Turkey
Republic of Türkiye • Capital: Ankara
Geographic Note: Türkiye is a transcontinental nation bridging Southeastern Europe (East Thrace) and Western Asia (Anatolia). It is an EU candidate country with a customs union with the EU, outside the EEA and Schengen.
Labour Europe is an independent public information resource and is not affiliated with Turkey immigration authorities, the European Union, or sovereign ministries. Statutory wages, permit thresholds, and procedural rules change frequently. Always verify requirements directly with the sovereign authorities cited below before submitting applications or making relocation commitments.
1. Country Overview & Mobility Context
Türkiye issues dual residence-work permits via the Ministry of Labour, backed by national Asgari Ücret minimum wage standards.
2. Wages & Pay Floor Structure
Statutory gross minimum wage (Asgari Ücret) set by the Minimum Wage Determination Commission: 20,002.50 TRY gross / 17,002.12 TRY net per month (2024 / adjusted for 2025).
3. Work & Residence Permit Routes
All non-citizens moving to Turkey for employment require an authorized national work and residence permit.
4. International Student Work Rights
Third-country students enrolled in higher education in Turkey are subject to specific legal restrictions regarding employment hours during academic terms.
5. Family Reunification & Dependent Rights
Spouses, registered partners, and minor children of foreign workers in Turkey generally have the right to apply for family reunification, subject to statutory conditions:
- Proof of Subsistence: The sponsor must demonstrate sufficient stable recurring income to support dependents without resorting to social welfare.
- Adequate Accommodation: Proof of a rental contract of sufficient size for the family unit.
- Health Insurance: Full comprehensive health cover for all accompanying family members.
6. Living & Relocation Budgets
Relocating to Turkey requires evaluating both recurring monthly expenses (rent, food, transit, utilities) and upfront capital needs (housing deposits, temporary stays, flights).
7. Worker Rights & Protection
Employment rights in Turkey are regulated under domestic labour legislation and overseen by the national labour inspectorate.
8. Finding Official Work Resources
Avoid fraudulent recruitment scams. European law prohibits charging recruitment or job application fees to candidates. Use the verified public employment service:
9. Verified Official Portals & Authorities
Ministry of Labour and Social Security (Çalışma ve Sosyal Güvenlik Bakanlığı) ↗
Central ministry evaluating and issuing work permits for foreigners in Türkiye.
https://www.csgb.gov.tr/Presidency of Migration Management (Göç İdaresi Başkanlığı) ↗
Administers short-term and long-term residence permits, humanitarian protection, and foreigner records.
https://en.goc.gov.tr/İŞKUR (Turkish Employment Agency) ↗
National public employment agency managing labor matching and employment services.
https://www.iskur.gov.tr/10. Next Official Step & Relocation Checklist
Ready to take your next step? Use our interactive checklist to track paperwork, appointments with municipal authorities, and financial preparation.