Labor Law

Labor Law in Turkey

Turkey’s growing economy continues to attract foreign professionals, executives, and entrepreneurs who come to work, establish businesses, or manage operations on behalf of international companies. Whether you are employed by a Turkish company, seconded by a foreign employer, or running your own business in Turkey, Turkish labor law will govern your working relationship in ways that may differ significantly from what you are accustomed to at home.

At Soylu Law, we advise and represent foreign nationals on all aspects of Turkish labor law — from work permit applications and employment contract review through to wrongful termination claims and workplace disputes.

We Provide Legal Assistance In:

• Work permit applications and renewals
• Employment contract review and drafting
• Wrongful termination and severance claims
• Workplace discrimination and harassment
• Unpaid wages and overtime disputes
• Social security registration and compliance
• Independent contractor vs. employee status disputes
• Termination negotiations and settlement agreements
• Post-employment non-compete clauses
• Labor court representation

Work Permits for Foreign Nationals in Turkey

Foreign nationals who wish to work in Turkey — whether employed by a Turkish company or a foreign company operating in Turkey — are required to obtain a work permit under Law No. 4817 on Work Permits for Foreigners and its successor provisions under Law No. 6735 on International Labor Force. Working without a valid permit constitutes a violation that exposes both the employee and the employer to administrative fines and, in serious cases, to deportation proceedings against the foreign national.

Work permits are generally applied for by the employer on behalf of the foreign employee through the Ministry of Labor and Social Security’s online system. The application must be preceded by a valid residence permit or, in certain cases, a long-term visa. Permit renewals must be initiated before the expiry of the existing permit, as gaps in coverage can create complications for both the employee’s legal status and the employer’s compliance record.

Employment Contracts and Employee Rights

Turkish employment law — governed primarily by the Labor Law (Law No. 4857) — provides a comprehensive set of protections for employees that apply equally to foreign nationals working legally in Turkey. These protections include minimum notice periods for termination, mandatory severance pay for employees who have completed at least one year of service, annual paid leave entitlements, and limits on working hours.

Foreign nationals should pay particular attention to the language and governing law clauses of their employment contracts. Contracts drafted exclusively in Turkish may contain provisions that are difficult to identify without legal review. Where a contract designates Turkish law as the governing law, Turkish statutory minimums apply regardless of what the contract itself states — meaning that any provision offering less than the statutory minimum is automatically void.

Wrongful Termination and Severance

Turkish labor law places significant restrictions on the termination of employment contracts. Under Law No. 4857, employers must have valid grounds for dismissal and must follow a prescribed procedure, which in certain cases includes a prior written warning and a right of response for the employee. Terminations that do not meet these requirements are classified as wrongful dismissal, entitling the employee to either reinstatement or compensation.

Foreign nationals who are terminated without valid cause or without proper procedure are entitled to pursue a claim before the Turkish labor courts. The compensation available includes notice pay, severance pay calculated on the basis of length of service, and where applicable, reinstatement compensation. Claims must generally be filed within one month of the termination date, making prompt legal advice essential.

Why Legal Representation Matters

Labor disputes in Turkey are resolved before specialized labor courts conducting proceedings entirely in Turkish. Deadlines are strict and procedural errors can result in the loss of otherwise valid claims.

At Soylu Law, we communicate with our foreign clients in English, ensuring that you understand every step of your case. We advise foreign employees and employers alike, from the earliest stages of the employment relationship through to dispute resolution and litigation.

Contact us today to schedule a consultation. We are available online for clients located outside Turkey.