Turkey's Leave Policy emphasizes work-life balance and employee well-being. Grasping the details of this policy is crucial for both employers and employees. Delve into the comprehensive regulations governing various leave entitlements to ensure efficient management and a harmonious work environment. Employers looking to hire employees from Turkey or through an Employer of Record (EOR) in Turkey must be well-versed in these regulations to ensure compliance and effective workforce management.

Annual Leave (Vacation)

• Paid leave in Turkey is stipulated in the employment agreement, ensuring a minimum of 14 working days per year after completing one year of service, along with public holidays.
• Employees with five to fifteen years of service are entitled to 20 working days of paid leave annually, while those with fifteen or more years of service receive 26 working days.
• The duration of paid annual leave can be extended through employment contracts and collective agreements, except for employees aged below eighteen or above fifty, who must have at least twenty days of paid leave.
• Employers are required to provide the annual leave allowance as a lump sum or in advance before the leave commences.
• Annual leave accrual is based on each worker's individual service date rather than the calendar year.

Public Holidays

• 1 Jan 2024 (Monday): New Year
• 9 Apr 2024 (Tuesday): Eid al-Fitr Eve (Half Day)
• 10 Apr 2024 (Wednesday): Eid al-Fitr
• 11 Apr 2024 (Thursday): Eid al-Fitr
• 12 Apr 2024 (Friday): Eid al-Fitr
• 23 Apr 2024 (Tuesday): National Sovereignty and Children’s Day
• 1 May 2024 (Wednesday): Labor and Solidarity Day
• 19 May 2024 (Sunday): Commemoration of Atatürk, Youth and Sports Day
• 17 Jun 2024 (Monday): Feast of Sacrifice
• 18 Jun 2024 (Tuesday): Feast of Sacrifice
• 19 Jun 2024 (Wednesday): Feast of Sacrifice
• 15 Jul 2024 (Monday): Democracy and National Unity Day
• 30 Aug 2024 (Friday): Victory Holiday
• 28 Oct 2024 (Monday): Republic Holiday
• 29 Oct 2024 (Tuesday): Republic Holiday

Sick Days

The employer in Turkey is not legally required to provide payment to the employee during sick leave. However, typically, Social Security covers payment after the third day of sickness upon submission of medical documentation.

In practice, some employers choose to compensate employees for the initial two days of sickness, which are not covered by Social Security. Alternatively, they may provide full salary during the entire sick leave period, with reimbursement sought from Social Security later.

If sick leave extends beyond six weeks beyond the stipulated notice periods outlined in labor law, the employment contract may be terminated without notice under Article 46(c) of the Turkish Labor Code.

Maternity Leave

Pregnant employees in Turkey are granted 16 to 18 weeks of maternity leave, with full pay, extendable for complex pregnancies or multiple births. They may work until three weeks before the due date, with social security covering compensation based on regular contributions. Part-time options are available post-delivery, with leave duration linked to the number of children, extending up to 360 days for disability or adoption.

Paternity Leave

The father or partner in Turkey receives one week of paid paternity leave following the birth of their child.

Parental Leave

If both parents in Turkey hold jobs, they have the right to reduce their working hours until their child begins primary school. The employee must inform their employer in writing at least one month prior to the requested change.

Additionally, parents can take up to 10 days off to accompany a child with a disability or chronic illness to medical appointments or treatments.

Other Leave 

Depending on the terms outlined in the collective agreement or employment contract, employees in Turkey may receive additional leave upon mutual agreement between the employer and employee, for the following reasons:

Bereavement Leave

Employees in Turkey have the right to take three days of paid leave following the passing of an immediate family member.

Military Leave

Employees in Turkey are entitled to receive up to 90 days of paid leave annually for military duties or fulfilling statutory obligations, excluding compulsory military service.

Hassle-Free Leave Policy Management in the Turkey   with Gloroots

Managing employee leave can be a daunting task, especially as your business expands globally. Here at Gloroots, we understand the challenges involved in navigating leave policies, particularly in the context of Turkey's labor laws. Our platform is designed to ensure compliance, maintain accurate records, streamline leave requests, and generate insightful reports. By partnering with Gloroots, you can focus on business growth while we handle the intricacies of managing employee leave effectively. Reach out to us to explore how Gloroots can simplify your HR operations and enhance efficiency in Turkey.