If you’re a nurse and want to immigrate to Turkey as a nurse, this guide is for you. Nursing in Turkey can be a fascinating experience due to its lovely nation, fascinating history, culture, and food. Also, moving to Turkey as a nurse offers a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to work in a rapidly expanding healthcare system. Keep reading to learn about nursing salary in Turkey, how to settle as a nurse in Turkish, and studying nursing in Turkey.
Table of Contents
ToggleHow to immigrate to Turkey as a Nurse?
Immigrating to Turkey as a nurse involves several critical steps. Below is a guide that includes additional essential steps to help you immigrate to Turkey as a nurse:
- Understanding the Requirements
- Recognition for Your Qualifications
- Having Language Proficiency
- Obtaining a Nursing License
- Searching for Nursing Jobs in Turkey
- Securing a Work Permit and Visa
- Settling in Turkey
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Immigrate to Turkey as a Nurse
Step 1. Understanding the Requirements
To work as a nurse in Turkey, understanding and obtaining the specific qualifications is a fundamental step.
Educational Qualifications
- Nursing Degree. You must have a bachelor’s degree in nursing from a recognized institution. It should cover essential nursing skills, patient care, anatomy, physiology, and other relevant medical knowledge.
- Master’s or Specialized Certifications (Optional). For certain positions, especially those in specialized fields like oncology, pediatrics, or surgical nursing, a master’s degree or specialized certification may be required.
Additional Requirements
- Internship/Practical Experience. Some positions may require you to have completed a certain amount of practical experience, such as internships or residencies.
- Continuing Education. Nurses are often required to engage in continuing education to maintain their licenses and stay updated with the latest healthcare practices and technologies.
Exams and Certifications
- Adaptation Program. If necessary, you might have to undergo an adaptation program to immigrate to Turkey as a nurse. An adaptation program includes both theoretical and practical training. This program is designed to fill any gaps between your previous education and the Turkish nursing standards.
- Professional Competency Exam. In some cases, especially for those whose education and professional background need further assessment, a professional competency exam may be required. This exam covers various aspects of nursing practice to ensure your readiness to work within the Turkish healthcare environment.
Step 2. Recognition for Your Qualifications
The Turkish Ministry of Health oversees the recognition of foreign nursing qualifications in Turkey. This process ensures that the education and training received abroad meet Turkey’s healthcare standards. Let’s look at the steps for recognition of foreign qualifications:
- Begin by gathering the necessary documents. This typically includes your nursing degree certificate, transcripts showing the courses you’ve completed, proof of any professional experience (such as employment letters or certificates), and a copy of your passport. Depending on the requirement, you might also need to provide translations of these documents into Turkish by a certified translator.
- Submit your application. The application for recognition is submitted to the Turkish Ministry of Health, either online through their official portal or in person at their designated offices. Complete all forms are accurate.
- Pay the fee. The fee for the recognition process can vary. Check the latest fee structure directly with the Turkish Ministry of Health.
- If the Turkish Ministry of Health deems it necessary, you may have to sit for an equivalency examination. This exam assesses whether your education and skills are on par with Turkish standards. Learn about the exam below.
- After submission, your documents and qualifications will be evaluated. This process may involve verifying your educational background with the issuing institutions and assessing your professional qualifications against Turkish standards. Typically, it might take several months from the application submission to the final decision.
- In some cases, even if your qualification is recognized, you may be required to complete an adaptation period, which could include supervised practice in a Turkish healthcare facility.
- Once your qualifications are deemed equivalent and you’ve passed any required exams or adaptation periods, the Ministry will issue a certificate recognizing your foreign nursing qualifications.
The Turkish Nursing Equivalency Examination
Here’s an overview of how to navigate this process:
- First, verify with the Turkish Ministry of Health whether you’re required to take the Equivalency Examination.
- Once it’s established that you need to take the exam, you will be directed to apply through the Ministry of Health’s official portal or a specified platform. The application involves filling out a form and submitting necessary documents, such as your identification and educational credentials.
- Schedule the exam. You can find the dates in advance on the Ministry’s website or through their communication channels. Ensure you register for the exam before the deadline. Late registrations are typically not accepted.
- Prepare for the exam. The Ministry of Health may provide guidelines or recommend study materials, including textbooks, online resources, etc.
- Take the exam. The specific location will depend on your residence or preference, as indicated during the application process. Also, the passing score for the Equivalency Examination is determined by the Turkish Ministry of Health and can vary.
