Turkey Labor Law and Employment Policy Overview

Employment Law Overview

• Key Laws and Regulations:
  • Turkish Labor Law
  • Social Security Law
  • Trade Union Law
• Legal Characteristics:
  • Aims to protect employee rights and promote workplace harmony.
  • Stipulates minimum wages, working hours, vacations, and social security benefits.

Employment Contract Requirements

• Contract Types:
  • Fixed-term contracts (not exceeding two years)
  • Indefinite-term contracts
• Contractual Provisions:
  • Must include clauses on job description, remuneration, working hours, vacations, and termination conditions.
• Language and Currency:
  • Contracts must be written in Turkish and use the Turkish Lira as the currency.

Working Time Regulations

• Standard Working Hours: 45 hours per week
• Rest Days and Breaks: Minimum of 24 hours of rest per week and 11 hours of rest after each workday.

Vacation Policy

• Annual Leave:
  • 1-5 years of service: 14 days
  • 5-15 years of service: 20 days
  • 15+ years of service: 26 days
• Public Holidays: 14
• Special Leaves:
  • Sick leave: 1 week paid
  • Maternity leave: 16 weeks paid (extended to 18 weeks for multiple births or complications)
  • Paternity leave: 5 days paid
  • Parental leave: Both parents can opt for part-time work until the child starts primary school

Employee Severance and Contract Termination

• Notice Period: 2-8 weeks, depending on years of service.
• Severance Pay: One month's salary for each year of service.
• Unfair Dismissal Protection: Employers must have just cause to dismiss employees with more than 6 months of service.

Tax Laws

• Personal Income Tax:

  • Salary Range (TRY)	Tax Rate
    0 - 32,000	15%
    32,000 - 70,000	20%
    70,000 - 250,000	27%
    250,000 - 800,000	35%
    800,000 and above	40%

• Social Security Contributions:

  • Employee: 9%
  • Employer: 11%

Health Insurance

• Insurance Policy: All employees must participate in the national health insurance scheme.
• Coverage: Includes medical, dental, and vision care.

Compensation and Benefits

• Minimum Wage: TRY 10,008 per month
• Compensation Structure: Typically includes base salary, bonuses, and allowances.

Work Permits and Visas

• Permit Requirement: Non-Turkish citizens require a work permit to work in Turkey.
• Application Process: Apply through Turkish embassies or consulates or the Turkish Ministry of Labor and Social Security.

Confidentiality and Non-Compete Clauses

• Enforceability: Confidentiality and non-compete clauses are enforceable in Turkey.
• Common Provisions: Typically include clauses prohibiting the disclosure of confidential information and working for competitors for a certain period.

Training and Development

• Legal Requirements: Employers must provide safety training and professional development opportunities to employees.
• Government Support: Government provides training programs and subsidies to support employee development.

Workplace Diversity and Inclusion

• Legal Requirements: Discrimination based on gender, race, religion, or disability is prohibited.
• Enforcement Measures: Government agencies are responsible for investigating and enforcing anti-discrimination laws.

Remote Work Policy

• Legal Framework: Remote work is legally recognized in Turkey.
• Tax and Insurance Implications: Tax and social security implications of remote work vary depending on the specific situation.

Authoritative Website Addresses

• Turkish Ministry of Labor and Social Security: https://www.issekur.gov.tr/