In Turkey, employees are entitled to paid annual leave under the Labour Law No. 4857. The minimum entitlement is 14 days for employees with less than five years of service, increasing to 20 days for 5–15 years, and 26 days for more than 15 years of service. Employees under 18 or over 50 are entitled to at least 20 days regardless of service length.
Statutory entitlement
14 days for less than 5 years of service. 20 days for 5–15 years. 26 days for more than 15 years. Minimum 20 days for employees under 18 or over 50.
Eligibility
Employees must have worked for at least one year (including probation) to be entitled to paid annual leave.
Legal basis
Labour Law No. 4857, Articles 53–60; Annual Leave Regulation.
Employer obligations
- Grant annual leave as per the statutory minimum (14–26 days based on service).
- Pay the employee's normal wages during annual leave.
- Pay annual leave premium (additional payment equal to normal wages) for each day of leave.
- Pay for unused annual leave on termination of employment.
- Not require the employee to work during annual leave.
Employee rights
- Right to 14–26 days of annual leave based on service.
- Right to annual leave premium payment.
- Right to paid leave payout on termination.
Common pitfalls
- Not paying the annual leave premium — Turkish law requires an additional payment equal to normal wages for each day of leave.
- Not adjusting leave based on age — employees under 18 or over 50 are entitled to at least 20 days.
How annual leave increases
Annual leave starts at 14 days for employees with less than five years of service. It increases to 20 days after five years and 26 days after 15 years.
Frequently asked questions
What is the annual leave premium?
The annual leave premium is an additional payment equal to the employee's normal wages for each day of leave taken.
Sources
This page is provided for general guidance and does not constitute legal advice. Always check the cited primary source for current law before making employment decisions.