For end-stage kidney failure, a transplant offers a longer and better-quality life than dialysis. Türkiye has centres with extensive experience in living-donor transplantation. In this guide New City Clinic explains the process and the legal framework for international patients.
Who can be a donor? The legal framework
In Türkiye, international patients can only receive a living-donor transplant and must come with their own donor. By law the donor must be related to the recipient by blood or marriage up to and including the fourth degree, proven with official documents. Donors who are not relatives require approval by the hospital’s ethics committee. New City Clinic does not provide donors and does not mediate in any such arrangement; organ trading is a crime in Türkiye.
Assessment and surgery
Recipient and donor first undergo blood group, tissue typing (HLA) and cross-match tests together with a full health screening; the reports are reviewed by the transplant council. The donor’s kidney is usually removed laparoscopically. The new kidney is placed in the recipient’s groin area; the patient’s own kidneys are generally left in place. The transplant operation takes around 3–4 hours.
A Kidney Transplant: cost in Turkey and what is included
The price depends on the technique, the extent of the procedure, the hospital, the length of stay and any procedures planned together, which is why a single figure quoted without an examination or photo assessment is misleading. After a physician has reviewed your case, New City Clinic sends you an itemised written quote. It lists hospital, surgeon and anaesthesia fees, pre-operative tests, medication, any compression garment or support bra, accommodation, airport–hotel–hospital transfers and interpreting separately; flights are not included unless stated. When comparing clinics in Istanbul, look beyond the price: check that the hospital is licensed by the Ministry of Health, what the surgeon specialises in, and how follow-up is handled once you are back home.
A Kidney Transplant with New City Clinic
New City Clinic is an authorised health tourism intermediary registered with the Turkish Ministry of Health and HealthTürkiye. When you contact New City Clinic about a Kidney Transplant, a physician first reviews your photos and medical information, and you then receive a written treatment plan with an itemised quote. Once you arrive in Istanbul, the New City Clinic team organises your airport welcome, accommodation, hospital appointments and interpreting. Your procedure is performed by a specialist physician at a Ministry of Health approved partner hospital, and follow-up continues after you return home.
Recovery timeline
Donor: 3–5 days
The donor usually goes home within a few days and returns to daily life in 2–4 weeks.
Recipient: 7–10 days
The recipient is monitored closely in hospital; kidney function and drug levels are followed.
First 3–4 weeks
You need to stay in Istanbul for frequent check-ups while medication doses are adjusted.
Lifelong
Immunosuppressant medication is taken regularly and nephrology follow-up continues in your home country.
Accommodation and transfers
On request, New City Clinic organises your airport–hotel–hospital transfers and your stay at partner hotels close to the hospital. The same can be arranged for a companion; details are set out in writing in your quote.
Aftercare
Medication and check-ups
Take the medication your physician prescribes as directed and attend your planned check-ups.
Smoking and alcohol
Both slow healing; avoid them before and after the procedure for the period your physician advises.
Movement and rest
Short walks support circulation; wait for your physician’s approval before strenuous exercise or heavy lifting.
When to get in touch
Contact your New City Clinic coordinator straight away in case of high fever, increasing pain, redness or anything unexpected.
Frequently asked questions
Can I have a transplant without a donor?
International patients are not placed on the deceased-donor waiting list in Türkiye; a living donor who meets the legal requirements is needed.
What if our blood groups do not match?
Some centres can consider blood-group-incompatible or paired-exchange transplantation. Suitability is decided by the transplant council.
How long do I need to stay in Türkiye in total?
Including tests, surgery and early follow-up, the whole process is planned at about 70 days.
Deciding on a Kidney Transplant is a confident step when it is taken with the right information and the right team. You can book a free consultation with the New City Clinic team for your questions.
This article is for general information; consult your physician for diagnosis and treatment.
