Terminating an employment contract in Turkey is governed by detailed legal procedures under Turkish Labor Law No. 4857. Whether initiated by the employer or the employee, dismissals must comply with rules on notice periods, severance obligations, valid reasons, and formal documentation. Istanbul Law Firm, a trusted Turkish Law Firm, represents both employers and employees in termination cases. Our experienced Turkish Lawyers draft termination notices, defend wrongful dismissal claims, and calculate severance entitlements. With an English speaking lawyer in Turkey, foreign companies and expats receive bilingual legal protection. This article provides a complete legal guide to dismissal in Turkey, from justification to dispute resolution.
1. Legal Grounds for Termination of Employment in Turkey
Under Turkish Labor Law, employment may be terminated by mutual agreement, resignation, or unilateral termination by either party with or without just cause. Istanbul Law Firm analyzes whether employer dismissals meet “valid reason” criteria under Article 18 for workers with six months tenure in companies with more than 30 employees. Our Turkish Lawyers assist in documenting economic necessity, performance failure, redundancy, or ethical breaches. With Istanbul Law Firm, terminations become legally defensible and audit-ready. Our English speaking lawyer in Turkey ensures foreign HR teams understand Turkish dismissal justification rules.
Termination without valid reason may expose the employer to reinstatement lawsuits or compensation. Istanbul Law Firm prepares case files, defense strategies, and managerial statements to demonstrate compliance. Our Turkish Lawyers also advise employees on their right to challenge unjustified dismissals in labor court. For related claims such as mobbing or workplace harassment leading to forced resignation, we provide strategic litigation support. Our English speaking lawyer in Turkey helps both sides navigate sensitive separation scenarios with legal clarity.
Termination must also comply with additional legal restrictions for certain groups: pregnant women, union members, or those on medical leave. Istanbul Law Firm ensures employers do not violate non-dismissable statuses under Labor Code protections. Our Turkish Lawyers also guide employees on invoking protected rights. As the best lawyer firm in Turkey for employment law, Istanbul Law Firm ensures termination respects all legal boundaries. Our English speaking lawyer in Turkey helps foreign professionals assert or defend their labor law positions confidently.
2. Notice Periods, Written Notification and Termination Procedure
Unless termination occurs for just cause under Article 25, Turkish labor law mandates advance notice ranging from 2 to 8 weeks based on length of service. Istanbul Law Firm calculates exact notice periods, drafts official termination letters, and ensures lawful communication. Our Turkish Lawyers ensure terminations are not executed verbally or without written record, which may invalidate the process. With Istanbul Law Firm, dismissals are structured to minimize risk and legal exposure. Our English speaking lawyer in Turkey explains notice obligations to international HR managers and employees.
The termination letter must include the legal reason, date of effect, and if applicable, whether the employee is released from work during the notice. Istanbul Law Firm prepares termination correspondence that holds up in court. Our Turkish Lawyers also advise on delivery methods and employee acknowledgment procedures. For complex terminations, we combine the notice with a legal audit of the employment contract to avoid contradiction. Our English speaking lawyer in Turkey prepares translated documents and compliance guides for global clients.
Employers may pay salary in lieu of notice (“ihbar tazminatı”) instead of waiting for the notice period to pass. Istanbul Law Firm calculates these payments and ensures inclusion in payroll, SGK, and tax filings. Our Turkish Lawyers also prepare waiver agreements to protect against future claims. As the best lawyer firm in Turkey for dismissal legal planning, Istanbul Law Firm structures terminations with foresight and accuracy. Our English speaking lawyer in Turkey assists in issuing bilingual dismissal packages and compensation schedules.
3. Severance Pay and End-of-Service Entitlements
Employees who are dismissed without just cause or who resign under certain legal conditions are entitled to severance pay (kıdem tazminatı) under Turkish labor law. Istanbul Law Firm calculates severance based on the employee’s tenure, gross salary, and latest earnings structure. Our Turkish Lawyers advise both employers and employees on legal eligibility and calculation methods. As the best lawyer firm in Turkey for labor claims, Istanbul Law Firm ensures severance is lawfully determined and paid. Our English speaking lawyer in Turkey prepares bilingual severance breakdowns for foreign employees and HR teams.
