Annual Leave Entitlement
"How much annual leave are employees entitled to in Turkey?"
Quick Answer
Minimum annual paid leave is 14 days for 1–5 years of service (including 5), 20 days for more than 5 and less than 15 years, and 26 days for 15 years or more (including 15). Employees aged 18 or younger, and employees aged 50 or older, are entitled to at least 20 days of annual paid leave.
Turkish Labor Law Framework
Annual Leave Entitlement under Turkish law is primarily regulated by Labor Law No. 4857. This legislation provides comprehensive protections for employees while establishing clear obligations for employers.
Employees become entitled to annual paid leave after completing at least one year of service with the same employer, including the probation period, as stipulated by Labor Law No. 4857 Article 53 and the Annual Paid Leave Regulation.
Key Points to Remember
- Eligibility starts after 1 year of service (including probation)
- Minimum 14-26 days based on tenure; 20 days min. for ages 18 and under or 50 and over
- Leave cannot be waived; underground workers get +4 additional days
- Annual paid leave may be divided by agreement of the parties, provided that one portion is at least 10 days; weekly rest days and public holidays that fall within the leave period are not counted as leave days.
Compliance Requirements
Employers operating in Turkey must ensure compliance with both written employment law requirements and practical HR management standards. This includes proper documentation, timely salary payments, and adherence to workplace safety regulations.
Foreign companies should be particularly aware of work permit requirements and the specific obligations when employing both Turkish nationals and foreign workers.
Practical Calculation Rules
Weekly rest days and public holidays that coincide with annual paid leave are not counted as leave days and therefore do not reduce the employee’s annual leave balance. Employers are generally required to maintain rigorous proof of leave usage, such as signed leave forms and an official annual leave book, to mitigate potential labor claims.
Crucially, annual paid leave is a mandatory right that cannot be validly waived or monetized during the ongoing employment relationship. Compensation for unused leave balances is legally triggered only upon termination, meaning employers should proactively manage leave schedules to prevent excessive accrual.
Disclaimer: The information provided in this glossary entry is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice; readers are encouraged to seek professional legal counsel for specific situations.
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