Türkiye enforces a comprehensive legal framework regulating the employment of foreign nationals, with strict sanctions in place for those working without a valid work permit. Under Law No. 6735 on the International Labor Force, unauthorized employment is subject to significant administrative fines, applies to both employers and foreign workers, and may result in deportation procedures. Foreign nationals are granted limited rights of appeal against such measures, while employers face additional liabilities for failing to meet their reporting obligations.

In 2025, the Ministry of Labor and Social Security significantly increased the monetary penalties applicable to these violations, reflecting a 43.93% revaluation rate. These updated fine amounts apply to all unauthorized work scenarios, including dependent and independent employment, and continue to act as a key deterrent in enforcement practice.

In addition to these existing measures, Türkiye introduced a new regulation in July 2025 that further expands employer liability. Published in the Official Gazette [O.G. 32964, dated 23 July 2025], the new rule requires employers to reimburse the Turkish state for all deportation-related costs, including accommodation, medical care, and repatriation expenses, incurred due to unauthorized employment of foreign nationals.

🔗 For a detailed review of this new regulation, see:
Regulation on Employer Liability for Deportation Costs of Unauthorized Foreign Workers

The sections below provide an overview of the current administrative fines, the legal remedies available to affected parties, and the emerging financial responsibilities imposed on employers under the evolving regulatory landscape.

As per the updated tariffs published by the Ministry of Labor and Social Security for 2025
(based on a 43.93% revaluation rate as announced in the Official Gazette dated 27 November 2024), the following administrative penalties are now in force:

For Employers

Employers hiring foreign nationals without valid work permits are subject to the following fines:

Violation Fine (2025)
Employing a foreign national without a valid permit 81,683 TRY per person
Failure to notify authorities of employment changes 5,423 TRY per case
These penalties double upon repeat offenses, in accordance with Article 23 of Law No. 6735.

 

Foreign nationals working in Türkiye without a valid permit also face significant financial and legal consequences:

Violation Fine (2025)
Unauthorized dependent employment (with employer) 32,654 TRY
Unauthorized independent employment (self-employed) 65,352 TRY
Failure to notify authorities (e.g., residence or work status) 5,423 TRY
Repeat violations lead to a doubling of the fines. In cases involving self-employment, business closure orders may also be issued.

Foreign nationals must leave Türkiye within 10 days of official notice. If they fail to comply, deportation procedures will be initiated by the Ministry of Interior.

Administrative Fines

Under Article 27 of the Misdemeanor Law (No. 5326), individuals or employers fined for unauthorized work have the right to appeal within 15 days of notification. Appeals must be filed with the Criminal Court of Peace (Sulh Ceza Mahkemesi). If no objection is raised within the period, the penalty becomes final.

Deportation Orders

If a foreign national is reported for illegal employment, deportation proceedings may be launched. In such cases:

  • The individual must file a cancellation lawsuit (iptal davası) within 7 days of receiving the deportation notice.
  • The lawsuit must be submitted to the Administrative Court in the province where the deportation decision was issued.

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