Labor Law

📌 1. Legal Framework
Employment relations in Northern Cyprus are governed by:

• Labour Law No. 22/1992 (Employment Law).
• Social Security Law and Provident Fund Law – regulate social and pension insurance.
• Laws are based on the Turkish and British legal systems, with TRNC-specific adaptations.

📌 2. Work Permit
All foreigners (except TRNC and Turkish citizens) must have a valid work permit before starting work.

Who applies? The employer submits the application to the TRNC Ministry of Labour and Social Security.

• Validity: 1 year, renewable annually.
• During renewal, compliance with laws is checked (social security, taxes, and working conditions).

📌 3. Types of Work Permits
✅ Standard Work Permit – for regular employment.
✅ Independent Work Permit – for self-employed entrepreneurs (difficult to obtain, requires business plan and financial proof).
✅ Temporary Work Permit – for short-term or seasonal work.

📌 4. Employment Contract
Must be in writing (Turkish or English) and include:

• Employee and employer names.
• Job title and description.
• Salary and payment terms.
• Working hours, rest days, and leave.
• Termination conditions.

Employees have the right to a copy of the contract.

📌 5. Working Hours

• Standard: 40–48 hours per week.
• Overtime is paid with a premium:
  • 150% of regular salary for overtime.
  • 200% for work on public holidays or rest days.

📌 6. Minimum Wage

• Set annually by the TRNC Minimum Wage Determination Commission.
• From 2024: approx. 24,000 TL/month (gross) (~700–800 EUR depending on exchange rate).
• (Check the exact current value as it changes frequently due to inflation and TRY fluctuations).

📌 7. Leave and Holidays
Annual paid leave:

• 1–5 years of work: 14 days
• 6–10 years: 18 days
• Over 10 years: 20 days

Public holidays are paid or compensated with time off.

📌 8. Social and Health Insurance
Employer contributions:

• Social Security – approx. 12.5% (combined employer and employee contributions).
• Provident Fund – approx. 4–8% (pension scheme).
• Health insurance – mandatory for all employees.

Employee rights:

• Healthcare coverage.
• Pension benefits.
• Sick leave, accident benefits, and unemployment support.

📌 9. Termination of Employment
Notice period:

• Minimum 2 weeks, depending on length of service.

Employee entitlements:

• Severance pay if termination is employer-initiated.
• Unjust dismissal may lead to compensation, resolved via court or arbitration.