Turkey: Employment Costs and Labor Policies
Understand Turkey's employment regulations, visa requirements, social security, and tax essentials in one page. Estimate employer costs and plan a compliant path for international expansion.

At-a-Glance: Hiring in Turkey (TRY)
Local hiring ratio: 5:1; inflation adjustments affect the social security base.
Settlement Currency
TRY
Minimum Monthly Salary Reference
45,000 TRY
Employer Social Security Contribution Rate
Approximately 23.0%
Work Visa
Need employer sponsorship
Employer statutory cost components
- SGK approx. 20.75%-25.75%
The above outlines key statutory employer cost factors; actual ratios fluctuate based on the salary base and annual policy adjustments.Global Expansion Cost CalculatorEstimate total hiring costs based on monthly salary and headcount.
Key Points of the Turkish Labor System
Probation period: up to 2-4 months; Annual leave: 14-26 days based on tenure; Severance pay: 30 days/year + notice period.
Key Points for Turkish Work Visa
Work permits are approved by the Department of Labor, requiring a local hiring ratio of 5:1, with processing times of 4-8 weeks.
Key Points on Turkish Social Security and Housing Fund
Employer social security (SGK): approximately 20.75%-25.75% (including unemployment insurance and incentive reductions).
Key Points on Turkish Personal Income and Corporate Tax
Progressive income tax: 15-40%; corporate income tax: 25%.
Practical Tips
- Inflation adjustments impact minimum wage and social security contribution bases.
- Visa applications will be rejected if the foreigner quota is exceeded.
Compliance Considerations
Turkish labor laws, visa requirements, and tax regulations may change with the annual budget and government announcements. Before finalizing hiring structures and compensation packages, have them reviewed by a local compliance team. NAZAR can assume employer responsibilities via its Employer of Record (EOR) model to help you quickly hire Turkish employees in full compliance.
Commonly Asked Questions About Hiring in Turkey
Must I establish a local company in Turkey before hiring employees?
Not necessarily. With the Employer of Record (EOR) model, a locally licensed Turkish employer can handle employment contracts, social security contributions, and income tax withholding on your behalf. This allows companies to hire compliantly without first establishing a local entity, making it ideal for market validation phases and small teams.
What is the approximate employer social security cost in Turkey?
The total statutory social security contribution for employers is approximately 23.0%, with a reference minimum monthly salary of about 45,000 TRY. Employer SGK contributions range from 20.75% to 25.75% (including unemployment insurance and incentive reductions). Specific rates may fluctuate based on the salary base and annual policy updates; we recommend using our cost calculator to estimate costs based on actual salaries.
Do foreign employees need a visa to work in Turkey?
Required. Work permits are approved by the Department of Labor, with a local hiring ratio of 5:1. Processing takes 4–8 weeks. Applications must be sponsored by an employer or nominal employer; we recommend starting document preparation at the offer stage.
What compliance risks in Turkish employment are often overlooked?
Inflation adjustments affect minimum wage and social security contribution bases. Exceeding the foreigner quota will result in visa rejection. Probation periods range from 2 to 4 months; annual leave is 14 to 26 days based on tenure. Severance pay is 30 days per year plus notice period. Before onboarding, have your local compliance team review contract terms and termination procedures.
Featured Destinations for Global Expansion
More Countries in the Middle East Guide
Region:Employment Guide for Expanding into the Middle EastView labor costs and key policy highlights for countries in the same region.
Need local hiring, payroll services, or compliance consulting in Turkey?Submit RequestA consultant will contact you within 1 business days.
