Employees in a Turkish office discussing annual leave Turkey rights and vacation planning.

Annual Leave Turkey | Guide for Foreign Companies & Employers

Understanding employee rights is essential when hiring in a foreign country — and in Turkey, annual paid leave is a legal, mandatory right granted to every employee. This guide outlines how annual leave is calculated, when it applies, how it is paid out, and what foreign employers must know to stay compliant with Turkish labor law.

What is Annual Leave in Turkey?

Under the Turkish Labor Law, employees are entitled to paid annual leave after completing one full year of uninterrupted service with the same employer — including the probation period. The aim is to ensure employees have time to rest, protect their physical and mental well-being, and balance work-life commitments.

Eligibility and Leave Durations

Employees qualify for annual leave after completing 1 year of employment, including probation.

  • 14 days: 1–5 years of service
  • 20 days: 5–15 years
  • 26 days: Over 15 years
  • Special case: Employees under 18 or over 50 are entitled to at least 20 days, regardless of tenure.

Can Annual Leave Be Divided?

Yes — leave can be split. However:

  • One portion must be at least 10 consecutive days
  • The rest can be taken separately with employer approval

Example: A worker with 14 days can use 10 days at once, and the other 4 later in the year.

Can Unused Leave Be Carried Over?

Yes. Turkish law does not require leave to be used within the year it is earned. However, employers are advised to encourage usage to avoid:

  • Legal disputes
  • Overloaded payouts upon termination
  • Staff burnout

Is Leave Paid Out?

During employment: Leave cannot be exchanged for money

Upon termination: All unused annual leave must be paid, based on the employee’s last gross salary.

Calculation:

  • Gross salary only (no bonuses or overtime)
  • Social security, income tax, and stamp tax are deducted

Employer Obligations

Employers are responsible for:

  • Tracking leave eligibility
  • Scheduling leave periods fairly
  • Ensuring employees are able to use their full entitlement

Misuse or denial of leave rights can give employees the legal right to terminate their contract with just cause or take legal action.

Quick Facts for Foreign Employers

  • ✅ Annual leave is mandatory and cannot be waived
  • ✅ Employees under 18 or over 50 get 20+ days
  • ✅ Leave can roll over to future years
  • ✅ Unused leave must be paid on termination
  • ✅ Calculation is based on gross salary only

Need Help Managing Payroll & Leave in Turkey?

At Metropol Consulting, we help foreign companies navigate complex Turkish labor regulations with confidence.

  • Payroll & leave tracking setup
  • Annual leave accrual calculations
  • Employment compliance audits
  • Termination & compensation handling

If you’re a foreign employee entitled to annual leave in Turkey, don’t forget to review our Work Permit in Turkey Guide.

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