Understanding Excuse Leave Rights Under Turkish Labor Law
Employees in Turkey have the right to take paid leave for personal events like marriage, childbirth, or a family member’s death.
This is called excuse leave in Turkey. Labor Law No. 4857 regulates this right. It protects employees from losing income or vacation days during these events.
What is Excuse Leave?
Excuse leave (also known as “mazeret izni” in Turkish) refers to short-term, fully paid leave granted to employees for special occasions. It is separate from annual paid leave and cannot be refused by the employer for qualifying situations.
Types and Duration of Excuse Leave
According to the Turkish Labor Law (Additional Article 2, as amended on April 4, 2015), the following situations entitle employees to excuse leave:
| Type of Leave | Duration | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Marriage Leave | 3 days | When the employee gets married |
| Adoption Leave | 3 days | Upon adoption of a child |
| Bereavement Leave | 3 days | For the death of a parent, spouse, sibling, or child |
| Paternity Leave (Spouse Giving Birth) | 5 days | Granted when the employee’s spouse gives birth |
| Companion Leave for Disabled/Ill Children | Up to 10 days | For one parent to care for a child with at least 70% disability or chronic illness |
These types of excuse leave in Turkey ensure that workers can manage family life without using up their annual paid vacation or suffering financial loss.
Legal Conditions and Employer Obligations
- Mandatory Granting: Employers must approve qualifying excuse leave requests. It is a statutory right and not subject to employer discretion.
- No Annual Leave Deduction: Excuse leave is not deducted from an employee’s annual vacation balance.
- Fully Paid: Employees receive full wages during the excuse leave period.
How to Request
To formally request excuse leave:
- Notify the Employer: The employee must inform the employer of the reason for leave.
- Submit in Writing (Recommended): Though verbal notice is allowed, written requests with supporting documentation (e.g., birth certificate, marriage license, death certificate) are preferred to avoid disputes.
- Record-Keeping: Employers should document excuse leave requests for compliance and transparency.
Do You Lose Your Annual Leave?
No. Excuse leave in Turkey is separate from annual paid leave.
Taking this leave does not affect the employee’s vacation balance.
Employees continue to receive their full salary during the leave.
Why Supporting Life Events Builds a Better Workplace
Employers must approve excuse leave requests if they meet legal conditions.
Denying valid leave can create legal risks and reduce employee trust.
Respecting personal needs improves company culture and helps retain valuable staff.
Following the rules around excuse leave in Turkey also ensures compliance with labor law.
You may also be interested in our blog post:
5 Critical Points Foreign Companies Must Know About Employment Contracts in Turkey — essential reading for any company hiring in the Turkish market.