Turkish Labor Code (Law No. 4857) provides comprehensive employment protections. Foreign employers must comply with employment contract requirements, statutory benefits, and termination procedures.
Employment Contracts
Indefinite-term and fixed-term contracts permitted.
Probation period maximum 2 months (extendable to 4 by collective agreement).
Written contracts mandatory for terms exceeding 1 month.
Mandatory clauses include wage, working hours, and job description.
Statutory Benefits
Annual paid leave: 14-26 days based on tenure.
Severance pay: 30 days wage per year of service after 1 year.
Notice pay: 2-8 weeks based on tenure.
Social security contributions ~37% of gross wage.
Termination Procedures
Just cause termination requires documentation.
Reinstatement claims for employees with 6+ months tenure (workplaces 30+).
Mediation mandatory before lawsuit.
30-day reinstatement compensation cap is 4-8 months wage.
Work Permits for Foreign Employees
Application to Ministry of Labor required.
Local employment ratio (5:1) typically applies.
Permit linked to employer; change requires reapplication.
Turquoise card for highly qualified foreign professionals.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can foreign employees work in Turkey without permit?
No, work permit is mandatory; violations result in fines and deportation.
What is severance pay calculation?
30 days last gross wage per year of service, capped at TRY annual ceiling.