Turkey Employment Guide
Turkey Employment Guide
Turkey is at the Eurasian crossroads, bordering Greece, Bulgaria (west), Georgia, Armenia, Iran (east), the Mediterranean (south) and the Black Sea (north). It has ~85 million people; Turkish is official, Ankara is the capital, and major economic hubs include Istanbul and Izmir. Its diversified economy values industry, services and agriculture, with textiles, auto manufacturing, electronics, tourism and export-oriented manufacturing having significant influence. Labor laws (per Turkish Labour Law) protect wages, hours, leave and social security. Standard workweek: 45 hours (overtime needs extra pay or time off). Salaries are usually monthly (avg. TRY 12,000 pre-tax). Laws cover paid leave and protect contract/temp workers, balancing interests for a fair, flexible labor market.
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Currency
Turkish Lira (TRY)
Capital
Ankara
Official language
Turkish
Salary Cycle
Monthly
Our Guide in Turkey
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Paid Time Off (PTO) Policy in Turkey
In Turkey, both full-time and part-time employees are entitled to paid time off based on their length of service. PTO accrues monthly and is allocated proportionally according to the employee's eligibility. It's important to note that employees must complete 12 months of continuous service before they can utilize their annual leave entitlement.
| Years of Service | Annual Leave Entitlement |
|---|---|
| 1-5 years | 14 days |
| 5+ years | 20 days |
| 15+ years | 26 days |
| Employees under 18 or over 50 | 20 days |
Turkish labor law allows for unlimited carryover of unused vacation days. Companies may choose to either let unused days expire or provide monetary compensation, though SailGlobal recommends establishing clear policies regarding PTO utilization to maintain workforce satisfaction.
National Public Holidays in Turkey
Turkey recognizes 9 official national holidays throughout the year. These include both secular and religious observances that reflect the country's cultural heritage. For international companies like SailGlobal operating in Turkey, understanding these holidays is crucial for effective workforce planning and respecting local traditions.
- New Year's Day (January 1)
- National Sovereignty and Children's Day (April 23)
- Labor and Solidarity Day (May 1)
- Commemoration of Atatürk, Youth and Sports Day (May 19)
- Democracy and National Unity Day (July 15)
- Victory Day (August 30)
- Republic Day (October 29)
- Ramazan Feast (Eid al-Fitr, dates vary)
- Feast of the Sacrifice (Eid al-Adha, dates vary)
Many Turkish companies provide additional time off around the religious holidays, particularly during the Eid celebrations when employees often travel to visit family. SailGlobal's experience shows that accommodating these cultural practices significantly improves employee morale and retention rates.
Disclaimer
The information and opinions provided are for reference only and do not constitute legal, tax, or other professional advice. Sailglobal strives to ensure the accuracy and timeliness of the content; however, due to potential changes in industry standards and legal regulations, Sailglobal cannot guarantee that the information is always fully up-to-date or accurate. Please carefully evaluate before making any decisions. Sailglobal shall not be held liable for any direct or indirect losses arising from the use of this content.Hire easily in Turkey
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