Social Security (SGK) in Turkey 2026: Foreigners Guide

The Social Security Institution (SGK) is the heart of the Turkish welfare state. It covers Health, Pension, and Work Accidents.

For foreigners living in Turkey, SGK is confusing.

• “Do I have to pay GSS if I have private insurance?”
• “Can I retire in Turkey if I worked in Germany?”
• “What is 4A, 4B, 4C?”

This 2026 guide demystifies the system.

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1. The 3 Pillars: 4A, 4B, 4C

The system is divided into three statuses based on your employment type:

Code	Old Name	Who is it for?
4/a	SSK	Private Sector Employees (Workers). The boss pays the premium.
4/b	Bağ-Kur	Self-Employed (Company Owners, Merchants, Freelancers). You pay your own premium.
4/c	Emekli Sandığı	Civil Servants (Government officials).

• Foreigners: Usually fall into 4/a (if working with Work Permit) or 4/b (if they own a company).

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2. General Health Insurance (GSS) for Foreigners

This is the most common headache for potential expats.

The Rule

Foreigners holding a Residence Permit for more than 1 Year fall under the scope.

Mandatory vs Voluntary

• If you work (4/a): Your employer MUST pay your SGK. You have full health coverage (and your family too).
• If you don’t work (Tourist/Investor):
  • Normally, you need “Private Health Insurance” to get the residence permit.
  • OPTIONAL: You can apply to SGK to join the GSS (General Health Insurance) system.
  • 2026 Premium: Approximately 600-900 TL/month (subject to change).
  • Advantage: GSS covers EVERYTHING (Cancer, Heart Surgery, Long-term ICU) in State Hospitals. Private insurance usually has many exclusions.

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3. Retirement in Turkey (2026 Rules)

Turkey’s retirement age is gradually increasing to 65, but the EYT Law (2023) created an exception for older entries.

Standard Conditions (Post-2008 Entry)

• Men: Age 60-65 + 7200 Premium Days.
• Women: Age 58-65 + 7200 Premium Days.

Can Foreigners Retire?

YES. If you complete the required days (prim günü) and age, you get a Turkish Pension (in TL), even if you move back to your home country.

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4. International Service Combining (Yurtdışı Borçlanması)

Turkey has “Social Security Agreements” with 35+ countries (Germany, UK, Netherlands, etc.).

• The Benefit: If you worked 10 years in Germany and 5 years in Turkey, you can COMBINE them.
  • SGK counts the 10 years in Germany as if you worked in Turkey (for the “start date”).
  • This helps you retire earlier.
• Borrowing (Borçlanma): You can also “pay cash” to buy those days (Yurtdışı Borçlanması). However, in 2026, the daily cost of borrowing is exceedingly expensive (~300 TL/day), so calculate ROI carefully.

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5. 4B (Bağ-Kur) Debt for Company Owners

If you establish a Limited Company (LTD) in Turkey as a partner/shareholder:

• You are AUTOMATICALLY enrolled in 4/b (Bağ-Kur).
• Monthly Premium (2026): Approx 6,000 - 8,000 TL.
• Warning: Many foreigners don’t know this. 5 years later, they check e-Devlet and find a 500,000 TL Debt.
• Exception: If you already have 4/a (Work Permit) at another company, 4/a trumps 4/b. You don’t pay double.

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6. Access to Healthcare (Provizyon)

Once you are insured:

1. Activation: Usually takes 30 days after first payment.
2. Coverage:
   • State Hospitals: 100% Free (Small contribution for pharmacy).
   • Private Hospitals: SGK pays a portion. You pay the “Difference” (Fark Ücreti). Usually 200%.
3. Family: Your non-working spouse and children (under 18, or under 25 if student) benefit from YOUR insurance.

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7. FAQ

1. I am over 65. Can I get insurance?

Private insurance companies reject people over 65. SGK GSS is your savior. It accepts everyone regardless of age or pre-existing conditions.

2. Can I get a refund of my premiums when I leave Turkey?

YES (Partially). Under “Toptan Ödeme” (Lump-Sum Payment), if you leave Turkey permanently and are not eligible for pension, you can ask for the “Old Age” portion of your premiums back. However, you only get the employee share (9%), not the employer share, and NO interest. It’s usually a small amount.

3. Does GSS cover Dental?

State Dental Hospitals: Yes. But waiting lines are long. Private Dental: No.

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Konya Social Security Attorney

We handle complex “Service Combining” applications, 4/b debt cancellations, and lawsuits against SGK for rejected pensions.

📞 SGK Law Dept: +90 554 192 47 20

📧 Email: fevziyaskir@gmail.com

📍 Address: Nişantaş Mah. Vatan Cad. No:12/1 Selçuklu/KONYA

⚖️ Av. Fevzi Yaşkir

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Legal Disclaimer: This guide was prepared by Attorney Fevzi Yaskir to assist foreign investors and expats in Turkey.

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