2026 Minimum Wage: +27%
The government announced the 2026 minimum wage: net ₺28,075/month (gross ₺33,030), a 27% increase effective January 1, 2026. Employer support payments rise from ₺1,000 to ₺1,270.
Central Bank Cuts Rate to 38%
The CBRT reduced its policy rate by 150bps to 38% in December—the fourth consecutive cut. November inflation came in at 31.07%, below expectations.
Turkey-Hong Kong Double Tax Treaty
Law No. 7569 approves the Double Taxation Agreement with Hong Kong, signed September 2024. The treaty covers income taxes and includes provisions against tax evasion.
Turkey-Hong Kong Bilateral Investment Treaty
Decision No. 10796 (Dec 31) ratifies the Investment Promotion and Protection Agreement with Hong Kong, signed in Ankara (June 2023) and Hong Kong (October 2023). Law No. 7570 approved the treaty.
Law 7566: Major Tax & Fee Overhaul
The omnibus tax law introduces significant changes:
- Property tax: Values capped at 2x 2025 levels for 2026-2029
- Vehicle transfers: New 0.2% fee (minimum ₺1,000)
- Annual license fees: Jewelry (₺30K), Real estate agents (₺20K), Used car dealers (₺20K), Private clinics (₺10-50K)
- Social security: Service borrowing rate increased from 32% to 45%
Short-Term Rental Ads Now Require License
A new communiqué (Dec 31) bans online advertising of unlicensed short-term rentals and accommodations. Key requirements:
- All listings (Airbnb, Booking.com, etc.) must display a verified license number from the Ministry database
- Platforms must verify license numbers before publishing ads
- 24-hour removal rule: Non-compliant ads must be removed within 24 hours or platforms face penalties
- Per-listing fines apply for each unlicensed advertisement
Consumer Arbitration Threshold: ₺186,000
For 2026, consumer disputes under ₺186,000 go to Consumer Arbitration Boards (Tüketici Hakem Heyetleri) instead of courts.
TTK 376 FX Loss Exception Extended
Companies can exclude unrealized foreign currency losses from capital adequacy calculations under Turkish Commercial Code Article 376 until January 1, 2027 (extended from 2026).
Turkey-Maldives Preferential Trade Agreement
Decision No. 10693 ratifies the Turkey-Maldives PTA signed November 2024. Turkey offers tariff reductions on seafood; Maldives on food products, construction materials, and electronics.
Belarus Visa Protocol Updated
Transport sector personnel (truck, bus, train, ship, aircraft crews) now qualify for visa-free stays up to 90 days within 180-day periods for transit and temporary entry.
China Visa Exemption: Effective January 2
Decision No. 10798 grants visa-free entry to Chinese citizens holding ordinary passports. Effective January 2, 2026:
- 90 days per 180-day period
- Valid for tourism and transit
KVKK Publishes Generative AI Guidelines
The Turkish Data Protection Authority released its "Generative AI and Personal Data Protection Guidelines", addressing cross-border transfers, legal bases, data subject rights, and compliance principles for AI systems.
Hotels Banned from Photocopying IDs
KVKK ruled that accommodation facilities cannot photocopy guests' identity documents. Hotels may only view IDs and record limited data (name, TC number, dates). Existing photocopies must be destroyed.
2026 KVKK Fines: +25.49%
Administrative penalties under KVKK increase by 25.49% from January 2026, per the official revaluation rate.
Health Data Regulation Amended
The Personal Health Data Regulation now includes:
- Clearer rules on physician access to patient records via e-Nabız
- SMS verification for accessing restricted health data
- Custody arrangements for children's health records post-divorce
- Caregiver access for disabled individuals
EU Extends UK Data Adequacy (6 Years)
The European Commission renewed UK adequacy decisions under GDPR until December 2031, ensuring uninterrupted EU-UK data flows.
Court Awards ₺100K for Bank's Data Breach
Istanbul Commercial Court ruled a bank violated KVKK by disclosing excessive customer data in court proceedings. ₺100,000 in damages awarded.