Ambulance Licensing in Turkey: Service Certificate and Qualification Process
How do ambulance services get licensed in Turkey? Learn about the ambulance service certificate, vehicle qualification certificate, and minimum fleet requirements under the 2025 Ambulance Regulation.
💡Key Takeaways
- An ambulance service must obtain a service certificate before operating and a qualification certificate for each vehicle (Articles 10–12).
- Istanbul (İ1 group province) requires a minimum of 5 ambulances to open a service (Article 10).
- All vehicles must pass TSE inspection and receive a Provincial Health Directorate qualification certificate (Article 9).
Operating a private ambulance service in Turkey requires passing through a structured licensing process defined by the 2025 Ambulance Regulation. Two key documents govern legal operation: the ambulance service certificate (ambulans servisi uygunluk belgesi) and, for each vehicle, the qualification certificate (yeterlilik belgesi). [1]
Ambulance Service Certificate (Article 10–12)
Before any ambulance is deployed, the service operator must apply to the Provincial Health Directorate with a complete documentation package (Annex 9). A three-person inspection team — including at least one health professional — conducts an on-site review against the physical requirements in Annex 14.
Minimum fleet size varies by province group. Istanbul, as an İ1-group province, requires at least 5 ambulances, with at least one being an Emergency Ambulance. Smaller provinces in İ6–İ9 groups require a minimum of 2. [1]
Once approved, the service certificate is issued. Within 30 days, vehicle qualification certificates must be obtained for each ambulance; otherwise the service certificate is revoked.
Vehicle Qualification Certificate (Article 9)
Each ambulance must:
- Pass a TSE (Turkish Standards Institute) inspection confirming compliance with the relevant standards.
- Receive a qualification certificate from the Provincial Health Directorate following an Annex 2 and Annex 4 review.
- Be registered at a notary with both certificates on file.
Responsible Manager and Personnel Documents
Every licensed service must designate a responsible manager (mesul müdür) — a physician, paramedic (AABT/acil tıp teknikeri), or EMT (ATT/acil tıp teknisyeni) — who holds a responsible manager certificate. All staff who work in or alongside ambulances receive individual personnel work permits from the Directorate.
Nova Ambulans
Nova Ambulans holds an ambulance service certificate, vehicle qualification certificates for each ambulance in our fleet, and a responsible manager certificate — all issued by the Istanbul Provincial Health Directorate.
Frequently Asked Questions
How often do ambulance qualification certificates need to be renewed?
The regulation does not specify a fixed renewal cycle but requires continuous compliance. Qualification certificates may be revoked following failed audits or non-compliance findings.
Can a company without a health service mandate open an ambulance service?
No. Article 10 specifies that only public institutions and private legal entities whose business activities include health service provision may open ambulance services.
What is the minimum number of ambulances required in Istanbul?
At least 5 ambulances are required in Istanbul (İ1-group province), with at least one classified as an Emergency Ambulance.
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Sources
- Ambulances and Emergency Health Vehicles Regulation (OG-8/1/2025-32776) — Republic of Turkey Ministry of Health
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Medical Review & Disclaimer
This content has been medically reviewed for accuracy by the Nova Ambulans Medical Board. Visit the Medical Board page for members and policy.
Go to Medical Board pageThis content is for informational purposes only and does not replace professional medical evaluation. In emergencies, call 112 or +90 216 339 00 39.