Starting from January 1, 2025, Türkiye increased all administrative fines related to employment law violations by 43.93%. This change, driven by inflation, means that even small compliance mistakes can now result in serious financial penalties for businesses.

Whether you're a Turkish citizen, a foreign employee, or an international company hiring in Türkiye, it's important to understand what these fines are, how they work, and what to avoid.

What Are Administrative Fines in Employment?

Administrative fines are penalties imposed by government authorities, such as the Ministry of Labor and Social Security, when employers or employees violate specific parts of Turkish labor law.

These are not criminal penalties — but they can be heavy, especially when multiple employees are affected.

Why Were the Fines Increased in 2025?

Each year, Türkiye updates administrative fine amounts based on the revaluation rate announced in the Official Gazette. For 2025, that rate was 43.93%. As a result, all employment-related fines went up accordingly.

Most Common Employment Law Violations (with 2025 Fine Amounts)

Here are some of the most common issues that lead to fines — along with the updated fine amounts per worker:

Fines for Hiring Foreign Workers Without Permits

Under Law No. 6735, fines for illegal foreign employment have also increased:

These fines are applied per violation and per person, meaning penalties can grow quickly.

What Should Employers and Employees Do?

For employers:

1. Ensure all employees have signed contracts.
2. Make sure you are paying through bank accounts, especially for companies with 3 or more employees.
3. Keep records of payslips, overtime hours, and leave.
4. If hiring foreigners, always obtain valid work permits before employment starts.

For employees:

1. Check that you receive a payslip every month.
2. If paid below the minimum wage or in cash, you have the right to report it.
3. Understand your working hour limits and overtime entitlements.
4. Foreign workers should always ask to see their official work permit approval.

Why This Matters in 2025

Labor inspections in Türkiye are becoming more frequent, especially for businesses in tourism, retail, manufacturing, and services. With these new fine amounts, even one error — such as failing to provide a written contract or not reporting a foreign worker — can cost tens of thousands of lira.

Being informed and compliant isn't just a legal requirement — it also builds trust and long-term business sustainability.

Final Thoughts

Whether you're an HR professional, a small business owner, or an employee trying to protect your rights, knowing about these fines is crucial. Staying compliant with Turkish labor law not only avoids penalties but helps maintain a fair and professional workplace for everyone.