Expanding your business or building a team in Turkey by hiring employees ? Whether you’re a multinational entering the Turkish market or a local company in growth mode, hiring the right people requires more than just placing a job ad. You’ll need to navigate local labor laws, understand cultural expectations, and stay compliant with regulations—all while attracting top talent in a competitive market.
This guide walks you through the essential steps of hiring employees in Turkey, from understanding the labor market to onboarding your new hires.
Understanding Turkey’s Evolving Labor Market
A Young and Skilled Workforce
Turkey boasts a vibrant, youthful workforce—nearly half of its working population is under 35. Major sectors like technology, manufacturing, finance, and tourism are driving job growth, with rising demand for professionals in IT, engineering, and digital marketing.
To stay ahead, employers must align their hiring strategies with both economic trends and talent expectations.
Step 1: Define Your Hiring Needs
Before launching your recruitment efforts, take time to clearly outline:
- The role and key responsibilities
- Required skills, experience, and qualifications
- Your salary and benefits budget
- Whether you plan to hire locally or consider international candidates
Having clarity upfront helps streamline the entire hiring process and ensures you’re targeting the right talent pool.
Step 2: Understand Employment Contracts in Turkey
Under Turkish Labor Law No. 4857, all employment contracts must be in writing and should clearly outline salary, job duties, working hours, and other key terms. There are several types of employment arrangements:
- Indefinite-term contracts – Most common, with no set end date
- Fixed-term contracts – For temporary or project-based roles
- Part-time contracts – For roles with reduced hours
- Remote work contracts – Popular in today’s flexible work environment
Make sure each contract complies with Turkish labor standards and reflects the true nature of the employment.
Step 3: Hiring Foreign Employees? Understand Work Permit Requirements
If you’re planning to hire foreign nationals, a valid work permit is a must. Here’s what the process typically involves:
- Submitting an application through the Ministry of Labor’s online portal
- Providing required documents, including a signed employment offer
- Meeting industry-specific quotas or eligibility criteria
Work permits are typically issued for one year and can be renewed. Be sure to build in enough lead time for the application process.
Step 4: Use the Right Recruitment Channels
To reach high-quality candidates, diversify your sourcing strategy. Popular platforms and tactics in Turkey include:
- Online job boards – Such as Kariyer.net, LinkedIn, and Indeed Turkey
- University partnerships – Great for finding fresh graduates and interns
- Recruitment agencies – Useful for specialized or senior roles
- Job fairs and networking events – Ideal for building a strong employer presence
A multi-channel approach helps widen your reach and improves the chances of finding the right fit.
Step 5: Screen and Interview Candidates Thoughtfully
Once you’ve gathered applications, begin your screening process:
- Review resumes and shortlist top candidates
- Conduct initial phone or video interviews
- Assess technical and soft skills
- Follow up with reference checks and background verifications
It’s also a good idea to highlight opportunities for career growth, training, and work-life balance—these are major priorities for Turkish professionals.
Step 6: Discuss Compensation and Benefits
Turkey has a national minimum wage, updated annually, but competitive salaries are often well above this baseline. Consider offering a well-rounded compensation package that includes:
- Health insurance (required under Turkey’s Social Security system)
- Meal and transportation allowances
- Bonuses tied to performance or milestones
- Paid vacation, public holidays, and sick leave
A generous and transparent offer can make all the difference in landing top candidates.
Step 7: Register Your New Hire
Before your new employee starts, you’ll need to:
- Register them with SGK (Social Security Institution)
- Set up payroll to ensure deductions for income tax, social security, and unemployment insurance
- Keep accurate employment records in case of audits or inspections
This step is critical to staying compliant with Turkey’s employment and tax laws.
Step 8: Onboard and Integrate
An organized onboarding experience helps new employees feel welcomed, informed, and productive. Consider:
- Providing a thorough orientation on company values and workplace policies
- Assigning a mentor or manager for initial guidance
- Setting clear goals and offering regular feedback
- Introducing them to team members and tools early on
Good onboarding sets the tone for long-term engagement and retention.
Step 9: Stay Compliant with Turkish Labor Laws
Some legal requirements to keep in mind as an employer:
- Work hours: The standard workweek is 45 hours. Overtime must be compensated.
- Paid leave: Employees are entitled to annual leave, public holidays, and medical leave.
- Termination: Follow legal procedures for notice periods, documentation, and severance if applicable.
Labor regulations in Turkey are strict—so staying informed and following best practices is essential.
Step 10: Focus on Retention and Culture
Hiring is just the beginning. To keep employees motivated and loyal, focus on:
- Career development programs and learning opportunities
- A positive and inclusive workplace culture
- Recognition and rewards for achievements
- Opportunities for internal promotions and mobility
Retention strategies reduce turnover costs and build a stronger, more cohesive team over time.
Hiring employees in Turkey involves more than just posting a job ad—it’s about building a compliant, attractive, and engaging work environment from day one. By following the steps above and understanding the legal and cultural landscape, your company will be well-positioned to build a strong team and grow sustainably.
With the right strategy, hiring in Turkey can be not only smooth but also a major advantage in today’s global business environment.
