Social Security & Insurance in Turkey for Foreigners: Health, Pension, and Unemployment Benefits

Turkey is not just a place to live; it’s a growing hub for business and investment for foreign individuals. For any foreigner residing or working in the country, understanding Turkey’s social security system is vitally important. This system offers extensive coverage, from healthcare services to pension rights and unemployment benefits, as well as protection against work accidents. Having social security makes your life in Turkey more secure and predictable, both legally and financially. So, how do foreigners integrate into Turkey’s social security system, and what rights can they benefit from? Let’s delve into the current situation.

SGK Coverage and Registration Requirements

How foreign nationals are included in Turkey’s social security system generally depends on their employment status. The Social Security Institution (SGK) is the main social security provider in Turkey.

• SGK Registration Requirements for Foreign Nationals:
  • Employed Foreigners: All foreign nationals employed in Turkey with a work permit are required to be registered under SGK coverage from the date they start working. The employer is obligated to complete the SGK registration for the foreign employee upon their hiring. This is a direct consequence of having a legal work permit.
  • Self-Employed Foreigners/Independent Workers: Foreigners who hold an independent work permit or establish their own company and work independently can also join the social security system by paying premiums under Bağ-Kur (Tradesmen and Artisans Insurance).
• Which Visa Types Automatically Include SGK Coverage?
  • All foreign nationals employed with a valid work visa and work permit in Turkey are automatically covered by SGK upon their employment. Working illegally with tourist visas or short-term residence permits does not include SGK coverage and can lead to serious legal consequences.
• How is Health Coverage Provided for Non-Working Foreigners (Spouse, Children)?
  • Dependents (spouse and children) of an SGK-insured employee (whether Turkish or foreign) who reside in Turkey and do not have other social security coverage, can benefit from healthcare services through their spouse or parent without paying GSS premiums. A notification to SGK is sufficient for this.

General Health Insurance (GSS)

General Health Insurance (GSS) is a system in Turkey that allows anyone residing in the country without other social security coverage to benefit from healthcare services. It applies to foreigners as well.

• What is GSS and Who is it Mandatory For?
  • Foreign nationals who remain in Turkey with a residence permit for longer than one year, if they are not covered by SGK through a work permit or do not have an SGK-insured relative they depend on, are required to join the GSS system within one month of obtaining their residence permit. GSS premiums are paid monthly at a rate determined based on the minimum wage.
• Advantages and Disadvantages Compared to Private Insurance:
  • Advantages: GSS provides comprehensive healthcare services in state hospitals and contracted private hospitals. It contributes to the accrual of pension rights. It may be more economical for those residing long-term.
  • Disadvantages: There may be co-payments for examinations and some additional fees. Hospital and doctor choices may be more limited compared to private insurance.
• Differences in Application for University Students, Homemakers, and Retirees:
  • University Students: Foreign students studying at a higher education institution in Turkey can apply to be included in GSS coverage. Premiums for them are generally lower.
  • Homemakers: Foreign homemakers who are not working and do not have health coverage through an SGK-insured relative can benefit from healthcare services by paying GSS premiums.
  • Retirees: Foreigners who retired from their home countries and reside in Turkey may receive healthcare services under social security agreements if such an agreement exists between their country and Turkey, or they can join the system by paying GSS premiums.

Pension Rights

A foreigner working in Turkey can retire through SGK once they complete the required premium payment days and insurance period.

• Can a Foreigner Working in Turkey Retire Through SGK?
  • Yes, every foreigner legally working in Turkey and for whom premiums are paid has the right to retire from Turkey, just like Turkish citizens, provided they meet the retirement conditions (age, premium payment days, and insurance period). The premiums paid contribute to their pension calculation.
• What is Service Unification? Countries with Agreements with Turkey:
  • Service unification means combining periods of employment (premium days) worked in different countries to qualify for pension rights. Turkey has social security agreements with many countries (e.g., Germany, Belgium, Netherlands, France, UK, Switzerland, Austria, Azerbaijan, Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Canada, Korea, etc.). Through these agreements, foreigners can combine their periods of employment in Turkey and their home countries to gain pension rights from either or both countries.
• Health Service Utilization Upon Retirement:
  • A foreigner who retires from Turkey continues to benefit from healthcare services as a retiree, just like Turkish citizens. If there’s an agreement with their home country, they may also have certain rights to healthcare services there.

Unemployment Insurance

Foreign employees can also be entitled to unemployment benefits if they meet specific conditions.

• Conditions for Foreigners to Receive Unemployment Benefits:
  • Foreign nationals working in Turkey under the Unemployment Insurance Law No. 4447 pay unemployment insurance premiums just like other employees.
  • To be eligible for unemployment benefits, they must have become unemployed through no fault of their own, have continuously worked and paid premiums for at least 120 days in the last 120 days prior to their contract termination, and have paid at least 600 days of unemployment insurance premiums in the last 3 years.
  • The application must be made to İŞKUR within 30 days from the date of employment termination.
• Situation of a Foreigner Remaining in Turkey After Termination of Employment:
  • A work permit generally loses its validity upon the termination of the employment contract. Receiving unemployment benefits does not automatically extend a foreigner’s right to stay in Turkey. Even if receiving unemployment benefits, it’s crucial for the foreigner to review their residence permit status and, if necessary, apply for a new type of residence permit to avoid exceeding their legal stay in Turkey. Otherwise, they may become undocumented in the country.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

• “Are foreigners obligated to get private insurance in Turkey?”
  • When applying for a residence permit in Turkey, if you are not covered by GSS (e.g., you don’t have a work permit or are not a student), you are generally required to have mandatory private health insurance. However, this obligation ceases for those covered by SGK with a work permit.
• “Can a foreigner who doesn’t pay SGK premiums receive treatment in Turkey?”
  • A foreigner who does not pay SGK premiums or is not covered by GSS can only receive medical treatment in Turkey by paying out of pocket or by using private health insurance. Except for emergency situations, state hospitals or contracted private hospitals do not provide free services without SGK coverage.
• “Can a foreigner with SGK registration in Turkey receive healthcare services abroad?”
  • This depends on the social security agreement Turkey has with the country where healthcare services will be received. In countries with an agreement, the SGK-insured foreigner may receive healthcare services under certain conditions within the scope of the agreement. In countries without an agreement, they typically have to pay out of pocket or use private travel insurance.

Conclusion

For foreigners, the social security system in Turkey is both a necessity and a significant safeguard. Health, pension, and unemployment rights form the foundation of your life in Turkey and protect you against unforeseen circumstances. Understanding the SGK, GSS, and unemployment insurance processes correctly and acting in accordance with the law ensures a smooth experience during your residence and employment in Turkey.

To navigate these complex processes correctly and avoid potential misunderstandings, seeking professional consultancy services can provide a significant advantage. Experts can help you determine the most appropriate path for your specific situation, preventing loss of time and money.