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Good to know
In Turkey, apart from allocated vacation days, employees are granted various additional personal leaves, including marriage leave and bereavement leave.
Currency
Turkish Lira (TRY)
Capital
Anarka
Employee Costs
15%
Local Language
Turkish
Employer Taxes
22.50%
Public Holidays
12 Days
Payroll Frequency
Semi – monthly, Monthly
Tax Year
1st Jan – 31st Dec
Are you ready to hire in Turkey?
Turkey has a relatively stable and growing economy, which can provide a favorable business environment for growth and expansion. Furthermore, labour costs in Turkey can be competitive compared to many Western European countries and the United States. This makes it an attractive destination for cost-effective hiring.
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Minimum Wage
The minimum wage in Turkey is currently 10,008 TRY per month.
Working Hours
Standard Working Hours
The standard work week consists of 45 hours, and the daily working hours are determined by the specific terms of the employment contract. The typical daily work duration for an employee should not exceed 11 hours, not including overtime. Furthermore, the average working day can be 7.5 hours for 6 days a week or 9 hours for 5 days a week. The standard work week is Monday – Friday.
Overtime
Overtime pay becomes applicable after an employee has worked above the standard 45 hours in one week. The overtime pay rate is 150% of the regular pay if the overtime is performed on a weekday and 200% of the regular pay rate if it occurs on the weekend. Alternatively, employers may grant employees time off instead of compensation for overtime work.
Payroll
Employees are usually paid once or twice a month. Payments are typically scheduled for the last working day of the month or bi-monthly.
Leave
Paid time off
Employees who have completed at least one year of service are eligible for paid holidays, and the number of paid days off depends on their length of employment.
Employees of service between 0-5 years are entitled to 14 days of paid holidays. This extends to 20 days paid holidays for 6-14 days service. For 15 years or more, employees are entitled to 26 days of paid holidays.
Sick Pay
The employer is not legally obligated to provide payment during an employee’s sick leave. However, Social Security takes over the payment after the employee has been on sick leave for 3 days and provided medical confirmation.
Additionally, employers choose to pay their employees regular salary for the initial 2 days (not covered by Social Security) or the entire sick leave period, receiving a partial refund from Social Security.
Maternity Leave
Employees in Turkey are entitled to up to 16 weeks of maternity leave at full pay, often divided into 8 weeks before and 8 weeks after childbirth. This is extended to 18 weeks if multiple or complicated pregnancy). A minimum of 3 weeks should be taken before the expected due date. Maternity leave payments are covered by the social security system.
Paternity Leave
Fathers are entitled to 5 days of paternity leave equal to 100% of their regular pay.
Termination
Termination of Employment
Employees who have completed a minimum of one year of service with their employer are eligible for a severance payment equivalent to 30 days’ gross salary for each full year of employment.
Notice Period
An employee’s trial period cannot exceed 2 months, although it can be extended to 4 months under specific conditions and with a collective agreement. During the probation period no notice is required.
Probation Period
The length of the notice period is determined based on the employee’s length of service. From 0-6 months of service, the notice period is 2 weeks. Between 6-18 months the notice period is 4 weeks. This can increase up to a maximum of 8 week notice period for service up to 36 months.
Visa
A Turkish Work Visa provides authorisation for foreigners to move to Turkey for employment purposes. A work visa must be obtained alongside a work permit, without which foreigners cannot work in Turkey. Aside from nationals of the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus, all citizens need a work visa and a work permit to work in Turkey.
VAT
The standard rate of VAT in Turkey is 18%.
