Doctor (General Practitioner) Moving to Germany from Turkey
This guide is specifically for a Turkish Doctor (General Practitioner) planning to relocate to Germany. It covers Turkey-specific banking, documents, visa process, and salary expectations.
For information only. Visa rules, banking regulations, and document requirements change frequently. All information is sourced from official government and banking sources and is accurate as of the date shown. Always verify your specific situation with the relevant embassy, bank, or a licensed immigration adviser before taking action.
Documents to Get Before Leaving Turkey
Start gathering these at least 8–12 weeks before your planned departure date.
Get an apostille for your Turkish medical license (Tıbbi Lisans)
Obtain a police clearance certificate (Emniyet Müdürlüğü Belgeleri) from the Turkish police
Get a certificate of good standing from the Turkish Medical Association (Türk Tabipleri Birliği)
Get a copy of your Turkish passport and Turkish ID card (T.C. Kimlik Kartı)
Have your Uzmanlık Belgesi (specialist certificate) or Tıp Fakültesi diploması apostilled by the Turkish Ministry of Foreign Affairs (Dışişleri Bakanlığı); medical specialist certificates additionally need endorsement from the Turkish Medical Association (Türk Tabipleri Birliği) before apostille.
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Share your data →Your Turkey Finances After Moving
Key financial steps before and after your move.
Notify SGK of your departure to stop social security contributions
Close your vergi kimlik numarası-linked accounts at Ziraat Bank and Is Bankasi
Apply for a German tax ID number (Steuer-ID) and inform the German tax authority about your Turkish tax ID
Transfer your Turkish pension to a German bank account
Request a Vergi Borcu Yoktur (tax clearance) certificate from your local Vergi Dairesi before departure; present this to the German Finanzamt alongside a Wohnsitzabmeldung (deregistration) to confirm your German tax residency start date and avoid dual-residency taxation.
What to Close or Keep in Turkey
Close your Turkish health insurance account (SGK) and enroll in the German health insurance system
Keep your Turkish driving license valid for a certain period in Germany, then convert it to a German license
Keep one Ziraat Bank or Garanti BBVA account open for 12–18 months post-departure to receive any delayed Turkish salary payments, SGK reimbursements, or pension adjustments; most Turkish banks allow non-resident maintenance via internet banking without in-person visits.
Close your Turkish tax account (Vergi Dairesi) and inform the German tax authority
Keep your Turkish pension account open until you receive your German pension
Staying Connected with Turkey
Use remittance services like PTT to send money back to Turkey
Contact the Turkish Embassy in Germany for assistance with Turkish documents and paperwork
Choose a mobile carrier that offers international coverage in Turkey, such as Vodafone or Turkcell
Use e-devlet to access your Turkish public services and documents online
Turkcell and Vodafone Turkey both include Germany in their EU+ roaming zones; Turkcell's 'Akıllı Paket Avrupa' (€29/month) gives unlimited calls to Turkey and 15 GB data — activate before boarding as roaming packs cannot be added while abroad.
Complete Doctor (General Practitioner) Guide for Germany
This page covers Turkey-specific preparation. For the full guide including salary data, visa types, qualification recognition, and employer information:
Full GermanyDoctor (General Practitioner) Guide →Also considering other European countries?
Dedicated /from-turkey/ pages for these destinations launch with Tier 2.