The recruitment process in Turkey is subject to detailed labor law regulations, employment formalities, and employer obligations. Whether hiring local staff or foreign professionals, companies must comply with Turkish employment law, SGK registration procedures, and valid contract execution. Istanbul Law Firm, a leading Turkish Law Firm, advises employers on lawful recruitment strategies, HR structuring, and onboarding legal risks. Our Turkish Lawyers assist with work permits, employment contract drafting, and Ministry notifications. With an English speaking lawyer in Turkey, foreign companies can confidently build teams while remaining fully compliant. This guide outlines each step of the hiring process in Turkey, from job offer to onboarding under the law.
1. Legal Framework Governing Recruitment in Turkey
Recruitment in Turkey is primarily governed by Labor Law No. 4857 and its implementing regulations, which set out employer obligations, employee rights, and procedural requirements. Istanbul Law Firm explains the recruitment lifecycle as legally defined, including job advertisement, interview procedures, and pre-employment documentation. Our Turkish Lawyers review hiring policies to ensure compliance with anti-discrimination laws, personal data protection (KVKK), and equal treatment principles. As the best lawyer firm in Turkey for labor law compliance, Istanbul Law Firm supports both local SMEs and multinationals in hiring lawfully. Our English speaking lawyer in Turkey translates legal concepts into HR protocols that meet both Turkish and international standards.
Employers must also comply with regulations set by İŞKUR (Turkish Employment Agency) regarding job postings, headhunting services, and recruitment agencies. Istanbul Law Firm advises on authorized channels and compliance requirements for outsourced recruitment. Our Turkish Lawyers also assess whether work permit rules apply during the early stages of recruitment. We frequently coordinate with clients during foreign work permit procedures that must start pre-hiring. With Istanbul Law Firm, your recruitment process is fully aligned with Turkish regulatory frameworks. Our English speaking lawyer in Turkey helps ensure that each hiring decision is legally sustainable.
Specific sectors such as education, healthcare, or construction may be subject to additional employment licensing or quota rules. Istanbul Law Firm conducts sectoral compliance reviews and employer qualification checks to ensure legality. Our Turkish Lawyers assess employment contract types, working hour regimes, and job descriptions under current legislation. With Istanbul Law Firm, you can recruit confidently while avoiding regulatory gaps or liabilities. Our English speaking lawyer in Turkey facilitates legal onboarding for HR directors and compliance officers at global companies operating in Turkey.
2. Job Offer, Background Checks, and Pre-Contractual Compliance
Once a candidate is selected, the employer must issue a formal job offer and collect preliminary documentation before contract signature. Istanbul Law Firm drafts legally sound offer letters that outline salary, role, work location, and probation conditions. Our Turkish Lawyers ensure that pre-employment documents comply with Turkish law, including personal data protection and labor inspection readiness. With Istanbul Law Firm, your recruitment records are audit-proof and HR-compliant. Our English speaking lawyer in Turkey helps international clients standardize hiring templates across global offices.
Background checks such as criminal records, reference validation, or education verification must be handled lawfully. Istanbul Law Firm advises on lawful consent, data retention limits, and what may or may not be asked in pre-employment screenings. Our Turkish Lawyers also prepare KVKK-compliant candidate consent forms and risk disclaimers. As the best lawyer firm in Turkey for employment structuring, Istanbul Law Firm balances due diligence with privacy protection. Our English speaking lawyer in Turkey ensures that global compliance teams understand Turkish HR data law.
Many employers initiate employment registration before the employee starts work. Istanbul Law Firm prepares pre-contractual filings, employment notifications to SGK, and pre-hiring foreigner applications. Our Turkish Lawyers ensure that job titles, work conditions, and salary structures match internal HR policies and legal classifications. We also advise on transitions from internship, freelance, or probationary periods into full contracts. For contract templates, see our dedicated guide on employment contracts in Turkey. Our English speaking lawyer in Turkey oversees pre-employment risk assessments for corporate clients.
3. Employment Contract Types and Legal Execution
In Turkey, employment contracts must be executed in written form if the employment relationship lasts longer than one month. Istanbul Law Firm drafts tailored employment contracts in line with Labor Law No. 4857 and employer-specific needs. Our Turkish Lawyers structure fixed-term, indefinite, part-time, seasonal, and remote work contracts with proper legal clauses. We include mandatory language on wages, hours, job duties, notice periods, and severance entitlements. With Istanbul Law Firm, your employment agreements are legally enforceable and court-compliant. Our English speaking lawyer in Turkey assists global employers in understanding Turkish contract formalities.
