for the work permit document.
- Valuable Paper Fee (Card Price): 964 TL. This pays for the physical work permit card or ID.
- Single Entry Visa Fee: If you apply inside Turkey under some rules, it can be around 9,000 to 10,000 TL. But most healthcare workers apply at a Turkish embassy in their home country. The embassy fee changes by country, but it is close to the Ministry numbers.
These fees are official from the Ministry of Labor for 2026. They apply to all foreign workers, including doctors and nurses.
Foreign Doctor Work Permit Turkey 2026: Mandatory Pre-Approvals
Doctors have extra steps because of health rules. You cannot apply for a work permit right away. First, you need approval from the Ministry of Health (MOH).
This is called pre-authorization. It adds more costs and time.
The “Denklik” (Equivalence) Barrier
Your medical degree must be recognized in Turkey. This is called Denklik. Without it, you cannot work as a doctor.
- For general doctors, you apply to the Council of Higher Education (YÖK) for diploma equivalence. The application fee is about 1,250 TL.
- Many foreign doctors must take exams. This can include level tests or specialty exams.
- The full Denklik process for doctors can cost from 5,000 TL to 15,000 TL or more. It depends on translations, notary fees, and how many exams you need.
Other Important Things for Doctors
- Turkish Language Test: You need B2 or C1 level Turkish to talk with patients. The test fee is around 3,500 TL. This is usually a one-time cost.
- Professional Liability Insurance: Doctors must have this insurance for mistakes (malpractice). The cost changes, but it is required.
- TMA Membership: You join the Turkish Medical Association. There are annual fees for this.
These steps make the process longer for doctors than for other jobs.
Also Read: Japan Research & Science Worker Visa 2026 – Fee Comparison
Total Cost of Foreign Nurse Work Permit Turkey 2026
Nurses have a simpler path than doctors, but still need special checks. The main government fees are the same as other work permits: around 13,500 TL total (work permit + card fee). Nurses must register through the SKYS system for private hospitals. This is for pre-approval from the Ministry of Health.
Is Health Insurance Mandatory?
Yes, health insurance is important. Your employer gives GSS (general health insurance) when you start work. You pay about 780 TL each month through salary cuts.
But for the first entry to Turkey, you may need private travel insurance. This costs extra, maybe 1,000 to 3,000 TL for a short time.
Sector-Specific Costs: Private vs. Public
Most foreign healthcare workers can only work in private hospitals. Public jobs are hard for foreigners. The hospital often helps with some costs, like SKYS registration and Ministry of Labor application. You pay for your own things, like equivalence exams, translations, and renewals.
Here is a simple table of common fees in 2026:
| Fee Type | Estimated 2026 Cost (TL) | Frequency |
|---|---|---|
| Work Permit (1 Year) | 12,575 TL | Annual |
| Card Fee | 964 TL | Per Issue |
| Turkish Language Test | 3,500 TL | One-time |
| Translation/Notary | 4,000 TL | Initial |
| Denklik Application/Exam | 5,000 – 15,000 TL | One-time or as needed |
Total upfront costs can be 25,000 TL to 35,000 TL or more. This includes all exams, tests, and papers. Renewal each year costs mainly the work permit fee again.
Summary of Turkey Healthcare Visa Processing Time
Costs are important, but time matters too. After the Ministry of Health gives pre-approval, the full process takes 60 to 90 days. You send papers to the embassy or consulate. Then, the Ministry of Labor checks everything.
If you use a consultant or lawyer (called Administrative Scrivener), it can be faster. But they charge service fees, maybe a few thousand TL extra. The whole process from start to finish can take months. Plan early.
Final Thoughts
Moving to Turkey for a healthcare job in 2026 needs good planning. The total upfront cost is about 25,000 TL to 35,000 TL. This covers government fees, Denklik, language tests, and other papers. But private hospitals in Turkey pay good salaries to specialists. Many doctors and nurses find the money comes back fast.
The healthcare sector is strong in cities like Istanbul and Antalya. If you are a skilled professional, it can be a great chance.
Do you have questions about the Denklik process or other steps? Feel free to ask!
Disclaimer: This article gives general information only. Fees can change. Always check official sources like the Ministry of Labor and Social Security website or the Ministry of Health before you decide. Rules may be different for your country or job type.