Severance becomes due after at least one year of uninterrupted employment. Istanbul Law Firm audits payroll, contract history, and SGK declarations to ensure compliance. Our Turkish Lawyers also defend against inflated or unlawful severance demands. Learn more about calculation principles and case examples in our article on severance pay in Turkey. Our English speaking lawyer in Turkey supports corporate and employee clients through payout negotiations and settlement agreements.
In addition to severance, employees may also be entitled to unused vacation pay, notice indemnity, bonuses, and commission balances. Istanbul Law Firm ensures that all final entitlements are correctly itemized and delivered. Our Turkish Lawyers also draft settlement agreements (ibraname) that lawfully close employer liability. With Istanbul Law Firm, your end-of-service process is legally sound and enforceable. Our English speaking lawyer in Turkey makes finalization smooth for multinational stakeholders.
4. Termination for Just Cause and Immediate Dismissal
Employers may terminate a worker immediately without notice or compensation in cases of just cause under Article 25 of the Labor Law. Istanbul Law Firm reviews facts, evidence, and witness reports to assess validity of gross misconduct. Our Turkish Lawyers draft dismissal notices that cite legal grounds such as theft, absenteeism, assault, or violation of confidentiality. With Istanbul Law Firm, you avoid reinstatement orders or invalid termination claims. Our English speaking lawyer in Turkey supports disciplinary hearings and legal correspondence for global firms.
Just cause dismissal must be executed within 6 business days of discovering the misconduct. Istanbul Law Firm ensures employers meet procedural deadlines and document internal investigations accordingly. Our Turkish Lawyers also advise on parallel HR warnings and suspension practices. As the best lawyer firm in Turkey for dismissal dispute defense, Istanbul Law Firm protects your managerial decisions with legal precision. Our English speaking lawyer in Turkey helps prevent disputes by aligning contracts and internal policies.
Employees also have a right to immediate resignation for just cause—such as unpaid wages, mobbing, or unsafe working conditions. Istanbul Law Firm represents employees seeking legal termination and full severance recovery. Our Turkish Lawyers file resignation letters, initiate labor claims, and collect evidence of employer breach. Learn more about employee resignation rights under mobbing conditions. Our English speaking lawyer in Turkey provides full guidance on invoking legal termination clauses.
5. Resignation by Employee and Employee-Initiated Termination
Employees in Turkey may resign by providing written notice in accordance with the same statutory notice periods applicable to employers. Istanbul Law Firm advises on correct drafting, submission, and communication of resignations. Our Turkish Lawyers also advise on whether resignation triggers loss of severance or preserves certain rights. With Istanbul Law Firm, resignations are structured to protect both employee entitlements and employer risk. Our English speaking lawyer in Turkey prepares bilingual resignation letters and exit checklists.
Resignations for just cause preserve severance rights. Istanbul Law Firm helps employees cite medical issues, wage delay, harassment, or contract breach as valid resignation triggers. Our Turkish Lawyers prepare evidentiary files and resignations that hold up in court. For resigning foreign employees, we align legal exits with work permit cancellation and relocation procedures. Our English speaking lawyer in Turkey ensures clean legal transitions for departing international staff.
Employers may also request “mutual termination” (ikale sözleşmesi) for strategic exit planning. Istanbul Law Firm drafts fair mutual termination agreements that waive litigation rights in exchange for compensation. Our Turkish Lawyers negotiate and close high-level exits with legal security. As the best lawyer firm in Turkey for contract closure, Istanbul Law Firm ensures risk-free exits for all parties. Our English speaking lawyer in Turkey supports negotiation and documentation in dual-language format.
