Q. What is the minimum wage in Turkey in 2024, and how often is it updated by law?
As per Article 39 of Turkey’s Labor Law No. 4857, the national minimum wage must be reviewed at least every two years. For 2024, the gross monthly wage is ₺20,002.50, with a net take-home of ₺17,002.12. In practice, the government typically updates it annually to reflect inflation and economic conditions.
Q. How often should wages be paid in Turkey, and are employers required to pay through a bank?
Under Article 32 of Labor Law No. 4857, wages must be paid at least monthly. If an employer has five or more workers, salaries are legally required to be paid via bank transfer, promoting transparency and secure payment practices.
Q. What details must be included on an employee’s payslip under Turkish labor law?
According to Article 37 of Labor Law No. 4857, a payslip must include the gross wage, deductions (tax, SSI), net wage, pay date, and pay period. This helps both employees and employers track payments accurately and serves as formal proof of payment.
Q. What deductions from wages are legally allowed in Turkey, and when is employee consent required?
As per Article 38 of Labor Law No. 4857, only mandatory deductions like income tax and social security are allowed automatically. Other deductions—such as union dues or penalties—require the employee’s written consent or must be clearly defined in a contract or collective agreement.
Q. Can an employer reduce an employee’s salary in Turkey, and what is the legal process?
Under Article 22 of Labor Law No. 4857, employers cannot change salary or contract terms unilaterally. They must notify the employee in writing, and the change only takes effect if the employee agrees within six working days. Otherwise, the original terms remain valid.
Q. How does Turkish law ensure equal pay for equal work, and what can employees do about wage discrimination?
Article 5 of Labor Law No. 4857 guarantees equal pay for equal work, prohibiting discrimination based on gender or personal status. Employees can file a legal complaint and may receive up to four months’ wages in compensation for proven wage discrimination.
Q. What is the legal overtime pay rate in Turkey, and when is overtime required to be paid?
According to Article 41 of Labor Law No. 4857, overtime is defined as work beyond 45 hours per week. Overtime must be paid at 150% of the hourly wage, or the employee can choose 1.5 hours of paid leave per hour of overtime worked.
Q. What are the penalties for paying below minimum wage or delaying salary payments in Turkey?
As per Articles 34 and 102 of Labor Law No. 4857, employers who delay payment for more than 20 days may face penalties, and employees can legally stop working without it being considered a strike. Paying less than the minimum wage results in administrative fines and legal liability.
Q. Can employers deduct wages as a penalty for lateness or mistakes, and what are the rules?
Article 38 of Labor Law No. 4857 allows disciplinary deductions only if included in the employment contract. Deductions are capped at 3 days’ wages per month and must be transferred to the Ministry of Labor’s employee welfare fund, not kept by the employer.
Q. Are Turkish employers required to give annual salary raises or cost-of-living adjustments by law?
Labor Law No. 4857 does not require annual raises or inflation-based adjustments. However, salaries must always be at or above the minimum wage, which is updated by the government. Any increases beyond that depend on contracts or internal policy.