All employment contracts must avoid illegal probation terms, unfair non-compete clauses, and ambiguous dismissal language. Istanbul Law Firm reviews contract drafts for compliance with labor inspector standards and case law. Our Turkish Lawyers prepare bilingual (TR/EN) versions suitable for foreign HR teams and Turkish labor courts. As the best lawyer firm in Turkey for labor structuring, we prevent employer-side risk. Our English speaking lawyer in Turkey ensures foreign HR teams avoid liability in language and format-sensitive agreements.
For deeper legal insight into contract types and their impact on employee rights, see our guide on employment contracts in Turkey. Istanbul Law Firm aligns contractual strategy with organizational policy, compensation plans, and dispute planning. Our Turkish Lawyers also advise on e-signature admissibility and remote execution for distributed teams. With Istanbul Law Firm, you gain strategic employment documents that reinforce organizational consistency. Our English speaking lawyer in Turkey ensures compliance across borders and teams.
4. SGK Registration and Onboarding Requirements
All employees in Turkey must be registered with the Social Security Institution (SGK) by the employer no later than one day before they start work. Istanbul Law Firm assists employers in preparing e-declarations, submitting SGK employment entry forms, and ensuring correct sectoral codes. Our Turkish Lawyers ensure alignment between the SGK registry and the employment contract. With Istanbul Law Firm, you avoid administrative fines and coverage gaps. Our English speaking lawyer in Turkey guides foreign employers in navigating Turkey’s digital HR platforms.
Onboarding must include employee identity checks, tax number confirmation, and opening of a salary-linked bank account. Istanbul Law Firm manages all onboarding compliance tasks, including payroll registration and benefits opt-in documentation. Our Turkish Lawyers audit internal HR records to ensure Labor Inspectorate audit readiness. As the best lawyer firm in Turkey for hiring law compliance, Istanbul Law Firm ensures onboarding is both efficient and legally correct. Our English speaking lawyer in Turkey oversees internal checklists and ensures consistency across multinational offices.
SGK declarations also link to unemployment insurance, pension rights, and occupational accident coverage. Istanbul Law Firm ensures these social contributions are reflected accurately in payroll and financial reports. Our Turkish Lawyers prevent long-term disputes by aligning SGK reporting with labor court proof standards. See also our detailed analysis on termination of employment in Turkey to understand SGK’s legal significance. Our English speaking lawyer in Turkey ensures finance, HR, and legal teams work in harmony during onboarding.
5. Work Permits and Foreign Employee Integration
Hiring foreign nationals in Turkey requires a valid work permit and residence authorization. Istanbul Law Firm manages all stages of the work permit process, including sponsor company registration, role justification, and Ministry of Labor filings. Our Turkish Lawyers prepare bilingual employment contracts and compliance documentation for foreign hires. With Istanbul Law Firm, you reduce rejection risks and accelerate onboarding. Our English speaking lawyer in Turkey ensures expat professionals and global employers receive direct legal support in English and Turkish.
Work permit applications differ for intracompany transfers, start-up specialists, and foreign shareholders. Istanbul Law Firm builds eligibility files, prepares investment documentation, and represents clients in Ministry meetings. Our Turkish Lawyers also advise on critical job quotas, sector exemptions, and work permit renewal schedules. As the best lawyer firm in Turkey for foreign workforce structuring, Istanbul Law Firm integrates labor and immigration law into recruitment strategy. See our full work permit guide at work permit for foreigners in Turkey. Our English speaking lawyer in Turkey navigates all dual-language applications and compliance briefings.
Beyond permits, we also support cultural onboarding, tax optimization, and local registration of foreign professionals. Istanbul Law Firm prepares relocation documents, employer registration with e-Government portals, and contract adaptation for foreign nationals. Our Turkish Lawyers also advise on discrimination risks and cultural inclusion policy design. With Istanbul Law Firm, global talent becomes legally secure and organizationally integrated. Our English speaking lawyer in Turkey ensures expats and HR teams are aligned for success.