6. Invalid Termination and Employee Reinstatement Lawsuits
Employees dismissed without valid reason or proper procedure may file reinstatement lawsuits under Article 18 of the Turkish Labor Law. Istanbul Law Firm represents both employers and employees in these proceedings. Our Turkish Lawyers assess eligibility, evidence, and procedural compliance to build strong legal files. With Istanbul Law Firm, unjust dismissals can be challenged—or successfully defended. Our English speaking lawyer in Turkey explains the full litigation roadmap and strategic options to international clients.
If the court rules in favor of the employee, the employer must either reinstate the employee or pay compensation up to 8 months’ salary plus legal expenses. Istanbul Law Firm prepares defense strategies to challenge reinstatement eligibility or negotiate settlement. Our Turkish Lawyers ensure termination files meet judicial scrutiny, including documented warnings and performance records. As the best lawyer firm in Turkey for dismissal litigation, Istanbul Law Firm protects employers from reinstatement liabilities. Our English speaking lawyer in Turkey assists with multilingual evidence preparation and court submissions.
Reinstatement claims must be filed within 30 days of termination. Istanbul Law Firm ensures timely petitioning, HR coordination, and defense structuring. We also handle related claims for contract breaches, severance pay, and moral damages. Our English speaking lawyer in Turkey provides detailed timelines and response planning for global legal departments.
7. Termination During Probation and Fixed-Term Contracts
During the probationary period, either party may terminate the employment relationship without notice or severance—if stipulated in the contract. Istanbul Law Firm reviews probation terms to ensure legal enforceability. Our Turkish Lawyers handle early exits due to mismatch, underperformance, or candidate withdrawal. With Istanbul Law Firm, early terminations are legally clean and employer-safe. Our English speaking lawyer in Turkey ensures foreign HR teams properly document probation exits.
Fixed-term contracts require specific handling. Unjustified early termination can trigger compensation equal to the remaining contract period. Istanbul Law Firm structures lawful fixed-term agreements, including performance or force majeure exit clauses. Our Turkish Lawyers draft termination notices that preserve employer rights while avoiding breach penalties. As the best lawyer firm in Turkey for HR contract strategy, Istanbul Law Firm reduces litigation exposure. Our English speaking lawyer in Turkey aligns global employment formats with Turkish legal standards.
Fixed-term employment is common in project-based work, seasonal sectors, or maternity cover roles. Istanbul Law Firm prepares full onboarding and termination documentation packages for these engagements. Our Turkish Lawyers also advise on converting to indefinite-term contracts lawfully. With Istanbul Law Firm, workforce planning gains flexibility and legal protection. Our English speaking lawyer in Turkey delivers proactive compliance in dynamic HR environments.
8. Labor Court Procedure and Mediation in Termination Disputes
As of 2018, mediation is mandatory before filing termination-related lawsuits in Turkey. Istanbul Law Firm represents clients in mediation sessions and labor court if necessary. Our Turkish Lawyers prepare case summaries, evidence files, and settlement proposals to support early resolution. With Istanbul Law Firm, disputes are handled professionally, discreetly, and efficiently. Our English speaking lawyer in Turkey provides bilingual mediation summaries and legal interpretations.
If mediation fails, the labor court process begins with a formal complaint. Istanbul Law Firm files petitions, attends hearings, and manages all stages from discovery to final judgment. Our Turkish Lawyers also coordinate appeal strategies before regional courts. As the best lawyer firm in Turkey for employment litigation, Istanbul Law Firm delivers outcome-driven advocacy. Our English speaking lawyer in Turkey ensures consistent communication across jurisdictions and corporate legal teams.
Labor courts in Turkey generally resolve disputes within 3 to 9 months. Istanbul Law Firm manages expectations and maintains strategic advantage throughout the dispute. We also handle hybrid claims involving mobbing, unpaid benefits, and international employee mobility. Our English speaking lawyer in Turkey supports corporate clients with legal budgeting, litigation risk mapping, and internal HR integration.