- The Ministry will notify you of your results within a specified period after taking the exam.
- If you do not pass the exam, information on retake policies and schedules will be provided.
Step 3. Having Language Proficiency
Proficiency in Turkish is highly beneficial and, in some cases, required. The required level of Turkish proficiency varies depending on the employer and the role within the healthcare sector. However, at least a B2 level on the CEFR is required. Approved tests to show proficiency in Turkish include:
- TÖMER – Türkçe Öğretim Merkezi (Turkish Teaching Center) Test. Achieving a level equivalent to B2 or higher in TÖMER is considered sufficient for healthcare purposes.
- YDS – Yabancı Dil Sınavı (Foreign Language Exam). A score of 70 or above is generally equated with a B2 CEFR level.
- YÖKDİL – Yükseköğretim Kurumları Yabancı Dil Sınavı (Higher Education Institutions Foreign Language Exam). A score equivalent to B2 level or higher is required for professions demanding Turkish language proficiency.
- Yunus Emre Institute Turkish Proficiency Exam. Achieving a B2 level in this exam is considered adequate for demonstrating the necessary language skills.
Step 4. Obtaining a Nursing License
How do I become a registered nurse in Turkey? That is the question we want to answer here.
- Before applying for a license, ensure that your foreign nursing qualifications have been recognized and validated by the Turkish Ministry of Health.
- Initiate the process through the Turkish Ministry of Health’s online portal, where you’ll need to create a new account and complete the application form.
- Along with your application, you will need to submit several documents, including:
- A copy of your validated nursing degree
- Proof of identity (such as a passport or national ID card)
- A document showing your legal right to work in Turkey (such as a residency permit or work visa)
- Proof of language proficiency if required (e.g., Turkish language certificate)
- Recent passport-sized photographs
- You might be required to undergo a health examination at a public hospital or a health clinic authorized by the Ministry of Health to ensure they meet the health standards for practicing nurses in Turkey.
- Pay of fees. The fee is approximately $100-$200.
- Submit your application along with all the required documents through the online portal or as instructed by the Ministry of Health. Ensure that all information is accurate and that documents are complete to avoid delays in processing.
- The Ministry will review your application and documents. The process takes from a few weeks to several months.
- Once your application is approved, the Ministry of Health will issue your nursing license. You might be required to collect the license in person, or it could be mailed to you.
Step 5. Searching for Nursing Jobs in Turkey
To immigrate to Turkey as a nurse, you must start searching for opportunities in hospitals, clinics, and other healthcare facilities across Turkey. Is it hard to get a job in Turkey as a foreigner? It can be, but use can use the sources below to find more opportunities:
Online Job Portals
- Kariyer.net
- Eleman.net
- Yenibiris.com
- Indeed Turkey
Healthcare Recruitment Agencies
- Adecco Turkey
- Manpower Turkey
- Randstad Turkey
- Michael Page Turkey
Tips for Finding a Nursing Job in Turkey
- Ensure your profile and CV are up-to-date and professional and highlight your nursing qualifications and experience.
- For healthcare recruitment agencies, consider reaching out directly with your CV and a cover letter explaining your interest in nursing positions in Turkey.
- Utilize LinkedIn and professional associations related to healthcare in Turkey to network with other professionals.
Step 6. Securing a Work Permit and Visa
Working in Turkey as a nurse legally requires you to obtain a Turkish work permit. How can a foreigner get a work permit in Turkey? Typically, your employer would assist with this process. Along with the work permit, you’ll need to apply for a work visa at the Turkish embassy in your country, using your job offer as part of your application.
Steps for Obtaining a Turkish Work Permit
- To immigrate to Turkey as a nurse, you must have a job offer from a healthcare institution in Turkey.
- Your employer takes the initial step in applying for a work permit. They must submit an online application to the Ministry of Labor and Social Security in Turkey. This involves filling out an application form and attaching the necessary documents, including details about the job and the company.
- Concurrently, you (the employee) must apply at the Turkish consulate or embassy in your home country. You can see the steps below.
- Both the employer and the employee are responsible for paying certain fees associated with the work permit application. Work permit fees can range from $100 to $500.
- After both applications are submitted, the Ministry of Labor and Social Security will review the application. The processing time for a work permit can take about 30 days from the date the complete application is submitted.
- If approved, the Ministry issues the work permit. The Turkish consulate or embassy will then notify you, and you can collect your work permit document from the consulate.
