The Problem
Your employer in Turkey has terminated your employment, and you are unsure of your rights to severance pay, notice pay, or reinstatement. Turkish labor law provides substantial protections against unfair dismissal, including mandatory severance pay for employees with one or more years of service. However, many employers — especially those employing foreign workers — attempt to avoid these obligations by claiming just cause or pressuring employees to sign voluntary resignation letters.
How the Law Works in Turkey
Termination law is governed by İş Kanunu Articles 17–25. Severance pay (kıdem tazminatı): employees with at least one year of service are entitled to 30 days gross salary per year of service upon termination without just cause. Notice pay (ihbar tazminatı): varies from 2 to 8 weeks depending on tenure, payable if notice is not given. Just cause termination (haklı nedenle fesih, Article 25) allows immediate dismissal for serious misconduct, but the burden of proof is on the employer. Employees at workplaces with 30+ workers who have 6+ months tenure can file a reinstatement lawsuit within 30 days of termination.
What the Tourist Should Do
Do not sign any resignation letter or mutual termination agreement (ikale sözleşmesi) without consulting a lawyer. Request your termination to be in writing with the stated reason. Calculate your severance entitlement: years of service × 30 days gross salary (capped at a ceiling amount updated semi-annually). If you believe the termination is unfair, file a mandatory mediation application (arabuluculuk başvurusu) within 30 days, then a reinstatement lawsuit if mediation fails.
The Risks
Signing a voluntary resignation letter waives all severance and notice pay rights. The 30-day deadline for reinstatement lawsuits is strict and non-extendable. Severance pay calculation has a ceiling that is updated every six months — amounts above the ceiling are not legally enforceable. If your work permit is canceled due to termination, you have limited time to find new employment or leave Turkey.
LetFix Solution
LetFix represents foreign employees in termination disputes in Turkey. Our labor lawyers calculate severance entitlements, handle mediation proceedings, file reinstatement lawsuits, and ensure employers comply with all legal obligations.