9. Mutual Termination Agreements and Risk Management
Mutual termination agreements (ikale sözleşmesi) are widely used in Turkey to end employment by consent, reducing legal disputes and liabilities. Istanbul Law Firm drafts ikale contracts that meet validity tests under labor law and jurisprudence. Our Turkish Lawyers ensure voluntary consent, adequate compensation, and legal language. As the best lawyer firm in Turkey for HR exit structuring, Istanbul Law Firm helps employers exit employment relationships cleanly. Our English speaking lawyer in Turkey prepares dual-language versions for international clients and foreign employees.
Ikale agreements may include severance, unused leave compensation, waivers, and confidentiality clauses. Istanbul Law Firm balances employer protection with enforceable legal value. Our Turkish Lawyers ensure that signature timing, offer process, and negotiation do not indicate coercion or bad faith. We also support executives and high-level terminations with strategic exit planning. With Istanbul Law Firm, mutual exits are proactive legal tools—not reactive crisis management. Our English speaking lawyer in Turkey advises on cross-border HR coordination and litigation prevention.
Ikale agreements should never be backdated, one-sided, or issued under disciplinary disguise. Istanbul Law Firm trains HR and legal teams in proper documentation and settlement protocol. Our Turkish Lawyers also prepare exit interviews and legal clearance forms. As seen in termination of employment in Turkey, properly structured mutual terminations reduce reinstatement litigation significantly. Our English speaking lawyer in Turkey helps employers align exit strategy with legal risk tolerance.
10. Why Choose Istanbul Law Firm for Termination Legal Support
Whether you’re dismissing for economic reasons, contract breach, or restructuring, Istanbul Law Firm provides full-scope legal guidance for employment terminations in Turkey. Our Turkish Lawyers draft notices, represent in court, and protect your HR strategy with bulletproof legal documentation. From probation to mass layoffs, we support every exit scenario with efficiency and integrity. As the best lawyer firm in Turkey for dismissal law, we prevent litigation and ensure legal clarity. Our English speaking lawyer in Turkey supports international stakeholders throughout the process.
We offer termination strategy reviews, exit process mapping, and labor court defense across all industries. Istanbul Law Firm also handles sensitive dismissals involving work permits, criminal cases, or executive-level exits. Our Turkish Lawyers work with HR, compliance, and legal teams to achieve lawful, low-risk outcomes. With Istanbul Law Firm, employment termination becomes structured, consistent, and reputation-safe. Our English speaking lawyer in Turkey ensures global alignment with local labor law enforcement.
Trust Istanbul Law Firm to turn high-risk employment exits into professionally managed, legally sound HR solutions.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
- What are the legal reasons for termination in Turkey? – Valid economic, structural, or performance-based reasons; misconduct; redundancy; or just cause violations.
- Do I have to give notice before firing someone? – Yes, unless dismissed for just cause. Notice periods vary between 2–8 weeks based on seniority.
- Can employees sue for wrongful dismissal? – Yes. Workers with six months tenure and employer size over 30 may seek reinstatement and damages.
- What is severance pay? – A statutory payment owed to eligible employees upon termination without just cause, based on service years and gross salary.
- Can foreigners be dismissed in Turkey? – Yes, but termination must comply with work permit, immigration, and local labor law procedures.
- Is mutual termination allowed? – Yes, via ikale agreements. These must be voluntary, fair, and documented in writing.
- What is the role of mediation in termination disputes? – Mandatory pre-litigation mediation is required for labor disputes, including dismissals.
- How fast are labor court proceedings? – 3 to 9 months typically, depending on complexity and location.
- Can I terminate during probation? – Yes, under certain conditions. Proper documentation and procedural timing are essential.
- Do I need to register termination with SGK? – Yes. Employers must notify SGK immediately upon termination.
- Are exit interviews legally necessary? – Not mandatory, but highly recommended. We provide legal exit templates for HR use.
- Why Istanbul Law Firm? – We combine local litigation strength with international compliance strategy, ensuring every dismissal is legally secure.
Manage Employment Termination in Turkey Legally and Confidently
Istanbul Law Firm offers full legal support for employment terminations in Turkey. Our Turkish Lawyers and English speaking lawyer in Turkey handle documentation, negotiation, litigation, and SGK compliance from start to finish.