Steps for Applying for a Turkish Work Visa
- Before starting your application, ensure you have all the necessary documents ready. These typically include:
- Your approved work permit or a letter from the Turkish Ministry of Labor and Social Security confirming your work permit’s approval.
- A completed visa application form. You can download it from the website of the Turkish embassy, where you will apply.
- Your passport is valid for a minimum of 60 days beyond the expiry date of the requested work visa.
- Passport-size photographs. These should be recent, clear, and with a white background.
- A copy of your job offer or your employment contract from your employer in Turkey
- Carefully complete the visa application form. Ensure write down accurate information. After filling out the form, check all the details and sign it.
- Contact the Turkish embassy or consulate to schedule an appointment for your visa application. Depending on the consulate, you may book your appointment online, or through a call or email.
- Once your appointment is set, you’ll receive a confirmation. Keep this confirmation, as you may need to show it on the day of your appointment.
- Go to the Turkish embassy or consulate on the date of your appointment. Be sure to arrive on time and with all your documents.
- Present your completed visa application form, passport, photographs, work permit approval, and job offer or contract. The visa officer may also ask for additional documents, so be prepared to provide these if requested.
- Pay the visa application fee. Visa fees vary by country but are generally around $60 to $80.
- Obtain a receipt for your payment. This proof of payment may be required for future reference.
- The embassy will review your application. The processing time for a Turkish work visa can take about 15 working days from the date of application.
- Once approved, you will be notified about when and how to collect your passport with the visa sticker inside. Some consulates may offer a mailing option, while others require in-person collection.
Step 7. Settling in Turkey
Once you successfully immigrate to Turkey as a nurse, you must do several important registrations to ensure a smooth transition in Turkey.
Necessary Registrations for Nurses Upon Arrival in Turkey
- Residence Permit Registration. Within the first month of arrival, you must apply for a residence permit through the Directorate General of Migration Management (DGMM) website or at a local DGMM office. The residence permit is necessary for your legal stay in Turkey beyond your visa duration.
- Social Security Registration. Register with the Social Security Institution (SGK) to ensure you’re covered for healthcare and social security benefits. Your employer usually facilitates this process, but it’s crucial to ensure it’s completed as part of your employment formalities.
- Address Registration. You must register your address at the local Population and Citizenship Directorate within 20 days of settling into your new home. This registration is essential for various administrative processes and compliance with Turkish laws.
Banking
Some of the famous banks include:
- Ziraat Bankası
- Garanti BBVA
- Akbank
- İş Bankası (Türkiye İş Bankası)
- Yapı ve Kredi Bankası
Housing
Finding suitable accommodation is one of your first priorities. Popular websites for housing include:
- Sahibinden.com
- Hurriyetemlak.com
- Zingat.com
- Emlakjet.com
- Hepsiemlak.com
Health Insurance
Employers usually provide this, but you can also explore private options. Famous health insurance companies in Turkey include:
- Anadolu Sigorta
- AXA Sigorta
- Allianz Sigorta
- Mapfre Sigorta
- Groupama Sigorta
Cost of Living for Nurses in Turkey
The cost of living varies greatly depending on the city and your lifestyle. On average, a nurse can expect to spend between 7,000 and 15,000 TRY per month, covering rent, utilities, food, transportation, and leisure activities.
Can Foreign Nurses Work in Turkey?
Yes, foreign nurses can work in Turkey, provided they obtain the necessary work permit and have their nursing qualifications recognized by the Turkish Ministry of Health. Proficiency in the Turkish language is highly recommended for better integration into the healthcare system.
What are the Eligibility Conditions to Immigrate to Turkey as a Nurse?
To start working as a nurse in Turkey, you must meet certain prerequisites. Initially, securing a nursing license from your home country is essential, alongside proficiency in Turkish, which is the primary language in healthcare settings across Turkey.
Your academic qualifications and professional background will undergo scrutiny by the Turkish Ministry of Health. This evaluation is crucial to determine if you fulfill the criteria for nursing roles in Turkey, ensuring you meet the national standards.
To practice nursing in Turkey, obtaining both a work and residence permit is mandatory. You can apply for these permits at the Turkish embassy or consulate in your home country, as well as through the Turkish migration office, setting the stage for your professional journey in Turkey.
