Buying a Medical Tourism Company in Turkey

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