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Turkey
Employment Guide & Cultural Intelligence
Overview
Capital
Ankara
Currency
TRY
Language
Turkish
Time Zone
UTC+3 (TRT)
GDP per Capita
$10,670
Work Week
45 hours
Employment Basics
| Standard Work Week | 45 hours |
| Notice Period | 2 to 8 weeks based on tenure |
| Probation Period | 4 months |
| Overtime Rules | 50% premium; max 270 hours/year |
| Termination Rules | Severance of 30 days pay per year (after 1 year); valid reason needed for 30+ employee firms |
| Minimum Wage | TRY 20,002/month (adjusted semi-annually) |
Statutory Benefits
14
Annual Leave Days
14
Public Holidays
28
Total Paid Days Off
| Parental Leave | 16 weeks maternity, 5 days paternity |
| Sick Leave | Covered by SSI from day 3; two-thirds of daily wage |
Employer Cost Summary
22%
Employer Tax/Contribution Rate
| Mandatory Insurance | SSI (social security) ~22.5% employer share |
| Retirement/Pension | SSI pension system |
| Healthcare | Universal health insurance through SSI |
Cultural Intelligence
Communication Style
Hospitable, relationship-oriented, indirect in disagreement
Hierarchy
Hierarchical; respect for seniority and authority
Meeting Norms
Tea/coffee offered; relationship before business; flexible timing
Negotiation Approach
Relationship-first, patient, face-saving important
Gift Giving
Turkish delight, quality items; hospitality central to culture
Taboos
Avoid sensitive political topics; respect Islamic customs
Hiring Tips
1
Turkey bridges European and Asian business cultures
2
Severance pay is uncapped and a significant termination cost
3
Minimum wage is adjusted frequently due to inflation
4
Work permits for foreigners require specific ratios to local employees
5
Young, large workforce with strong educational institutions
Quick Facts
- Work Week 45 hrs
- Annual Leave 14 days
- Public Holidays 14
- Employer Burden 22%
- Probation 4 months
- Currency TRY