6. Probation, Trial Periods, and Performance Evaluation
Under Turkish Labor Law, employers may include a probationary period (deneme süresi) of up to 2 months in employment contracts, extendable to 4 months through a collective agreement. Istanbul Law Firm structures trial clauses that comply with legal limits while protecting employer interests. Our Turkish Lawyers ensure performance conditions, termination rules, and rights during probation are clearly documented. With Istanbul Law Firm, you avoid disputes and ambiguity during early-stage employment. Our English speaking lawyer in Turkey translates trial terms for foreign HR directors and employees.
During probation, both the employer and employee may terminate the contract without notice or severance, unless otherwise agreed. Istanbul Law Firm reviews probation dismissals to ensure no legal exposure for wrongful termination or discrimination. Our Turkish Lawyers also create trial assessment tools that align with job descriptions and KPIs. As the best lawyer firm in Turkey for performance-based employment structuring, Istanbul Law Firm builds defensible probation frameworks. Our English speaking lawyer in Turkey ensures clear communication of trial outcomes and legal rights.
Post-trial, employers must either confirm employment or formally terminate. Istanbul Law Firm prepares confirmation letters, performance reviews, and documentation of continuation terms. Our Turkish Lawyers also assist with transitions to permanent contracts and benefit registration. Learn more about end-of-trial obligations in our article on termination of employment in Turkey. Our English speaking lawyer in Turkey ensures foreign staff and HR leads understand next steps.
7. Legal Duties in Recruitment Advertising and Selection
Recruitment advertising in Turkey must comply with anti-discrimination rules, advertising regulations, and KVKK data protection requirements. Istanbul Law Firm reviews job ads for language that may imply bias or restrict opportunity. Our Turkish Lawyers ensure advertisements include lawful criteria such as skill, education, and language requirements, without gender, age, or nationality discrimination. With Istanbul Law Firm, job postings become risk-free and legally compliant. Our English speaking lawyer in Turkey helps international clients tailor ads for Turkish market standards.
Candidate selection must be based on objective, role-related criteria. Istanbul Law Firm trains HR departments in lawful interview practices, question limits, and selection transparency. Our Turkish Lawyers also prepare evaluation matrices that reduce risk of challenge in discrimination lawsuits. As the best lawyer firm in Turkey for HR legal oversight, we align recruitment processes with regulatory expectations and ESG metrics. Our English speaking lawyer in Turkey ensures foreign companies avoid cultural or legal missteps during screening.
All applicant data collected must be handled in accordance with KVKK. Istanbul Law Firm prepares lawful consent forms, data usage policies, and destruction protocols for rejected candidate files. Our Turkish Lawyers also respond to KVKK inspections or complaints from applicants. See our related compliance guide on personal data protection in Turkey. Our English speaking lawyer in Turkey ensures your recruitment data flows are fully mapped and managed lawfully.
8. Common Pitfalls and Dispute Scenarios in Hiring
Recruitment disputes often arise from ambiguous offer terms, failure to register with SGK on time, or discriminatory rejection practices. Istanbul Law Firm defends employers in labor court claims and Ministry investigations. Our Turkish Lawyers analyze application processes, correspondence, and internal decision logs to build legal defenses. With Istanbul Law Firm, employers prevent legal exposure before it starts. Our English speaking lawyer in Turkey manages dispute communication in both Turkish and English.
Job applicants have the right to sue for moral compensation in cases of discrimination or reputation damage. Istanbul Law Firm structures defensive hiring protocols and candidate interaction scripts to reduce risk. Our Turkish Lawyers also assist in settlement negotiations and reputation management strategies. As the best lawyer firm in Turkey for workplace risk, Istanbul Law Firm provides preventive hiring compliance. Our English speaking lawyer in Turkey coordinates HR policy reviews and documentation alignment.
Disputes may also arise in the hiring of foreign nationals if work permits are denied or delayed. Istanbul Law Firm prepares appeal petitions, Ministry responses, and contract revisions to reflect updated statuses. Our Turkish Lawyers also assist with probation dismissals that follow failed compliance. With Istanbul Law Firm, recruitment becomes a structured, defensible process. Our English speaking lawyer in Turkey ensures that even unsuccessful hiring is legally secure.
