Leave Laws
Last updated on May 14, 2026.
Paid Time Off (PTO) in Turkey
Vacation Quota (Annual Leave)
At least 14 days
Employees in Turkey are entitled to at least 14 days of vacation leave after one full year of service in the company.
Their exact entitlement is based on the number of years of service.
| Length of Service | Number of Vacation Days |
|---|---|
| 1-5 years (5th included) | 14 days |
| 5-15 years | 20 days |
| 15+ years | 26 days |
When determining an employee’s length of service for vacation leave eligibility, all periods of employment in one or more establishments under the same employer are taken into account.
The paid annual leave provisions below do not apply to employees working in seasonal or other types of employment that, by their nature, last for less than one full year.
Eligibility
Employees become eligible for vacation leave after completing at least one full year of service with the organization, including any trial or probationary period.
Additional Vacation Days
The duration of vacation leave may be extended through individual employment contracts or collective bargaining agreements.
Employees younger than 18 or older than 50 are entitled to a minimum of 20 days of vacation leave.
Payment During Annual Leave
The employer must pay an employee taking vacation the wages due for that time; in full as a lump sum or as an advance before the leave begins.
Carryover
Unused leave may be carried over to the following leave year, with no limit on the amount that can be transferred. Any remaining leave may either lapse or be paid out.
Payment of Unused Vacation on Termination
Upon termination of employment for any reason, any unused annual leave must be paid to the employee, at the wage rate in effect on the final day of employment.
Sick Leave in Turkey
The exact duration is not specified.
Turkish leave laws do not set a specific length for sick leave; the duration of leave is based on medical needs.
If an employee’s sick leave extends beyond the legal notice period—determined by their length of service—plus an extra six weeks, the employer may terminate the contract for valid cause. However, the employee remains entitled to severance pay.
Payout
The employer is not required to pay the employee on sick leave; it is social security that pays. Employees who can’t work because of illness or injury must present an official medical report to qualify for temporary incapacity allowance from the Social Security Institution (SGK). Benefits from SGK begin on the third day of incapacity, generally two-thirds of the employee’s earnings. Often, employers choose to cover the first two days of sick leave (which are not compensated by the Social Security Institution) or even pay the employee’s full salary throughout the entire sick leave and later seek partial reimbursement from Social Security.
Work-related (occupational) accidents are covered from the first day.
Maternity and Paternity Leave
Maternity Leave in Turkey
24 weeks (2025 updated)
As of 2025, pregnant female employees are going to be entitled to a total of 24 weeks of paid maternity leave. This typically consists of 12 weeks before (prenatal) and 12 weeks after childbirth (postnatal). In the case of multiple pregnancies (twins or more) an additional two weeks of leave are granted before delivery. However, employees may choose to continue working, but only until three weeks prior to the expected birth.
Once the paid maternity leave ends, working mothers may request up to six months of unpaid leave.
Additionally, employees are entitled to work part-time for a specified period based on the number of children:
- 60 days for the first child;
- 120 days for the second;
- 180 days for each subsequent child;
- 360 days in case of adoption or disability.
Payout
Maternity leave in Turkey is not paid by the employer. For the entire maternity leave period, employees are compensated by the Turkish SGK (social security system) at a rate of 66.7% of their average daily pay.
Paternity Leave in Turkey
10 days (2026 updated)
As of 2026, an employee who becomes a father is entitled to 10 days of fully paid paternity leave, and in case of adoption. This leave of 15 calendar days must begin from the day of childbirth. Although the law does not require an extension of the leave, the employer may allow additional time off at their discretion.
Public sector employees are also entitled to 10 days of paternity leave.
Payout
During paternity leave, the employee receives a full salary, paid entirely by the employer (with no wage deductions).
Bereavement Leave in Turkey
3 paid working days
Employees in Turkey are entitled to 3 working days of paid leave in the unfortunate event of the death of the employee’s close family member: mother, father, spouse, brother or sister, and child.
Payout
Bereavement leave in Turkey is paid by the employer.
Jury Duty Leave in Turkey
Jury duty leave is not specified by law, because Turkey doesn’t have a jury system for most cases in court.
Military Leave
90 days
Military leave covers two main situations:
- Short-term military exercises
Employees called up for exercises or other statutory duties are entitled to up to 90 days of paid leave per year.
- Compulsory military service
For compulsory service, employees may resign and receive severance pay or take unpaid leave, after which the employer must reinstate them upon completion of service. To be eligible for this right, an employee must have worked at the employer for at least 1 year.
Voting Leave in Turkey
Voting leave is not specified by Turkey leave laws.
Marriage Leave in Turkey
3 days
In the event of an employee’s marriage, they are entitled to 3 days of paid leave.
Public Holidays in Turkey
| Date | Holiday |
|---|---|
| January 1 | New Year |
| After the end of the Islamic month Ramadan: 3 days | Ramazan Bayramı (aka Ramadan Feast) |
| April 23 | National Sovereignty and Children’s Day |
| May 1 | Worker’s Day |
| May 19 | Commemoration of Atatürk, Youth and Sports Day |
| Begins on the 10th day of the Islamic month Dhu’l-Hijjah: 4 days | Kurban Bayramı (aka Sacrifice Feast) |
| July 15 | Democracy and National Solidarity Day |
| August 30 | Victory Day |
| October 29 | Republic Day |
Employees are entitled to a full day’s wages for the national and public holidays on which they have not worked. If they work instead of observing the holiday, employees are entitled to an additional full day’s wages for each day worked.
Sources
- Local Laws & Regulations, https://www.atlashxm.com/en/countries/turkey
- Payroll and Benefits Guide Turkey, https://www.papayaglobal.com/countrypedia/country/turkey/
- Definitive Guide to Hiring in Turkey, https://www.globalexpansion.com/countrypedia/turkey
- Regulation affecting millions of workers: Leave durations are changing, https://en.haberler.com/regulation-affecting-millions-of-workers-leave-19145517/
- Turkey: A Guideline to Payroll and Employer of Record, https://www.neeyamo.com/global-guide/turkey
Check out our Leave Laws page to learn more about laws in various countries.
This material is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. For current and accurate guidance, please consult legal counsel in your jurisdiction.
Get started
