What Is an Employer of Record (EOR)?

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If you’ve ever wanted to hire talent in another country without getting tangled in local paperwork and bureaucracy, that’s exactly what an Employer of Record (EOR) helps you do.

An EOR is a company that acts as the legal employer for your international hires. In other words, your people work for your business, follow your direction, and contribute to your goals; but the EOR takes care of all the legal, HR, and compliance responsibilities in the country where they live.

That means the EOR handles employment contracts, payroll, tax deductions, social security payments, benefits, and even work permits when needed. You don’t have to set up a local entity, hire accountants, or worry about labor laws — the EOR manages all of that for you.

For growing companies, this approach saves time, money, and stress. It lets you build a presence in new markets like Turkey in a matter of days, instead of spending months setting up a local branch or subsidiary.

Employment Laws and Regulations in Turkey

Turkey has a modern and well-structured labor system that protects employee rights and ensures compliance for employers. But, like in many countries, the details can be tricky to navigate — especially if you’re new to the Turkish legal framework. Here’s what you should know:

1. Employment Contracts
All employees in Turkey must have a written employment contract that outlines job duties, compensation, working hours, and other conditions. Contracts can be either fixed-term or indefinite, and they must comply with Turkish Labor Law No. 4857.

2. Working Hours and Overtime
The standard workweek in Turkey is 45 hours, typically spread across five or six days. Any work beyond that is considered overtime and is paid at 1.5 times the regular hourly rate.

3. Paid Leave and Holidays
Employees are entitled to at least 14 days of paid annual leave after one year of service. This increases with seniority — workers with over 15 years of service receive 26 days. Turkey also observes official public holidays, which are fully paid days off.

4. Probation and Termination
The probation period is usually up to 2 months, but can be extended to 4 for unionized positions. Employers must follow specific rules for termination, including providing valid reasons and notice periods as required by law.

5. Social Security and Taxes
Both employers and employees contribute to Turkey’s Social Security Institution (SGK). Employer contributions generally amount to around 22.5% of the employee’s gross salary, while employees contribute roughly 15%. The EOR ensures all payments are accurate and made on time.

6. Payroll and Currency
Salaries are typically paid monthly in Turkish Lira (TRY). Payroll taxes, social security, and insurance premiums must be calculated and submitted each month. Missing or incorrect filings can result in fines — something an experienced EOR helps prevent.

7. Work Permits for Foreign Employees
Foreign nationals need a valid work permit to be legally employed in Turkey. EORs can assist with visa sponsorship and compliance, making the process far smoother for both the employer and the employee.

In short, Turkish employment laws are employee-friendly and highly regulated. For businesses without a local team or HR expertise, these details can become overwhelming. That’s where an EOR really makes a difference.

Why Use an EOR in Turkey?

There are plenty of reasons why companies turn to an EOR when hiring in Turkey — but it mostly comes down to speed, compliance, and peace of mind.

First, an EOR makes it possible to start hiring almost immediately. You don’t need to wait for company registration, tax numbers, or local bank accounts. This is a huge advantage if you’re testing the market or need to onboard talent quickly.

Second, compliance is taken care of. Turkish labor and tax laws can be complex, and they’re updated regularly. An EOR keeps up with those changes and ensures your company stays fully compliant — avoiding costly penalties or administrative mistakes.

Third, you get cost and time savings. Setting up a local entity requires lawyers, accountants, and ongoing maintenance. With an EOR, you pay one transparent service fee and skip all those extra costs.

Fourth, it gives you flexibility. Whether you want to hire one employee or an entire team, you can scale up or down easily without long-term commitments.

And finally, an EOR gives you access to Turkey’s skilled workforce — from developers and engineers to finance professionals and creative talent — without being limited by borders or red tape.

In other words, an Employer of Record helps you focus on what really matters: building your team and growing your business, while they handle the compliance and administration in the background.


Ready to Hire in Turkey?

Expanding into Turkey doesn’t have to be complicated. With the right EOR partner, you can build your team quickly, stay compliant, and manage everything through one trusted local partner.

If you’re ready to explore how an EOR can help you hire in Turkey safely and efficiently, reach out to us today — we’ll walk you through the process step by step.

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Alexa Robertson

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