In Türkiye, minimum wage and pensionsare key socio-economic indicators are reviewed annually. These values play a much broader role than just the income of workers and retirees: they directly affect taxes, fines, social benefits, and many government calculations.
For foreigners, these indicators are especially important — they determine work permit conditions, employer requirements, and financial eligibility in migration processes.
The minimum wage Asgari Ücret (MW) in Türkiye is a basic economic benchmark used by the state for: tax and fine calculations; determining social benefits; setting employer requirements; calculating the minimum income for foreigners to obtain a work permit.
When applying for a work permit, employers must pay foreigners above the minimum, usually 1.5–2 MW, depending on position and sector.
Additionally, MW growth indirectly affects prices, as it is included in the cost of goods and services.
Minimum Wage in Türkiye for 2026
The Turkish government approved the new minimum wage after three meetings of the Minimum Wage Commission, which includes representatives of the state and employers.
- Net (take-home): 28,075 TL — ≈ 660 USD / 565 EUR
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Gross: 33,030 TL
Increase: +27%
The workers’ union TÜRK-İŞ refused to participate in the negotiations. After the announcement, the union leader Ergün Atalay stated: “This is not the amount we can accept. It does not cover our demands.”
Minimum Wage Growth in Türkiye:
2020: 2,324 TL (+15%)
2021: 2,825 TL (+21.5%)
2022: 5,500 TL (+29.3%)
2023: 11,402 TL (+34%)
2024: 17,002 TL (+49.1%)
2025: 22,104 TL (+30%)
2026: 28,075 TL (+27%)
Public Sector Salaries in Türkiye (2025)
Minimum salaries in the government sector:
Teacher — 60,000 TL (~1,421 USD)
Nurse — 63,000 TL (~1,492 USD)
Police officer — 73,000 TL (~1,729 USD)
Guard — 65,000 TL (~1,540 USD)
Psychologist — 64,000 TL (~1,516 USD)
Lawyer — 77,000 TL (~1,824 USD)
Engineer — 81,000 TL (~1,918 USD)
Professor — 108,000 TL (~2,558 USD)
Indexation for 2026:
SSK and Bağ-Kur: +11.20%
Civil servants and state pensioners: +17.55%
Preliminary calculations: teacher — about 71,000 TL, police officer — about 80,000 TL
Maternity Leave Changes — in Progress
The Turkish government is discussing a large reform aiming to equalize the rights of private sector and public employees.
Planned changes:
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Increase maternity leave fr om 20 to 24 weeks;
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Both parents can take parental leave;
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Paternity leave from 5 to 10 days;
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“Breastfeeding breaks” for private sector: first 6 months — 3 hours per day, next 6 months — 1.5 hours;
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Unpaid leave — up to 2 years for everyone.
Existing guarantees remain:
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Paid hours for medical check-ups;
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Ban on night shifts for pregnant women;
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Transfer to lighter work without income loss.
Minimum Pension in Türkiye
The minimum pension (taban maaş) is set by the government and usually revised twice a year — in January and July.
From January 2025: 14,469 TL (~338 USD / 289 EUR)
From July 2025: 16,880–16,881 TL
If the calculated pension (kök maaş) is below the minimum, the state pays the difference.
How Foreigners Can Receive a Pension in Türkiye
To receive a state pension, one must:
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Reach retirement age (58 years — women, 60 years — men);
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Work officially in Türkiye for at least 5 years;
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Make regular pension contributions.
Types of Pension Systems:
4a (SSK) — salaried employees;
4b (Bağ-Kur) — self-employed;
4c — civil servants.
Private Pension (BES)
Even without working in Türkiye, one can participate in the Bireysel Emeklilik Sistemi (BES) — a private pension program through a bank or insurance company. Funds are usually available after 10 years.
There is no universal “age-based” pension without work experience, so foreigners need personal capital or a pension from another country.
For those who started working after October 2008, receiving a pension and salary simultaneously is not allowed — upon reaching retirement age, one must choose.
Survivor Pension
In Türkiye, a spouse of a deceased has the right to a survivor pension if the marriage was official and she has not remarried. The amount depends on the presence of children — up to 50–75% of the pension. Children receive payments until 18, up to 20–25 while studying, or without age lim it if disabled. Daughters lose the right upon marriage. Pension is distributed among all family members and applies to foreigners if the deceased made official contributions.
Professions Forbidden for Foreigners
Even with a residence permit, foreigners are prohibited from working in certain areas (Law No. 6735):
Government and judiciary: civil servant, judge, prosecutor, lawyer, notary.
- Security: police, army, gendarmerie, armed security.
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Medicine (restricted): doctor, dentist, pharmacist, veterinarian (rare exceptions only by special permit).
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Transport and maritime: ship captain, navigator, pilot.
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Education: teacher in public schools.
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Regulated professions: customs broker, licensed accountant (SMMM), insurance agent.
If You Have Turkish Citizenship
Citizenship — by birth, naturalization, or investment — provides full labor rights.
You can work as:
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Lawyer, doctor, pharmacist (after denklik);
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Accountant with signature rights;
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In government offices and public schools (after KPSS);
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In security agencies (according to rules for all citizens).
Investment citizenship from 400,000 USD is legally equivalent to any other citizenship. Türkiye does not differentiate citizens by origin.
Children who are Turkish citizens have full access to all professions in the future.
Requirements for Certain Positions in Türkiye:
Lawyer/Doctor/Accountant: diploma recognition (denklik) plus internship (staj), licensing exams, and for lawyers — Bar membership.
Teacher in public school / Government: citizenship, KPSS exam, experience, and clean record.
Accountant with signature rights (SMMM): separate license, training, internship, complex exam.
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Information is for reference only, not a public offer or official source.