Foreign Nurse Work Permit (2025): Conditions for Nursing in Turkey

In Turkey, employment opportunities for foreign nationals in the field of health are recognized to a certain extent. The nursing profession is one of the fields that is clearly regulated in laws and regulations. However, the process is not just about applying for a work permit; there are specific requirements such as diploma equivalence, Turkish proficiency and Ministry of Health approvals.

1) Legal Framework

• Nursing Law No. 6283 Art.3 → In order to practice nursing in Turkey, it is essential to have a nursing diploma. Foreign nationals must also obtain diploma equivalence and permission.
• Law No. 1219 on the Practice of Medicine and Medical Sciences The provisions of the Law → Determines the limits of authority and practice of health professionals.
• Regulation on the Procedures and Principles of Foreign Health Professionals Working in Private Health Institutions in Turkey (OG: 22.02.2012 – 28212, amendments: 16.07.2013, 01.04.2017) → Nurses are included in the scope of this regulation.

Summary: Foreign nurses can work in private health care organizations when the relevant diploma equivalency procedures and Turkish proficiency requirements are completed.

2) General Application Requirements

The following conditions are required for foreign nurses to work in Turkey:

• Diploma and equivalency certificate: Approval of equivalence of the nursing diploma abroad by YÖK or Ministry of Health.
• Turkish proficiency: At least B level document according to the European Language Portfolio criteria in the exam conducted by TÖMER. (It can be submitted within one year; otherwise the permission will be canceled.)
• Work and residence permit: Must be obtained under the International Labor Law No. 6735.
• There is no impediment to practicing the profession: Not being banned from practicing the profession in the home country.
• Compulsory professional liability insurance: Required for health personnel.

3) Application Process

1. Preliminary preparation Application for diploma equivalence and taking the TÖMER exam.
2. Employer application: A private health institution wishing to employ foreign nurses submits a file to the Provincial Directorate of Health.
3. Ministry of Health assessment: The file is reviewed by the Ministry within the scope of planning.
4. Work permit and staff work certificate: If the Ministry deems appropriate, the diploma is registered and a “personnel work certificate” is issued.
5. SSI notification: The employer notifies the nurse to the Social Security Institution and fulfills the insurance obligations.

4) Required Documents

Foreign nurse

• Passport photocopy
• Diploma and certificate of equivalence
• Turkish proficiency certificate (TÖMER B level)
• Criminal record / document showing that there is no disability to practice the profession
• Service contract

Employer:

• Application petition
• Trade registry gazette, tax certificate
• SSI workplace registration number and employee list
• Signature circular
• License of the relevant health institution

5) Frequently Asked Questions

Can a foreign nurse work in a public hospital?

→ No. Legislation only allows for private health organizations.

Can a foreign nurse who does not speak Turkish start work immediately?

→ Within 1 year from the application, TÖMER can start provided that they submit a B certificate. If the document is not submitted, the permission is canceled.

Is the diploma recognition process difficult?

→ The process can be long; the application must be complete. Permission cannot be obtained without recognition.

6) Related Content

• Work Permit Application Process
• Work Permit Conditions
• Foreign Doctor Work Permit
• SSI Notification and Work Permit for Foreigners
• Work Permit Exemption

7) Professional Support

Each foreign nurse file varies according to factors such as diploma country, Turkish language proficiency and the structure of the employer. As MFY Legal | Law Office lawyer team, we manage the process completely in the line of equivalence → TÖMER → application → SSI.