Key Takeaways for Hiring in Turkey
- Minimum wage: TRY 33,030/month (gross, 2026)
- Standard working hours: 7.5 hours/day per day / 45 hours/week per week
- Recommended hiring model: EOR
- Local currency: Turkish lira (TRY)
Continent
Europe, Asia
Capital
Ankara
Currency
Turkish Lira (TRY)
Language
Turkish
Pay Date
End of the month
VAT
20%
Overview
| Indicator | Details |
|---|---|
| Population | ~ 85.7 million |
| Language | Turkish |
| Capital | Ankara |
| Currency | Turkish lira (TRY) |
| Country code | +90 |
| Min wage | $378 |
| Working hours | 8 AM – 5 PM |
| Weekdays | Monday–Friday |
| Work hours per week | 45 |
Payroll
Average employer cost
20.5%
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Avg employer tax | 15%: 0 TRY – 24,000 TRY 20%: 24,001 TRY – 53,000 TRY 27%: 53,001 TRY – 190,000 TRY 35%: 190,001 TRY – 650,000 TRY 40%: 650,001 TRY + |
Tax Breakdown
Personal Income Tax (PIT)
| Category | Rate / Details |
|---|---|
| Up to TRY 158,000 | 15% |
| TRY 158,001 – TRY 330,000 | 20% |
| TRY 330,001 – TRY 1,200,000 | 27% |
| TRY 1,200,001 – TRY 4,300,000 | 35% |
| Over TRY 4,300,000 | 40% |
Note: Income tax exemptions apply to portions of wages equivalent to the minimum wage, reducing taxable income for low earners.
Social Security Contributions (SGK) – 37.75%
| Category | Rate / Details |
|---|---|
| Employee Contributions | 15% |
| Employer Contributions | 22.75% |
Note: Contributions are capped at a monthly ceiling of TRY 195,041.40 for 2025.
Stamp Tax
| Category | Rate / Details |
|---|---|
| Rate | 0.759% of gross salary |
Note: Stamp tax exemptions apply to portions of wages equivalent to the minimum wage.
VAT
| Category | Rate / Details |
|---|---|
| VAT | The standard rate of VAT is 20% |
Onboarding Process
Onboarding in Turkey typically includes the following steps to ensure a smooth transition for new hires:
- Employment Contract — Must be in writing and include job title, duties, salary, working hours, leave entitlements, and termination conditions.
- Registration with Authorities — Register the employee with the Social Security Institution (SGK) and the Tax Office.
- Payroll Setup — Ensure accurate calculation and withholding of taxes and social security contributions.
- Employee Documentation — Collect personal identification, bank account details, and tax information.
- Workplace Policies — Provide access to company policies, health and safety guidelines, and any applicable collective agreements.
- Pre-boarding — Pre-boarding Pre-boarding
Employee Leave Policies
Sick Leave
- Paid for up to 3 days without a doctor’s report; longer durations require medical certification.
Maternity Leave
- 16 weeks (8 weeks before and 8 weeks after childbirth); 2 additional days for each child in case of multiple births.
Paternity Leave
- 5 days.
Parental Leave:
- Unpaid leave up to 6 months for child care.
Annual Leave
- Minimum of 14 working days after 1 year of service; increases with tenure.
7 Public holidays in Turkey
Note: Additional religious holidays vary each year based on the Islamic lunar calendar.
| Month | Date | Holiday |
|---|---|---|
| January | 1st | New Year’s Day |
| April | 23rd | National Sovereignty and Children’s Day |
| May | 1st | Labour and Solidarity Day |
| May | 19th | Atatürk Memorial, Youth and Sports Day |
| August | 30th | Victory Day |
| October | 28th | Republic Day Eve |
| October | 29th | Republic Day |
Termination Process
| Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
| Notice Period | Varies based on length of service; typically 2 weeks to 3 months. |
| Severance Pay | 1 month’s salary for each year of service, capped at 30 times the daily gross minimum wage. |
| Termination During Probation | Either party can terminate with appropriate notice. |
| Probation Period | Maximum Duration: 2 months Extension: Permitted if agreed upon by both parties. Termination During Probation: Either party can terminate with appropriate notice. |
| Personal Details | Name, contact information, and role of the employee. |
Legal Disclaimer: The information provided in this guide is intended for general informational and guidance purposes only and does not constitute legal, financial, or human resources advice. While we strive to keep the information up to date and accurate, laws and regulations in Turkey are subject to change. We recommend consulting with qualified legal and HR professionals for advice specific to your situation. RemotePass does not accept liability for any errors, omissions, or outcomes related to the use of this information.
