TR

Working Rights and Legal Protection of Foreigners in Türkiye

Savun Law & Consultancy · Updated 29 October 2026

Working Rights and Legal Protection of Foreigners in Türkiye

Foreigners who work legally in Türkiye benefit from many rights under labour law. These rights aim to protect the worker. This article covers the working rights and protection of foreigners for information purposes.

🛠️ Scope of Labour Law

Foreigners employed with a work permit in principle benefit from the rights provided by Turkish labour law. Matters such as pay, working hours, leave and job security fall within this scope. Legal employment is fundamental for the protection of the worker. Knowing one's rights matters.

Note: The protection of a foreign worker depends on legal employment; working without a permit leaves a worker without these safeguards.

🏥 Social Security

Foreigners who work legally are included in the social security system and are registered by the employer. This is important for health and social security (SGK) rightsTR. Working without a permit may leave a person without these safeguards. Legal employment provides security.

⚖️ In Case of a Dispute

In disputes such as those over pay, severance, notice or unfair dismissal, a foreign worker can also use the legal remedies. Mediation and court proceedings are assessed within this scope. Documents and records that are preserved generally make the process of claiming rights easier. Each situation is handled under its own conditions.

📌 Related Topics

The subject is linked to work permits and health and SGK rightsTR.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions

Do foreign workers benefit from labour law?

Foreigners employed with a work permit in principle benefit from the rights under Turkish labour law.

What is the risk of working without a permit?

It may leave the person without social security and health safeguards.

What happens in a labour dispute?

Legal remedies, including mediation and court action, may be used.

For detailed information and legal support, you can contact Savun Law & Consultancy. Contact page

The information in this article is provided for general information only and may change in line with current legislation. Each case is unique; nothing here is a commitment as to any outcome. Savun Law & Consultancy cannot be held responsible for decisions taken solely on the basis of this article.

3 attorneys registered with the Istanbul Bar Association · verifyGoogle 4.8 ★ · 123+ reviews · seeOffice in Istanbul · English-speaking team · about us
Attorney Veli Savun

Questions & answers · Istanbul Bar Association 75235

Have a question about this topic? Ask our lawyer.

Write your question and Attorney Veli Savun will answer it on this page. You do not need to give your name.

Example questions — tap one and adapt it to your situation:

About your personal data

Savun Law & Consultancy processes your question or comment in order to publish and answer it. If you tick the contact box, your phone number is used only to contact you (Turkish Personal Data Protection Law No. 6698, Art. 5/2-c and f). Your nickname and text are published; your phone number, IP address and the uncleaned version of your text are not. Contact records are deleted within 12 months at the latest. You may exercise your rights under Art. 11 by contacting our office.

Answers are general information only; they do not create a lawyer–client relationship and are not legal advice on your specific case. All questions & answers →

This page is an English adaptation of our Turkish article Yabancıların Çalışma Hakları ve Korunması.

More from Foreigners in Türkiye

All articles in this section →

WhatsApp