Turkish Labour Law No. 4857 provides strong protections for employees. Here are the key rights every employee — Turkish or foreign — should know.
Severance pay
Employees with at least one year of service are entitled to severance pay of 30 days’ gross wages per year of service when employment ends for qualifying reasons, such as termination by the employer without just cause or resignation for just cause. The calculation is capped at a statutory ceiling (TRY 73,729.84 for July–December 2026).
Notice periods
2 weeks (under 6 months), 4 weeks (6–18 months), 6 weeks (18–36 months), 8 weeks (over 3 years). Failure to give notice triggers notice pay.
Working time and leave
Maximum 45 hours per week; overtime paid at 150%. Annual leave of 14, 20 or 26 days depending on seniority.
Reinstatement
Employees with at least six months’ service in workplaces with 30 or more employees can challenge terminations without valid reason. Mediation must be started within one month of termination.
See our employment law page.
Frequently asked questions
Do foreign employees have the same rights?
Yes. Foreign employees working lawfully in Turkey generally enjoy the same rights under Labour Law No. 4857 as Turkish employees.
Is severance pay taxed?
Severance pay is subject only to stamp duty; income tax and social security contributions are not deducted.
Member of the Bursa Bar (Reg. No 7458). Graduate of Ankara University Faculty of Law; former public prosecutor and chief public prosecutor.
