The Turkish Social Security Institution (SSI) has introduced significant amendments through the Regulation Amending the Social Insurance Transactions Regulation, published in the Official Gazette on May 16, 2026 (No. 33255).
These changes to the Turkey minimum labor regulation framework directly affect private construction projects, public tenders, and employers operating in Turkey. The amendments aim to improve transparency, simplify administrative procedures, and strengthen compliance with social security obligations.
1. SSI Clarifies the Scope of Minimum Labor Investigations
One of the most important aspects of the new Turkey minimum labor regulation is the clarification of the minimum labor investigation process.
Under the revised rules, SSI may assess:
- Public tender projects;
- Private construction projects;
- Information and documents obtained from public authorities and institutions.
The objective is to determine:
- Whether a minimum labor assessment is required;
- Whether sufficient workforce declarations have been submitted;
- Whether there are any unpaid social security premium obligations.
This change provides greater certainty for employers operating in Turkey.
2. Multiple Construction Projects Can Be Registered Under a Single SSI Number
The new regulation introduces a practical solution for employers managing several nearby construction projects.
Multiple projects may now be consolidated under a single SSI registration number when all of the following conditions are met:
- The construction sites are adjacent or located in close proximity;
- The application is submitted within six months of the commencement of the first project;
- Employees are working interchangeably across the projects.
This amendment is expected to reduce administrative burdens and simplify reporting obligations under the Turkey minimum labor regulation.
3. New Investigation Method Based on Progress Payments
For tender-based projects, SSI has introduced a new approach regarding provisional acceptance procedures.
Under the new rules:
- If provisional acceptance has been completed;
- And the final contract amount has not yet been determined;
- The employer may request an investigation based solely on progress payments already made.
However, SSI will not issue a clearance certificate at this stage.
This measure allows employers to initiate compliance reviews earlier while awaiting final financial calculations.
4. Clearer Definition of Project Completion Dates
The amended regulation provides greater clarity regarding the determination of project completion dates.
According to SSI:
- If no deficiencies are identified during provisional acceptance, the provisional acceptance date will be considered the completion date;
- If deficiencies exist, the completion date will be the date on which those deficiencies are fully remedied;
- For projects not subject to an acceptance procedure, the completion date will be the date officially notified by the relevant authority.
This clarification helps employers better understand their obligations under the Turkey minimum labor regulation framework.
5. New Rules for Incomplete or Terminated Tender Projects
The SSI has also addressed situations involving unfinished or terminated public tenders.
Under the new provisions:
- Investigations will be conducted only on the basis of paid progress payments;
- If no payments have been made, no minimum labor investigation will be initiated.
This amendment prevents unnecessary investigations in projects that never generated actual payments.
6. Revised Construction Cost Calculation Method
The method used to calculate construction costs for minimum labor assessments has been updated.
Construction Completed Within One Year
For projects completed within a single calendar year, SSI will apply the unit construction cost valid on the project completion date.
Construction Spanning Multiple Years
For projects extending across several years, SSI will calculate the arithmetic average of annual unit costs from the commencement year through the completion year.
This new methodology aims to provide a more accurate and fair calculation basis for construction employers in Turkey.
7. SSI May Launch Ex-Officio Investigations After Two Years of Inactivity
A significant compliance measure has also been introduced.
For private construction files that are:
- Still open;
- Not officially abandoned;
- Not liquidated;
and for which no insurance declarations have been submitted for at least two years, SSI may initiate an ex-officio investigation.
Employers should therefore ensure that inactive construction files are properly managed and updated to avoid unnecessary inspections.
The 2026 amendments to the Turkey minimum labor regulation introduce several important changes affecting construction companies, contractors, and employers throughout Turkey. The new rules provide clearer procedures for minimum labor investigations, simplify the management of multiple construction projects, and establish more transparent calculation methods.
Businesses operating in Turkey should carefully review these amendments to ensure full compliance with SSI requirements and avoid potential penalties.
For professional guidance regarding SSI compliance, payroll management, construction project registration, or labor law obligations in Turkey, consulting experienced local experts can help ensure smooth operations and regulatory compliance.