As of January 1, 2025, Turkey has implemented a new minimum wage. Below is a breakdown of the updated wage rates, compliance obligations, and additional compensation options under Turkish labor law.
Understanding the Minimum Wage Update in Turkey
Turkey’s Constitution mandates that workers' living conditions and the country's economic situation be taken into account when determining the minimum wage. This responsibility falls under the Ministry of Labor and Social Security, with the wage assessed at least every two years by the Minimum Wage Detection Commission, which consists of 15 members representing various stakeholders.
These are the Turkish 2025 Minimum Wage Details:
Gross Monthly Minimum Wage: TRY 26,005.50 (USD 727.22/ EUR 696.82)
Net Monthly Minimum Wage (after taxes and deductions): TRY 22,104.67 (USD 618.13/ EUR 592.29)
Employer’s Total Cost per Employee: TRY 30,621.48 (USD 856.28/ EUR 820.50).This includes a 15.5% Social Security Insurance (SSI) premium and a 2% unemployment insurance premium.
For context, Turkey's minimum wage in 2024 was set to TRY 20,002.50, so this is a 30% increase year on year.
Special Provision for Underground Workers
The wages of underground workers in industries involving lignite and hard coal extraction must be at least double the statutory minimum wage to reflect the hazardous nature of their work. At a minimum, this is TRY 52011. This is equivalent to USD 1,453.99/ GBP 1,395.72.
Turkish Wage Payment Rules
Wages in Turkey must be paid at least once per month. However, employers and employees may agree to weekly payments through an employment contract or collective bargaining agreement.
Non-Compliance Penalties
Employers who fail to meet the minimum wage requirements face penalties. A fine of TRY 167 per violation is imposed by the Ministry of Labor and Social Security for each instance of underpayment. This is equivalent to USD 4.67/ EUR 4.45.
Bonuses
Turkey does not have a mandatory 13th month nor 14th month salary. While Turkish labor law does not require bonuses, employers can offer them on a contractual or discretionary basis. Bonuses might include:
Implications for Turkish Employers
Employers must ensure compliance with the updated minimum wage requirements that are in effective from January 1, 2025. They must also review payroll systems to account for changes in gross and net wages, as well as the employer’s total cost per employee.
Additionally, the impact of rising living costs in Turkey for low-wage earners remains a significant concern, as workers continue to demand an increase in the minimum wage to USD 838.
