Buying a Medical Tourism Company in Turkey: Step-by-Step Guide for Foreign Investors (2025)

Buying a Medical Tourism Company in Turkey: Step-by-Step Guide for Foreign Investors (2025)

Introduction: Why Consider Buying a Medical Tourism Company in Turkey?

Turkey is a global leader in medical tourism, attracting over 1 million health tourists annually for procedures ranging from hair transplants and dental treatments to complex surgeries and IVF. For foreign investors, buying an existing medical tourism company in Turkey offers a fast-track entry into a growing, high-margin industry with established licenses, local networks, and an active patient flow.

This guide provides a clear, actionable roadmap on acquiring a medical tourism company in Turkey, including licensing, tax, legal and operational considerations.

1. Why Buy Instead of Starting From Scratch?

• Speed: Immediate entry into the Turkish healthcare market without waiting for licensing and marketing buildup.

• Established Network: Existing agreements with clinics, hospitals, and service providers.

• Active Patient Flow: Cash flow and brand recognition from day one.

• Operational Licenses: Avoids the lengthy and complex licensing process for new entities.

• Residency and Business Expansion: Facilitates residency applications and regional expansion plans.

2. Types of Companies Foreign Investors Can Acquire

Foreigners can fully acquire:

• Medical tourism agencies licensed under Turkish health tourism regulations

• Travel agencies specialized in medical tourism

• Clinic chains providing medical tourism services

There are no general restrictions on 100% foreign ownership, except in certain healthcare provider sectors requiring Ministry approvals.

3. Step-by-Step Acquisition Process

Step 1: Define Your Investment Criteria

• Specialization (dental, hair transplant, IVF, cosmetic surgery)

• Location (Istanbul, Antalya, Izmir)

• Active patient volume and network size

• License validity and regulatory compliance

Step 2: Source Targets and Initial Contact

• Engage local M&A advisors, CPAs, and health law attorneys

• Sign Non-Disclosure Agreements before reviewing sensitive business information

Step 3: Due Diligence

• Financial health: revenue, profit margins, debts

• Legal compliance: licenses, contracts with clinics and hospitals

• Tax status: check past declarations and liabilities

• Operational assessment: patient satisfaction, partnerships, online reputation

Step 4: Negotiation and Agreement

• Agree on valuation (often EBITDA multiples)

• Draft Share Purchase Agreement (SPA)

• Plan for management transition and post-acquisition integration

Step 5: Regulatory Approvals (if required)

• Obtain Ministry of Health approvals if applicable

• Competition Authority approvals if thresholds are exceeded

Step 6: Closing and Transfer

• Execute share transfer at the Notary

• Update trade registry records

• Notify tax office, SGK, and health authorities

4. Licensing and Regulatory Framework

Medical tourism companies in Turkey require:

• Health Tourism Authorization Certificate from the Ministry of Health

• Agreements with licensed hospitals and clinics

• Compliance with advertising regulations for health services

Foreign buyers should confirm that these licenses are current and transferrable or that new applications can be processed post-acquisition.

5. Tax Implications for Foreign Investors

• Corporate Tax: 25% in 2025 (subject to fiscal policy updates)

• VAT: 1%, 10%, or 20% depending on services

• Dividend Withholding Tax: 10% (subject to treaty reductions)

• Capital Gains Tax: Generally applicable to sellers, but negotiable in pricing

Ensuring a detailed tax review before acquisition is critical to prevent inheriting hidden tax liabilities.

6. Costs and Timeline

• Due Diligence Fees: USD 15,000-20,000

• Legal and CPA Fees: USD 15,000-25,000

• Transaction Advisory Fees: USD 15,000-25,000

• Average Timeline: 3-5 months

7. Risks and Mitigation Strategies

• Undisclosed Liabilities: Use experienced CPAs and legal counsel for detailed checks.

• Regulatory Non-Compliance: Verify licensing and regulatory status before purchase.

• Overestimated Patient Flow: Analyze real patient numbers and seasonal fluctuations.

• Integration Challenges: Prepare a post-acquisition management and marketing plan.

8. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Can foreigners own 100% of a medical tourism company in Turkey?
Yes, except for regulated healthcare provider structures requiring partial Turkish ownership.

Can buying a medical tourism company help me get residency in Turkey?
It can support your residency application but does not automatically grant it.

Is buying better than starting a medical tourism company in Turkey?
Yes, if your goal is rapid market entry and immediate cash flow.

How do I find companies for sale?
Through local M&A brokers, CPAs, legal advisors, and industry networks. You can reach us for companies for sale

CTA: Ready to Acquire a Medical Tourism Company in Turkey?

Acquiring a medical tourism company in Turkey can accelerate your entry into one of the world’s fastest-growing health markets while leveraging established networks and licenses.

Contact us for a confidential consultation to assess opportunities, structure your acquisition, and manage your investment effectively.

info@ozmconsultancy.com