IMPACT – MEDIUM

What is the change? Turkey’s government has announced minimum salary requirements for foreign nationals with work permits.

What does the change mean? The gross minimum monthly wage is now 3,577.50 Turkish lira (about US$484.09) and the net minimum monthly wage is 2.825.00 Turkish lira (about US$382.27). Foreign employees must also be paid a salary that is commensurate with the position. The salary minimums are in effect until Dec. 31, 2021.

  • Implementation time frame: Jan. 1, 2021.
  • Visas/permits affected: Work permits, including renewals.
  • Who is affected: Employers and employees applying for new or renewing work permits.

Additional Information: The monthly minimum salaries required for work permits are as follows:

Category Threshold as factor of the gross minimum wage Monthly threshold in lira
High-level managers and pilots 6½ X gross minimum wage 23,253.75 lira
Department managers and engineers/architects 4X gross minimum wage 14,310.00 lira
Positions requiring expertise (which is not defined) and teachers 3X gross minimum wage 10,732.50 lira
Employees in the tourism industry (e.g., acrobats), as well as masseurs/SPA therapists 2X gross minimum wage 7,155.00 lira
All others (e.g., sales officers, low-level marketing officers) 1½ X gross minimum wage 5,366.35 lira
Household workers Minimum wage 3,577.50 lira

Analysis & Comments: The new salary minimums show an overall increase compared to 2020 levels. Employers should take into account the new minimums when planning their 2021 budgets, as applications that do not meet the appropriate salaries will be rejected. The new salary levels apply for both local hires and assignees on foreign payroll (with an assignment letter).

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