Working Hours and Overtime Rules for Foreigners in Turkey

For foreigners living or planning to work in Turkey, understanding local labor laws is crucial. Lack of awareness does not exempt anyone from liability, and violations of labor regulations may lead to serious consequences from both immigration authorities and employers. This article outlines key aspects of working hours and overtime rules for foreigners employed in Turkey.

Why Foreigners in Turkey Must Know Local Labor Laws

Foreigners who purchase property in Turkey and plan to relocate often consider employment as a way to support their stay. However, it is important to note that owning property does not automatically grant the right to work. Before starting any job, foreigners must understand the relevant labor regulations in Turkey: according to the law, any work undertaken by a foreigner without official authorization is strictly prohibited.

Violating these requirements can lead to severe consequences—Turkish authorities are legally entitled to impose administrative fines on both the foreign worker and the employer. Furthermore, an employer who hires a foreigner illegally is obligated to cover the costs of that worker’s repatriation. The foreign national may be deported and subject to a temporary ban from re-entering Turkey, usually up to five years. In such cases, the residence permit is typically canceled, interrupting the person’s legal residency period. This in turn jeopardizes eligibility for long-term residency or Turkish citizenship in the future. Altogether, these risks make illegal employment extremely dangerous for anyone planning to build a life in Turkey.

Any foreigner intending to work in Turkey is strongly advised to review local labor laws and seek professional consultation in advance. Only proper documentation and full compliance with legal requirements will protect your legal status, prevent penalties and deportation, and ensure a stable future in the country.

Work Permit Requirements for Foreigners in Turkey

Before starting a job in Turkey, a foreign national must obtain a work permit. This requirement applies to all foreigners working under an employment contract, regardless of their country of origin. Without a valid permit, employment is considered illegal.

Who Needs a Work Permit

All foreigners employed under a contract or providing services to an employer must apply for a work permit through the Ministry of Labor and Social Security (Çalışma ve Sosyal Güvenlik Bakanlığı). Without this permit, it is not legally possible to sign an employment agreement or commence legal employment.

Who Can Work Without a Permit in Turkey

Certain categories of foreigners are allowed to work without a separate permit. For example, holders of the "Blue Card" (descendants of Turkish citizens) automatically receive the right to work. Refugees or those with conditional asylum status may work under special conditions, provided they obtain proper documentation from the Directorate General of Migration Management. Individuals with temporary protection status may apply for a work permit after six months. However, each of these cases requires individual processing and must be confirmed with relevant authorities.

Advantages of Turkish Work Permit

A valid work permit grants the foreign employee full legal labor rights. Without it, employment contracts are not recognized by law, and the worker is left without legal protections. Only those officially employed are registered with the Social Security Institution (SGK) and gain access to benefits such as paid vacation, sick leave, maternity leave, and other forms of state support. Contributions to SGK count toward a worker’s pension and grant access to healthcare services.

If a foreigner accepts a job offer without a work permit, they risk being excluded from any legal protections. In the event of a dispute, it is extremely difficult to prove the existence of an employment relationship. Furthermore, illegal employment can result in heavy fines and deportation.

Legal Working Hours and Overtime in Turkey

Standard Working Time in 2025

According to Turkish Labor Law, the standard working time is 45 hours per week. Typically, this is structured as five 9-hour workdays or six 7.5-hour workdays (Wednesday often being the shorter sixth day). This schedule is defined in law as "normal working hours." Unless stated otherwise in the employment contract, these hours must be evenly distributed across workdays.

Daily Maximum Working Time (Including Breaks)

By law, the working day cannot exceed 11 hours, including breaks. This limit is absolute—even for flexible work arrangements. In a five-day schedule, daily working time usually stays at 9 hours. However, under no circumstances can the total time at the workplace, including breaks, exceed 11 hours. Break periods (e.g., lunch breaks) do not count toward paid working hours, but the daily presence at the workplace still must not surpass this 11-hour limit.

Flexible Scheduling and Averaging Workloads

Turkish labor law permits flexible scheduling with an averaging mechanism. Employer and employee may agree to vary weekly workloads: in busy periods, an employee can work up to 66 hours per week (11 hours per day), and in slower periods, fewer hours—as long as the average over a designated calculation period (typically two months, per Article 63 of the Labor Code) does not exceed 45 hours per week. This system allows temporary fluctuations in workload, provided that the 45-hour weekly average is maintained.

Overtime in Turkey: Legal Limits and Compensation

When is Work Considered Overtime

Any time worked beyond the legal limit of 45 hours per week or more than 11 hours in a day is considered overtime. Employees cannot be forced to work overtime without a valid reason. Furthermore, employers may not assign overtime without the employee’s written consent (exceptions apply in cases of emergency or urgent need to complete a task). After reaching the 45-hour weekly or 11-hour daily threshold, all additional work qualifies as overtime.

Annual Overtime Limit (with Written Consent)

Turkish law sets an annual limit on overtime: employees may not exceed 270 hours of overtime per year, even with written consent. In other words, even if the employee agrees, the total annual overtime must not surpass 270 hours. Some categories of workers—such as minors, pregnant women, and nursing mothers—cannot be assigned overtime under any circumstances.

Compensation of Overtime in Turkey

Overtime must be compensated with an increased pay rate. Each hour of overtime is paid at 150% of the regular hourly wage (a 50% premium). Alternatively, the employee may opt for compensatory time off instead of extra pay: for each hour of overtime, the worker is entitled to 1.5 hours of paid leave. These compensatory hours must be used within six months of being accrued.

Legal Responsibility of Employers and Employees

Employer and employee responsibilities regarding working hours and overtime are defined in two key laws: the Turkish Labor Code (Law No. 4857) and the Law on International Labor Force (Law No. 6735). For example, fines for illegal employment are regulated by Article 23 of Law No. 6735. Regulations concerning overtime and compensation are specified in Articles 41 and 63 of the Labor Code.

Failure to comply with these provisions results in legal liability. If overtime is underpaid or not recorded officially, the employee loses the right to claim compensation. Even voluntary overtime is not compensable if not documented or agreed in writing. Employers are obligated to maintain accurate records of working hours and pay appropriate overtime rates. Incorrect accounting or non-payment may lead to penalties and legal action.

Legal employment ensures long-term stability. A foreign national with a valid work permit is entitled to social protections and continues to reside in Turkey legally. Please note that all figures and legal standards in this article reflect the current labor legislation in Turkey for the year 2025.