Care homes in Türkiye (Turkey): huzurevi, regulation and what to check
Care by country · 3 min read · Last updated 30 October 2026
In Türkiye, residential care for older people is provided in nursing homes and elderly care centres, called huzurevi or yaşlı bakım merkezi, run by the state and by private operators. New national rules were reported in May 2026, so some details in older sources may be out of date. Check current rules with the home and the authorities.
Public and private homes
Both public and private homes exist. A 2021 expert survey by the law firm CMS counted 426 homes, of which 248 were private. Private homes operate under a regulation on private nursing homes and elderly care centres and need an opening permit from the provincial Directorate of Social Affairs. Older people with insufficient income and no assets may stay in public homes free of charge.
The CMS survey also reports that officials from the provincial directorates inspect each home twice a year, under the oversight of the national social services authority. Treat this as a starting point and ask each home for its current permit.
The 2026 regulation
Turkish press reported in May 2026 that a new Regulation on Nursing Homes and Elderly Care and Rehabilitation Centres had been published in the Official Gazette, covering all 81 provinces. As reported, it includes:
- A main admission age of 70 and over. People aged 60 to 70 are admitted only if they are partly or fully dependent on care.
- A four-level care model: independent living, supervised living, professionally supported care, and advanced intensive care.
- Occupational therapists and gerontologists recognised as professional roles in homes.
- Faster access for older people facing neglect, abuse or a lack of care support, and a first step of daytime care and active-ageing programmes for suitable applicants.
For families from abroad
- Ask whether a foreign resident can be admitted, on what residence status, and whether the home has experience with foreign residents.
- Ask for the home's opening permit and the name of the responsible manager.
- Ask for a written quote and a full list of extras. Compare using our guide to care home costs.
- Ask about medical cover: is a nurse on site around the clock, and which hospital is used in an emergency?
- Ask which languages staff speak, and request a translated contract with the notice period and price-increase clause.
- Check how your relative's health insurance and residence permit will work. See our guide to moving a parent abroad.
A short stay before committing is a good way to test the home, the climate and the language barrier. See our guide to respite and short stays.
Next steps
Browse care homes in Turkey, then use the visit checklist when you speak to or visit each one.
Frequently asked questions
Are there private care homes in Türkiye?
Yes. A 2021 CMS survey counted 248 private homes out of 426 in total. Private homes need an opening permit from the provincial Directorate of Social Affairs.
Is there an age limit for entering a Turkish nursing home?
Press reports in May 2026 say the new national regulation sets a main admission age of 70 and over, with people aged 60 to 70 admitted only if they need partial or full care. Ask each home how this applies to private admissions.
Are homes inspected?
According to the CMS survey, provincial officials inspect each home twice a year. Ask the home for its current permit and its latest inspection outcome.
Sources and further reading
This guide is general information only, compiled from the public sources listed above as of the date shown. It is not legal, medical, tax, financial or care advice, and we cannot guarantee that it is complete, accurate or up to date. Rules, thresholds and prices change and differ by country and region, and some sources describe other countries' rules as examples. Check details with the authorities and care homes named, and take professional advice for your own situation before you act. If you spot an error, please email [email protected] and we will correct it.