Salary payment in Turkey is undergoing a major regulatory change. Starting from July 1, 2025, employers with three or more staff must transfer wages via bank accounts.
A New Payroll Obligation in Turkey: Are You Ready?
If your company operates in Turkey or plans to hire employees under Turkish law, a recent legal amendment should be on your radar. As of July 1, 2025, a key threshold has been lowered in the regulation governing how employee payments must be processed. Specifically, companies with three or more employees—including workers under the Labor Law, Maritime Law, and Press Law—are now required to pay wages and similar entitlements through banks.
This change is not just administrative; it has compliance, financial, and operational implications for employers and payroll processors. Here’s what you need to know.
What the New Salary Payment in Turkey Regulation Says?
The amendment, published in the Official Gazette on June 4, 2025, modifies several provisions of the existing Regulation on the Payment of Wages, Bonuses, and Similar Receivables via Banks.
Under the updated rules:
- Employers with at least three employees are now obliged to process all net wage payments—after legal deductions—through a bank transfer.
- This obligation applies to:
- Employers under the Labor Law (İş Kanunu)
- Employers hiring journalists under Law No. 5953 (Press Law)
- Employers hiring seafarers under the Maritime Labor Law
The prior regulation set this threshold at five employees; now, even smaller companies are brought into the fold.
Which Salary Payments in Turkey Must Go Through Banks?
The regulation covers all forms of regular and supplementary compensation, including:
- Monthly salaries and wages
- Bonuses and premiums
- Overtime payments
- Severance and notice payments
- Any other monetary entitlements granted by law, employment contract, or collective agreements
Failure to comply may result in administrative fines under the applicable legal provisions, including the Labor Law, Press Law, and Maritime Law.
Mixed Employment and Salary Payment Compliance in Turkey
In cases where an employer hires both journalists and regular employees, or both seafarers and other workers, the total number of employees is considered. If the combined number of workers reaches three or more, the employer is required to make all related payments via bank transfers for all covered individuals.
What If My Business Is in a Remote Location?
The regulation anticipates logistical limitations. If the business is located in an area without a nearby bank branch or where employees are unable to access banking services, payments may instead be made through PTT (Turkish Post Office) branches, ensuring regulatory compliance in exceptional cases.
What Are the Penalties for Non-Compliance?
Employers who fail to comply will be subject to administrative fines under:
- Article 102 of the Labor Law for regular workers
- Article 27 of Law No. 5953 for journalists
- Article 51 of the Maritime Labor Law for seafarers
These fines apply per employee and per incident, potentially resulting in substantial penalties for repeat offenses.
When Does the New Regulation Come into Effect?
All changes are set to be enforced starting July 1, 2025. Businesses currently employing 3 to 4 individuals and still paying via cash or alternative methods must act quickly to ensure compliance.
Why Salary Payment Compliance in Turkey Matters for Foreign Companies
For foreign investors or companies expanding to Turkey, this development is a critical compliance update. Even if your workforce is small, failing to process payments correctly can:
- Trigger legal penalties
- Harm your corporate reputation
- Disrupt your payroll and tax reconciliation processes
- Create difficulties during tax inspections and audits
It is essential to review your payroll operations and partner with a trusted local provider who understands the nuances of Turkish labor legislation and can keep you compliant at all times.
How Metropol CPA Supports Salary Payment Compliance in Turkey
At Metropol CPA, we specialize in payroll and tax compliance in Turkey. Our services ensure that:
- All your employee payments are processed securely via local banks
- You remain aligned with Turkish labor and tax regulations
- Your payroll system is integrated with local SGK, tax, and reporting standards
- You avoid legal risks and financial penalties
Whether you’re a startup, a foreign investor, or an established enterprise operating in Turkey, we ensure your operations run smoothly, transparently, and legally.
Need Help Adapting to the New Regulation?
Contact us today to schedule a free consultation with our payroll compliance experts.