Comprehensive Pre-Departure and Labour Guide for Workers in Türkiye To ensure safe and legal employment in the Republic of Türkiye, workers must understand legal procedures and labor rights. 1.
Recruitment and Work Permit Procedures • Application and Interview: Select suitable vacancies and complete a direct interview with the employer. • Written Job Offer: Secure a written document detailing duties, wages, working conditions, and benefits. • Work Permit Application: o Obtain a 16-digit reference number from the Turkish diplomatic mission. o Send this reference number to the employer to submit the application via the Ministry portal. o Upon approval, pay visa fees and obtain the entry visa sticker. • Address Registration: Register with the Provincial Directorate of Civil Registration within 20 days of arrival. • Personal Documents: Never surrender your passport to employers for long-term withholding.
2. Recruitment Fraud Warning Signs • Unrealistic high salary promises for unskilled labor. • Direct job offers without prior interviews. • Upfront payment demands for processing visas or applications. • Pressure and urgency during decision-making. 3.
Working Conditions and Legal Rights • Working Hours: Maximum 45 hours per week. • Overtime Work: Capped at 270 hours per year, compensated at 1.25x to 1.5x standard hourly rates. • Weekly Rest and Breaks: At least 1 full paid rest day per week.
Rest breaks range from 15 minutes to 1 hour. • Probation Period: Up to 2 months (extendable to 4 months by agreement). • Annual Paid Leave: 1–5 years: 14 days; 5–15 years: 20 days; over 15 years: 26 days. • Minimum Wage: Net minimum monthly wage in 2025 is 22,104 TRY. • Delayed Wages: If salary is unpaid within 20 days past due, the worker may stop work legally. 4.
Contract Termination Notice Periods Notice periods based on length of service: • Less than 6 months: 2 weeks; • 6 months to 1.5 years: 4 weeks; • 1.5 to 3 years: 6 weeks; • More than 3 years: 8 weeks. • Immediate termination without notice is permitted for health hazards or non-payment of wages. 5.
Essential Emergency Numbers • 112 — Single Emergency Call Centre (Ambulance, Police, Fire) • ALO 170 — Ministry of Labour and Social Security Helpline • ALO 157 — Foreigners Communication Center (YİMER)