Hiring young workers or children in Türkiye comes with strict legal requirements. Whether you’re an employer considering youth employment or a parent curious about your child’s rights, it’s essential to understand the key rules under Turkish Labour Law (Law No. 4857).

In this blog post, we’ll break down everything you need to know about employing children and young workers in Türkiye — from age limits to working hours and legal restrictions.

Who Is Considered a Child or a Young Worker?

Under Turkish Labour Law, there are clear definitions:

  • Child Worker: Anyone under 15 years old.

  • Young Worker: Anyone between 15 and 18 years old.

Both categories have special protections to safeguard their health, education, and development.

Can Children Under 15 Work in Türkiye?

Generally, children under 15 are not allowed to work. However, there are two key exceptions:

✅ Children aged 14 who have completed compulsory education can work in light jobs, as long as it doesn’t interfere with school attendance.
✅ Children under 14 may only work in arts, culture, or advertising, and only with:

  • A written contract

  • Special permission from the authorities

What Jobs Are Suitable for Young Workers (Ages 15–18)?

Young workers aged 15–18 may be employed in jobs that are:

  • Safe and appropriate for their age

  • Not harmful to their health, education, or psychological well-being

The specific job types and conditions are determined by the Ministry of Labour and Social Security.

What Are the Legal Working Hours?

The law sets strict limits on working hours for children and young workers:

📚 For children attending school:

  • Up to 2 hours per day, 10 hours per week

☀️ During school holidays (or if not attending school):

  • Ages under 15: Max 7 hours/day, 35 hours/week

  • Ages 15+: Max 8 hours/day, 40 hours/week

🎭 For arts, culture, and advertising:

  • Max 5 hours/day, 30 hours/week

Are There Restrictions on Workplaces?

Yes. Children and young workers (under 18) cannot work in:

  • Mines

  • Tunnels

  • Sewage systems

  • Any underground or underwater workplaces

This also applies to female workers of all ages in these environments.

Can Children or Young Workers Work at Night?

No. Children and young workers under 18 are prohibited from working at night in industrial jobs. This protects their biological rhythms and supports their right to education.

What About Employment in Advertising or Performing Arts?

Children can be employed in advertising or performing arts, but only if:

  • A written agreement is in place

  • Special authorization is granted

  • Working conditions comply with Ministry regulations

Who Regulates Child Labour in Türkiye?

The Ministry of Labour and Social Security oversees all regulations, often in cooperation with other ministries. They issue detailed guidelines covering:

  • Permissible jobs

  • Working hours

  • Safety and health measures

Employing children and young workers in Türkiye is highly regulated to ensure their well-being and education are not compromised. Employers must strictly adhere to these rules to avoid legal consequences.

If you’re an employer planning to hire young workers or a parent seeking clarity on your child’s rights, it’s always wise to consult a legal expert.

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Legal Notice: The information in this article is intended for information purposes only. It is not intended for professional information purposes specific to a person or an institution. Every institution has different requirements because of its own circumstances even though they bear a resemblance to each other. Consequently, it is your interest to consult on an expert before taking a decision based on information stated in this article and putting into practice. Neither Karen Audit nor related person or institutions are not responsible for any damages or losses that might occur in consequence of the use of the information in this article by private or formal, real or legal person and institutions.