Understanding working hours in Turkey is essential for both employers and employees operating within the Turkish labor market. Working time regulations impact productivity, employee well-being, and legal compliance. Whether you are managing a business, joining a Turkish company, or hiring employees through an Employer of Record (EOR), knowing the rules regarding working hours, overtime, rest periods, weekend work, and special conditions is crucial.
This comprehensive guide explains everything you need to know about working hours in Turkey, based on the Turkish Labor Law (Law No. 4857) and practices followed in 2025.
1. Overview: Legal Framework of Working Hours in Turkey
Working hours in Turkey are primarily regulated by:
- The Turkish Labor Law (No. 4857)
- Occupational Health and Safety Law (No. 6331)
- Sector-specific regulations (maritime, aviation, healthcare, etc.)
- Collective bargaining agreements for unionized workplaces
The law aims to balance productivity with employee rights, ensuring safe and fair employment standards.
2. Standard Working Hours in Turkey
The legal maximum weekly working hours in Turkey is 45 hours, unless stated otherwise in specific regulations.
Distribution of Weekly Working Hours
The 45 hours may be arranged as:
- 5 days × 9 hours/day
- 6 days × 7.5 hours/day
- Custom distribution depending on company policy
Most modern workplaces follow the 5-day workweek, with Monday to Friday schedules.
Daily Working Hour Limits
While the law does not strictly impose a daily maximum, in practice:
- Employees may not work more than 11 hours per day, including overtime.
This limit protects workers from excessive daily workloads.
3. Flexible Working Arrangements in Turkey
As workplaces evolve, employers may distribute weekly working hours flexibly:
a. Balancing Period (Denkleştirme)
Employers can distribute working hours unevenly over a 2-month period (extendable to 4 months with collective bargaining).
Example:
- Peak season: 55–60 hours/week
- Low season: 30–35 hours/week
As long as the average is 45 hours/week, overtime may not apply.
b. Part-Time Work
Defined as working less than two-thirds of standard hours (i.e., less than 30 hours/week).
c. Remote and Hybrid Work
Formalized under Turkish law since 2021, remote employees follow the same working hour limits as onsite employees.
4. Overtime Rules in Turkey
Any work performed beyond 45 hours per week is considered overtime.
Overtime Compensation
Overtime must be paid at:
- 150% (1.5×) of the hourly wage
- Or compensated with 1.5 hours of free time for each hour worked
Limits on Overtime
Employees cannot work more than:
- 270 hours of overtime per year
Employers must obtain written consent for overtime work.
Additional Overtime Conditions
- Employees under 18 cannot work overtime
- Pregnant women cannot work overtime
- Certain industries have stricter limits
Understanding these rules is critical for companies managing salaries and payroll.
5. Evening and Night Shifts in Turkey
Night work is defined as work performed between:
- 20:00 and 06:00
Night workers have specific protections:
Daily Limit
They may not work more than 7.5 hours per night, except in certain authorized sectors.
Health Checks
Night workers must undergo regular medical examinations paid by the employer.
Additional Pay
Although the law does not mandate extra pay for night work, many companies provide premiums to remain competitive.
6. Weekend Work and Weekly Rest Day
In Turkey, every employee is entitled to one weekly rest day, typically Sunday.
Weekend Work Compensation
If employees work on their weekly rest day, they must receive:
- 200% (double) of their daily wage
or - A substitute rest day plus premium pay depending on internal policies
Weekend work is permitted but must be managed according to labor law.
7. Public Holidays and Working Hours in Turkey
Turkey has 15 official public holidays, including:
- New Year’s Day
- National Sovereignty Day
- Ramadan Feast (Ramazan Bayramı)
- Sacrifice Feast (Kurban Bayramı)
- Republic Day
Holiday Work Compensation
Employees working on public holidays must be paid:
- 100% extra wage (double pay)
Public holiday work cannot replace weekly rest and must be compensated separately.
8. Break Periods and Meal Times
Breaks during working hours in Turkey depend on the total daily working time:
| Daily Working Hours | Minimum Break Time |
|---|---|
| Up to 4 hours | 15 minutes |
| 4–7.5 hours | 30 minutes |
| More than 7.5 hours | 1 hour |
Breaks are not counted as working time unless otherwise agreed.
9. Working Hours for Special Categories of Employees
1. Minors (Workers Under 18)
- Maximum 7 hours/day
- Maximum 35 hours/week
2. Pregnant or Nursing Women
- Cannot work night shifts
- Cannot work overtime
- May request modifications to working schedules
3. Disabled Employees
Must have adjusted working hours according to health reports.
4. Maritime and Aviation Workers
Have unique working time regulations outside the standard 45-hour rule.
Understanding these exceptions is vital for compliance in specialized industries.
10. Working Hours in Turkey for Foreign Employees
Foreign workers in Turkey follow the exact same rules as Turkish employees.
Key points:
- They cannot be subject to unlawful overtime
- They are entitled to weekly rest, breaks, and public holiday pay
- Their SGK (social security) registration determines eligibility for benefits
- Employers must ensure compliance to avoid penalties
Foreigners working with a Corporate or Employer of Record (EOR) benefit from fully compliant working hour management.
11. Penalties for Violating Working Hour Laws
The Ministry of Labor regularly audits workplaces. Employers who violate working hour regulations may face:
• Administrative fines
Penalties vary depending on the violation (incorrect working times, lack of overtime consent, insufficient break periods).
• Legal claims from employees
Employees may request compensation for unpaid overtime or improper rest periods.
• Court actions
Long-term violations may result in legal sanctions or business restrictions.
Staying compliant helps companies avoid financial and legal risks.
12. Best Practices for Managing Working Hours in Turkey
To ensure full compliance and strong employee relations, companies should:
✔ Establish clear working hour policies
Written guidelines help avoid misunderstandings.
✔ Maintain accurate timekeeping
Digital attendance systems reduce errors.
✔ Obtain written overtime consent
Mandatory for legal compliance.
✔ Ensure weekly rest days are respected
Monitoring schedules protects employee health and avoids penalties.
✔ Train managers on labor regulations
Especially important for international and growing companies.
✔ Use HR and payroll outsourcing
Many companies partner with payroll providers or EOR services to ensure compliance.
Navigating working hours in Turkey is crucial for employers, HR professionals, and employees alike. With a 45-hour workweek, clear overtime rules, mandatory rest periods, and specific protections for special categories of workers, Turkey’s labor system aims to balance productivity with employee well-being.
Companies that respect these regulations strengthen their employer brand, reduce legal risks, and create healthier workplaces. Employees gain access to a fair, safe, and predictable working environment.
Whether you are a business owner, a foreign investor, or a professional planning to work in Turkey, understanding working hours regulations is key to long-term success in the Turkish market.