New Penalties for Hiring Undocumented Foreign Workers in Turkey

A new regulation published in the Official Gazette introduces tougher penalties for employers who hire undocumented foreign workers in Turkey. From now on, costs associated with the deportation process—including housing, return flights, and healthcare—will be directly charged to the employer.

According to the newly enacted regulation titled “Regulation on Charging Employers for the Costs of Deporting Foreign Nationals Working Without Authorization”, the Presidency of Migration Management (Göç İdaresi) will first cover the expenses of deported individuals and their dependents, then bill the responsible employer.

Employers will be granted a 1-month window to pay after receiving notice of the expenses. If the payment is not made within this period, collections will be enforced through tax offices.

This directive will come into force six months from its publication date and serves as a clear reminder of the legal consequences of employing foreign nationals without a valid work permit.

Regulatory Criteria for Hiring Foreign Workers in Turkey

Companies intending to legally employ foreign nationals in Turkey must meet a series of strict requirements, including:

• Being a legally operating and active business

• Employing at least five Turkish citizens per foreign employee

• Ensuring the foreign hire fills a role not easily filled by a local applicant

• Meeting financial thresholds:

  • Paid-in capital of at least ₺500,000

  • Annual gross sales of ₺8 million

  • Annual exports worth at least $150,000

For foreign shareholders, a minimum 20% ownership stake and ₺500,000 in capital contribution are required. Those investing $100,000 or more may be exempt from certain employment and financial criteria.

Minimum Wage Requirements for Foreign Workers

The government has set mandatory gross salary thresholds based on the foreign employee’s job classification:

• Domestic help: ₺26,005

• Skilled trades (e.g., technicians): ₺52,011

• Mid-level managers: ₺78,016

• Engineers and architects: ₺104,022

• Top executives and pilots: ₺130,027

Sector-Based Exceptions and Strategic Flexibility

The regulation also outlines specific exemptions:

• Elderly, child, or patient care roles are treated with flexibility

• In strategic sectors such as tourism and information technology, the five-Turkish-employee rule may be relaxed

• Companies in R&D, healthcare, and aviation benefit from streamlined hiring procedures