9. Why Work with Istanbul Law Firm for Recruitment Legal Support
Istanbul Law Firm offers comprehensive legal support for companies recruiting employees in Turkey. From job advertisement legality to SGK registration and foreign work permit strategy, we cover the full legal spectrum of hiring. Our Turkish Lawyers draft employment contracts, design internal compliance protocols, and advise on candidate rights. As the best lawyer firm in Turkey for labor compliance, we proactively guide employers in avoiding costly HR risks. Our English speaking lawyer in Turkey bridges global HR policies with Turkish labor law realities.
We work with companies across sectors, from tech startups hiring remote engineers to manufacturing firms employing skilled workers and logistics staff. Istanbul Law Firm also supports recruitment agencies, BPO providers, and international headhunters in Turkey. Our Turkish Lawyers manage Ministry communications, labor inspections, and onboarding audits. With Istanbul Law Firm, your hiring process becomes legally compliant, brand-safe, and employee-ready. Our English speaking lawyer in Turkey ensures bilingual communication from offer to onboarding.
Whether you are hiring your first employee in Turkey or scaling a team across cities, trust Istanbul Law Firm to design your recruitment structure. We integrate legal drafting, employment law strategy, SGK filings, and foreigner onboarding into one seamless solution. Our Turkish Lawyers monitor regulation changes and defend your compliance. With Istanbul Law Firm, recruitment is no longer a risk—it becomes your strategic advantage. Our English speaking lawyer in Turkey ensures every hire supports long-term business success.
10. Conclusion: Build Teams in Turkey with Legal Confidence
Hiring in Turkey is a legally intensive process that requires alignment with labor law, tax registration, SGK, KVKK, and work permit rules. Istanbul Law Firm helps companies build compliant teams from day one. Our Turkish Lawyers manage every step—from job offer to contract execution and legal onboarding. We ensure that your HR department, finance, and legal teams coordinate efficiently and lawfully. As the best lawyer firm in Turkey for employer-side recruitment counsel, we deliver both strategic planning and procedural execution. Our English speaking lawyer in Turkey supports foreign managers, HR directors, and founders with clear legal frameworks.
We offer fixed-fee recruitment compliance audits, contract template libraries, training sessions, and risk reports. Istanbul Law Firm also defends employers in discrimination, probation, and SGK audit disputes. Our Turkish Lawyers align hiring law with employment policy, staff structure, and investor expectations. With Istanbul Law Firm, your workforce grows under full legal protection. Our English speaking lawyer in Turkey ensures every legal document, workflow, and interview process is set for success.
Start hiring confidently in Turkey with a legal partner that understands growth, structure, and people. Trust Istanbul Law Firm to turn compliance into competitive edge.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
- What are the legal steps to hire someone in Turkey? – Job offer, contract drafting, SGK registration, tax reporting, and onboarding with labor law compliance.
- Is a written employment contract required? – Yes. Contracts exceeding one month must be written and signed by both parties under Turkish law.
- How do I register an employee with SGK? – Via the e-SGK portal, at least one day before the employee starts. We handle the entire digital filing process.
- Can foreign companies hire Turkish employees? – Yes, if registered in Turkey with a valid tax number and SGK employer account.
- Can I hire foreign nationals? – Yes, but only with a valid work permit approved by the Ministry of Labor and proper residency authorization.
- What are common hiring risks? – Unregistered employment, discriminatory job ads, ambiguous contracts, and missed SGK deadlines.
- How long does it take to hire legally? – For locals, usually 2–4 days; for foreigners, work permit approval can take 30–60 days.
- Is probation mandatory? – No, but if included, must not exceed 2 months (or 4 months via collective agreement).
- What if I don’t register the employee? – You may face fines, backdated SGK contributions, and legal claims from the employee.
- Can I cancel a job offer? – Only under conditions that do not imply bad faith. Otherwise, the candidate may claim moral damages.
- Is it legal to perform background checks? – Yes, but only with consent and under KVKK-compliant documentation.
- Why Istanbul Law Firm? – We offer full hiring law coverage with bilingual lawyers, employer defense, and tailored contract systems.
Start Hiring in Turkey with Full Legal Compliance
Istanbul Law Firm helps your company recruit employees in Turkey with full legal protection. Our Turkish Lawyers and English speaking lawyer in Turkey manage contracts, SGK filings, work permits, and HR compliance start to finish.