The government of Turkey announced changes regarding work permit eligibility criteria, including updated minimum salary levels.

Key Points:

  • Effective Oct. 1, a new law entered into force updating the minimum salary levels by position, including:
    • High-level managers and pilots: TRY 100,012.50 (about US$2,927) gross per month — five times the minimum wage
    • Engineers/architects: TRY 80,010 (about US$2,341) gross per month — four times the minimum wage
    • Managers: TRY 60,007.50 (about US$1,756) gross per month — three times the minimum wage
    • An employee who will work in a position requiring expertise: TRY 40,005.00 (about US$1,171) gross per month — two times the minimum wage
    • Household workers and others cannot be paid less than minimum wage

Additional Information: Effective Jan. 1, Turkey increased the minimum wage to TRY 20,002.50 (about US$586) gross per month. The new law, implemented per Article 22 of the Implementation Regulation of the International WorkForce Law No. 6735, entered into force on Oct. 1. İn addition to the updates to the minimum salary levels, amendments were also implemented that impact employer sponsorship based on sector, profession and status of the company’s shareholders. More information from the Ministry of Labor on the work permit criteria amendments can be found here.

BAL Analysis: Employers should be aware of the changes and review their compliance with the new rule. BAL will continue to monitor developments and will provide more information as it becomes available.

This alert has been provided by the BAL Global Practice Group.

Copyright © 2024 Berry Appleman & Leiden LLP. All rights reserved. Reprinting or digital redistribution to the public is permitted only with the express written permission of Berry Appleman & Leiden LLP. For inquiries, please contact copyright@bal.com.