Nursing Jobs in Turkey
Here are different lists of nursing jobs to help you find a position and immigrate to Turkey as a nurse:
Nursing Jobs in Turkey for Foreigners
- Hospital Staff Nurse (Private and Public Hospitals)
- Clinic Nurse (Outpatient Clinics and Private Practices)
- Home Care Nurse
- School Nurse
- Health Consultant for International Companies
Nursing Jobs in Istanbul, Turkey
- Emergency Room Nurse (ER Nurse)
- Intensive Care Unit Nurse (ICU Nurse)
- Pediatric Nurse
- Operating Room Nurse (Surgical Nurse)
- Medical-Surgical Nurse
English-speaking Nurse Jobs in Turkey
- Nurse at International Hospitals
- Nurse at Embassies or Consulates Health Units
- Nurse in International Schools
- Medical Coordinator for Tourism (Medical Tourism Companies)
- Bilingual Nurse for Expatriate Services
Dental Nursing Jobs in Turkey
- Dental Nurses in Private Dental Clinics
- Oral Health Nurses in Hospitals
- Dental Assistant in Cosmetic Dentistry Practices
- Dental Surgery Assistant
- Community Health Nurse Focusing on Oral Health Education
Male Nurse Jobs in Turkey
- Male Nurses in Psychiatric Units
- Male Nurses in Rehabilitation Centers
- Geriatric Nurse
- Orthopedic Nurse
- Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) or Paramedic
Do Nurses Make Good Money in Turkey?
Nurses’ salaries in Turkey vary by experience, location, and facility type. While not among the highest-paying jobs, nursing positions in larger cities or private healthcare institutions can offer competitive salaries, with opportunities for advancement and additional benefits.
How Much Does a Nurse Make in Turkey?
The yearly gaji perawat di Turki in 2024 (nurses salary in Turkey) can vary based on location, experience, type of employer (public vs. private sector), and specialization. On average, a nurse in Turkey might earn approximately between 84,000 TRY to 180,000 TRY per year.
- Average Nurse Salary in Turkey. The average Yearly nurse salary in Turkey is around 132,000 TRY per year.
- Nurse Salary in Turkey Per Month. On average, a nurse might earn about 11,000 TRY per month.
- Registered Nurse Salary in Turkey. A registered nurse (RN) in Turkey typically earns around 84,000 TRY to 180,000 TRY per year, depending on their experience and workplace.
Immigrate to Turkey as a Nurse: Let’s Recap
For international nurses looking for new prospects, moving to Turkey as a nurse may be a lucrative career move. With a strong need for nurses and a simple application process, obtaining a nursing license and finding work in Turkey is achievable. It is, nevertheless, critical to fulfill the language and educational standards and be prepared for cultural variations and working circumstances.
If you have any questions about immigrating to Turkey as a nurse, write in the comment section. You can also use Visa Library’s free consultation services.
FAQs
Jobs may be limited for nurses who do not speak Turkish, and it can affect the quality of care they provide.
No, there are no age restrictions for foreign nurses to work in Turkey.
European nurses must have their qualifications recognized, apply for a work permit, and secure a job offer from a Turkish healthcare facility. Proficiency in Turkish enhances job prospects.
A nurse’s salary in Turkey can range from approximately 7,000 to 15,000 TRY per month, depending on factors like experience, location, and the type of healthcare institution.
- Published by
- Max-B.
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Passionate, empathic and communicates excellently.Registered midwife / general nursing.Wise to here from you because I’m interested.
If you are a dedicated and caring registered midwife or general nurse who wants to work in Turkey, here is an easier way to get there: Make sure you are eligible, get the Turkish government to recognize your nursing qualifications, get a work visa with the help of your Turkish employer, look for nursing jobs, get the license or registration you need, make sure you are legal in Turkey, and stay up to date by continuing your professional development. You can get the most up-to-date information from Turkish healthcare institutions and authorities. Your love of nursing will help you in your job search in Turkey. Best of luck!
Interested registered midwife/nurse with many years of experience
If you are a registered nurse or midwife with a lot of experience and want to work in Turkey, do these things: Make sure you are eligible, meet the language requirements, get your credentials recognized by the Turkish government, get a work visa with the help of your employer, find a nursing job in Turkey, get a license or registration as needed, make sure you are legally resident, and learn how the local healthcare system works. Know that certain requirements and steps may be different, so stay up to date with the Turkish government and healthcare organizations to get the most up-to-date information on how to work as a nurse in Turkey.