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Turkish employment law strongly protects employees, but its rules on severance, notice and reinstatement are technical and deadlines are short. An employment lawyer in Istanbul helps employees claim what they are owed and helps employers terminate contracts lawfully and avoid costly claims. We work with Turkish and foreign employees and employers in English and Turkish.
Employment Lawyer
Employment lawyer Istanbul: we advise and represent employees and employers on severance and notice pay, reinstatement cases, unpaid wages and overtime, and mandatory mediation, in English and Turkish.
Severance Pay and Notice Pay
- Severance pay (kıdem tazminatı): an employee with at least one year of service is generally entitled to 30 days’ gross wage for each full year of service when the contract ends for reasons other than the employee’s resignation without just cause or dismissal for misconduct. Severance is subject to a statutory ceiling updated every six months.
- Notice pay (ihbar tazminatı): notice periods range from two to eight weeks depending on length of service. An employer who terminates without notice must pay the corresponding wages.
- Other receivables: unpaid wages, overtime, unused annual leave, weekend and public holiday work.
Unfair Dismissal and Reinstatement
Employees working at a workplace with 30 or more employees who have at least six months’ seniority benefit from job security. If dismissed without a valid reason, they can file a reinstatement case. The deadline is very short: mediation must be applied for within one month of the notification of termination.
Mandatory Mediation in Employment Disputes
Mediation is mandatory before filing most employee and employer claims, including severance, notice pay, wage claims and reinstatement. Our lawyer is also a registered mediator and represents clients at the mediation stage and, if no settlement is reached, before the labour courts.
Services for Employers
- employment contracts, policies and termination procedures,
- disciplinary processes and documented warnings,
- defence in employee claims and mediation,
- employing foreign staff and obtaining work permits.
Foreign Employees in Turkey
Foreign employees have the same rights under Turkish labour law as Turkish employees, provided they work under a valid work permit. Working without a permit creates risks for both sides. We advise foreign employees on their contracts, termination and claims, including after they have left Turkey. We offer a free short preliminary consultation.
Am I entitled to severance pay in Turkey?
Generally yes, if you have worked at least one year and the contract ended for a reason other than your own resignation without just cause or dismissal for misconduct.
How is severance pay calculated?
30 days of gross wage for each full year of service, subject to the statutory severance ceiling in force at the termination date.
How long are notice periods in Turkey?
Between two and eight weeks, depending on the employee’s length of service.
How long do I have to challenge my dismissal?
You must apply for mediation within one month of being notified of the termination to file a reinstatement claim.
Is mediation mandatory in employment disputes?
Yes, for most claims including severance, notice pay, wages and reinstatement.
Do foreign employees have the same rights?
Yes, foreign employees working under a valid work permit have the same rights under Turkish labour law.
How long do I have to claim unpaid wages or severance?
The limitation period for wage and severance claims is generally five years.
Do you represent employers?
Yes. We advise employers on contracts and terminations and defend them in employee claims.
In the office or by video, we listen to your situation and review your documents.
We set out in writing which action to file, the estimated timeline and cost items.
Filings, hearings and evidence are followed by a single lawyer.
You hear from us on every development by WhatsApp or e-mail.