North Cyprus Employment Contracts and Employer Obligations
This guide summarises an employer’s core duties when hiring staff in the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus under the Employment Law (22/1992): contract types, the written contract requirement, probation, notice periods and rights on termination. The information is compiled from public official sources.
Written contract requirement
Under the North Cyprus Employment Law, any employment lasting more than three months must be set out in a written contract. The contract is drawn up in triplicate, signed by the parties, and a copy is filed with the Department of Labour. A written contract sets out pay, duties, working hours and the rights of each side, which prevents most later disputes.
Contract types
- Open ended contract: the most common form, with no fixed end date.
- Fixed term contract: tied to a specific task or period and ends automatically when the term expires.
- Part time and seasonal contracts: used where hours or the period of work are limited.
Probation
The parties may agree a probation period of up to three months. During probation either side may end the contract without notice or compensation, though wages for days actually worked are always payable.
Notice periods
A party ending the contract must observe the following notice periods based on length of service:
| Length of service | Notice period |
|---|---|
| Under 6 months | 1 week |
| 6 months to 1 year | 3 weeks |
| 1 to 2 years | 4 weeks |
| 2 to 5 years | 5 weeks |
| Over 5 years | 6 weeks |
A party that does not observe the notice period pays the other side compensation equal to the wages for that period. Instead of keeping the employee on during notice, an employer may pay this amount upfront and end the contract.
End of service and the Provident Fund
When employment ends, accrued annual leave, notice entitlements and any contractual rights come into play. In North Cyprus end of service savings largely run through the Provident Fund, from which the employee receives a lump sum on leaving. Because severance style contractual rights can depend on what the parties agreed, it is wise to take advice specific to your situation before any dismissal.
Other core employer duties
- Register the employee for social insurance and the Provident Fund before they start. See our social insurance guide.
- Pay at least the minimum wage on time, and where you have five or more staff, pay through a bank.
- Follow the rules on working hours, overtime and annual leave.
- Keep orderly workplace records and payroll.
Frequently asked questions
Is a verbal agreement valid?
A verbal agreement may be possible for work of up to three months, but a written contract is recommended in every case for ease of proof. For work longer than three months a written contract is mandatory.
Is compensation payable during probation?
During probation either party may leave without notice or compensation; only wages for the period worked are due.
Sources
- North Cyprus Department of Labour, working life
- Ministry of Labour and Social Security online services
This article is for general information only and the Employment Law and related legislation may change over time. Contact us for an assessment specific to your contracts and employer obligations.