Labour Law in Turkey

Our qualified and Turkish legal professionals based in the UK and Turkey, can provide a complete range of Labour Law services in Turkey, from either the employer’s or the employee’s perspective. We assist our clients in the UK regarding any employment issues in Turkey such as visas and work permits for expatriates, unfair dismissal, breach of employment contact etc. Additionally, we work with employers in Turkey in many matters such as compliance policy drafting, employment contracts, and non-compete, trade secret and confidentiality agreements as well as workplace safety .

What Does Turkish Labour Law Cover?

Turkish Labour Law (Law No. 4857) governs the employment relationship between employers and workers in Turkey. It covers:

• Employment contracts and job duties

• Working hours, overtime and holidays

• Termination and severance pay

• Health and safety at work

• Work permits for foreigners

• Social security and payroll obligations

• Trade unions and collective bargaining

• Confidentiality and non-compete clauses

Whether you're a UK-based company expanding into Turkey, or a British individual working for a Turkish employer, understanding these rules is essential to protect your rights and avoid disputes.

How Can UK Employers Hire Staff in Turkey?

UK companies that wish to employ individuals in Turkey must either establish a legal presence (e.g. subsidiary, branch or liaison office), or contract workers via third-party services. When hiring locally, employers are required to:

• Sign a compliant written employment contract

• Register the employee with SGK (Social Security Institution)

• Comply with Turkish labour and tax obligations

• Pay minimum wage and statutory benefits

• Issue payslips and maintain personnel files

We help UK employers by:

• Drafting bilingual employment contracts in line with Turkish law

• Advising on tax/social security implications

• Handling employee registration and payroll coordination

• Drafting workplace policies (remote work, overtime, leave, etc.)

This is particularly valuable for UK businesses in tech, logistics, customer service or construction sectors who seek cost-effective local teams without legal exposure.

What Are the Rules for Foreigners Working in Turkey?

Foreign nationals who wish to work in Turkey must obtain a work permit, which is issued by the Ministry of Labour and Social Security. The process can be handled:

• From abroad (via Turkish consulates), or

• From inside Turkey (if the applicant holds a valid residence permit)

There are several permit types:

• Standard Work Permit (valid for 1 year, renewable)

• Independent Work Permit (for self-employed)

• Turquoise Card (for highly skilled foreign professionals)

Turkish employers must prove they cannot find a qualified local employee, and must meet quota requirements (e.g. minimum 5 Turkish employees per foreign hire). We assist both employers and individuals in:

• Preparing work permit applications

• Translating and notarising documents

• Handling Ministry communications and renewals

• Resolving rejections or appeal procedures

What Constitutes Unfair Dismissal Under Turkish Law?

Turkish law strongly protects employees against arbitrary termination. For a dismissal to be lawful, the employer must have valid cause and follow specific procedures. Common valid grounds include:

• Poor performance (documented)

• Behaviour violating workplace ethics or discipline

• Redundancy due to business needs

However, even if valid, employers must:

• Provide written notice or pay compensation 

• Pay severance if the employee worked for more than one year

• Notify the employee in advance (based on seniority)

• Document the reason for termination in writing

Employees dismissed without valid cause may file for reinstatement, claim unpaid entitlements, or seek compensation for moral and material damages. We represent both employees and employers in wrongful termination disputes, providing negotiation, mediation and litigation services.

What Legal Protections Do Employment Contracts Require?

All employment relationships in Turkey must be governed by a written contract if the job lasts longer than one month. These contracts must comply with Turkish Labour Law and must include:

• Job title and duties

• Salary and payment terms

• Working hours and leave

• Termination procedures

• Confidentiality, non-compete or IP clauses where applicable

Generic contracts translated from English often lack validity in Turkish courts or fail to meet formal requirements. We draft fully compliant bilingual contracts that reduce risk and ensure enforceability.

Can UK Companies Enforce Non-Compete or Confidentiality Clauses in Turkey?

Yes but only under strict conditions. For a non-compete clause to be enforceable in Turkey, it must:

• Be clearly defined in scope (industry, geography)

• Have a time limit (maximum 2 years after employment ends)

• Not unreasonably restrict the employee’s right to earn a livelihood

Confidentiality clauses are more broadly accepted, especially for protecting trade secrets or customer data. We help companies create enforceable clauses that balance protection with fairness, and we assist in enforcement if breaches occur — including court action and injunctive relief.

Why Work With UT Legal?

We offer practical, bilingual legal support for Turkish employment matters — without the need to travel.

• Bilingual team in London and Istanbul

• Experience with UK–Turkey cross-border employment

• Drafting of compliant contracts and policies

• Legal representation in dismissal disputes

• Advice on remote work, hybrid policies and compliance

• End-to-end work permit applications

Whether you're an individual seeking advice or a company hiring staff, we ensure full compliance and clear communication.

Frequently Asked Questions: Labour Law in Turkey

Do UK employers need to set up a company in Turkey to hire locally?

Not necessarily. You can use local payroll providers or partner organisations. We advise on the best model.

How long does a work permit take to obtain?

Typically 12–16 weeks if documents are in order.

What do employees receive when terminated?

They may be entitled to notice pay, unused leave, severance, and compensation for unfair dismissal.

Can I work remotely in Turkey for a UK company?

Yes, but the arrangement should comply with Turkish labour and tax law. We can draft a compliant agreement.

Can I enforce a UK employment contract in Turkey?

Only if it also complies with Turkish law. Otherwise, Turkish courts may ignore parts of it.