For any employer or employee operating in Turkey, understanding the legal framework surrounding working hours, overtime, and holidays is essential. In 2025, these elements remain tightly regulated under Turkish Labor Law, with additional oversight from related administrative and tax institutions. This comprehensive guide explains how working time is calculated, how overtime should be compensated, and what public and annual leave entitlements are legally mandated in 2025.
1. Standard Working Hours in Turkey (2025)
According to Labor Law No. 4857, the standard maximum working time in Turkey is:
- 45 hours per week
- Usually divided into 6 working days (7.5 hours/day) or 5 days (9 hours/day)
- Any time exceeding this limit is considered overtime, unless otherwise agreed under flexible arrangements
Flexible Work Week:
- With mutual agreement, working time can be unevenly distributed across days as long as the total does not exceed 45 hours in one week.
- For example, 10 hours on one day and 7 hours the next can be valid, so long as it doesn’t exceed the cap and complies with health and safety rules.
2. Overtime Work (Fazla Mesai)
a. What Counts as Overtime?
- Time worked beyond 45 hours in a week
- Emergency or seasonal work exceeding the daily or weekly limits
- Night work exceeding 7.5 hours in restricted sectors
b. Compensation for Overtime:
By law, employees must be compensated for overtime as follows:
- 150% of the regular hourly wage (i.e., 1.5x pay)
- Or, 1.5 hours of paid leave for each overtime hour if agreed upon
c. Annual Overtime Limit:
- An employee may not work more than 270 hours of overtime per year, except in exceptional cases (e.g., emergencies).
✅ Example: If a worker earns TRY 90/hour, then their overtime rate is TRY 135/hour.
d. Written Consent Required:
- Employers must obtain written consent from employees to assign overtime.
- It is common practice to include this clause in the employment contract or ask for annual approvals.
3. Exceptions and Sectoral Adjustments
a. Managers and High-Level Employees:
- Some managerial roles may be exempt from overtime compensation if their salary already reflects an all-inclusive amount (as per jurisprudence).
- This must be clearly stated in the employment contract.
b. Part-Time and Remote Workers:
- For part-time workers, overtime rules apply only if they exceed full-time limits (45 hours/week).
- For remote workers, work must be tracked to determine if overtime applies, often done via digital time-logging systems.
4. Night Work Regulations
Night work is defined as any work performed between 8 PM and 6 AM. In 2025, the rules remain strict:
- Night shifts must not exceed 7.5 hours unless specific legal conditions are met.
- Night workers must undergo regular health assessments.
- Women and young workers have additional protections, such as restrictions on night work in some industries.
Overtime during night shifts must also follow enhanced compensation requirements.
5. Public Holidays in Turkey (2025)
In 2025, there are 15.5 days of national public holidays observed across Turkey. These include religious and national commemorations:
| Date | Holiday Name | Type |
|---|---|---|
| January 1 | New Year’s Day | National |
| April 23 | National Sovereignty & Children’s Day | National |
| May 1 | Labor and Solidarity Day | National |
| May 19 | Atatürk Memorial & Youth Day | National |
| July 15 | Democracy and National Unity Day | National |
| August 30 | Victory Day | National |
| October 29 | Republic Day | National (1.5 days) |
| Eid al-Fitr | April 9–11 (estimated) | Religious |
| Eid al-Adha | June 16–19 (estimated) | Religious |
Payment for Working on Holidays:
If employees are required to work on official public holidays:
- They are entitled to double their normal daily wage (200% pay).
- No written consent is needed for essential sectors (e.g., healthcare, hospitality), but documentation is still advised.
6. Weekly Rest Day (Haftalık Tatil)
By law, every employee is entitled to a 24-hour uninterrupted weekly rest, typically on Sunday.
If Employees Work on Their Weekly Rest Day:
- They are entitled to an additional 1.5x their daily wage
- Rest day work is separate from overtime rules
Employers should ensure that weekly rest is honored and documented to avoid labor disputes.
7. Annual Paid Leave in Turkey
Paid annual leave is guaranteed under Labor Law No. 4857 and is non-waivable. The minimum leave entitlement increases with tenure:
| Years of Service | Annual Leave Entitlement |
|---|---|
| 1–5 years | 14 working days |
| 5–15 years | 20 working days |
| 15+ years | 26 working days |
📌 Employees under 18 or over 50 years of age automatically receive 20 days minimum regardless of tenure.
Additional Leave Rights:
- Marriage leave: 3 days
- Bereavement leave: 3–5 days depending on relation
- Paternity leave: 5 days
- Maternity leave: 16 weeks (8 before, 8 after birth)
- Unpaid leave for military service or childcare can also apply
8. Leave Management in Practice
a. Use and Carryover:
- Leave must be used within one year of being earned.
- Carryover is allowed, but leave cannot be forfeited or monetized unless employment ends.
b. Leave Request Process:
- Must be requested in writing
- Employers must respond within a reasonable time
- Employers may propose staggered use of leave to maintain operational flow
c. Compensation on Termination:
If the employee resigns or is terminated with unused leave, the employer must pay the unused leave in cash based on the most recent gross salary.
9. Record-Keeping and Compliance
Turkish labor inspectors routinely check employer compliance with time and leave regulations.
Employers must keep records of:
- Work start and end times (daily)
- Overtime hours and approvals
- Leave balances and usage
- Public holiday work and payments
Failure to maintain proper documentation may result in administrative fines (see previous article).
10. Remote and Hybrid Work in 2025
Remote work remains popular in tech, consulting, and services sectors.
In 2025, employers are encouraged to:
- Define work hours clearly in remote work agreements
- Use digital tracking systems to measure working time
- Respect the employee’s “right to disconnect”, especially after hours
Legal amendments are expected to further regulate digital surveillance and data protection related to remote work.
11. Overtime Abuse and Labor Disputes
One of the most common court cases in Turkey involves unpaid overtime claims. Courts often rule in favor of employees when:
- No clear time records exist
- Contracts lack overtime clauses
- Employees can show communication (emails, messages) proving extended work
Pro Tip:
Employers should adopt HR software and electronic time-tracking tools to prevent disputes.
12. Best Practices for Employers in 2025
- Audit your time-tracking system monthly
- Include clear overtime and holiday pay clauses in all contracts
- Obtain written consent for overtime work
- Avoid informal arrangements — compliance is cheaper than litigation
- Train managers on leave policies and legal obligations
Understanding and adhering to working time, overtime, and holiday rules in Turkey is not only a legal obligation but also a key to maintaining a healthy workplace culture. In 2025, Turkish labor authorities continue to emphasize documentation, transparency, and employee welfare.
For employers, this means investing in compliance systems, HR training, and proactive communication. For employees, it ensures fair compensation, rest, and work-life balance. In an evolving economy and job market, aligning with labor law is essential for growth, reputation, and sustainability.
