Signing an Employment Contract in Turkey

When reviewing an employment contract, there are some critical clauses you should pay special attention to. You must ensure that your job description is clearly stated and that your working hours and overtime conditions comply with the Turkish Labor Law. Financial details such as which currency your salary will be paid in and when, and whether fringe benefits like private health insurance or transportation/meal allowances are included in the contract, should be clearly written. Annual leave periods and termination clauses (notice periods, etc.) are other important elements that should be carefully examined to prevent potential future disputes.

As a foreign employee, you must not forget that your employment contract is directly linked to your work permit application. This contract is one of the documents that will be submitted to the ministry to obtain a work permit. It is a critical factor for a positive outcome that the position and terms in the contract are consistent with the information in the work permit application. It is also important to know that it is not legally possible to start work before your work permit is approved.

The information on this page has been prepared to provide a general checklist. Although the Turkish Labor Law contains many protective provisions for employees, your employment contract is the primary document governing your specific situation. We strongly recommend that you seek legal counsel from a lawyer to ensure you understand all clauses and fully protect your legal rights before signing any binding document.