Pension systems
The Turkish pension system is different from the one in the UK, meaning one cannot make a lump sum payment to immediately qualify.
For your questions: [email protected]
www.sadettinorhan.net
Today, I want to answer questions regarding two separate issues. The first question is from Michael:
“Good day,
I have enjoyed your articles when I have come across them, they often raise queries in my mind which I find challenging to research. My specific query today arises from the permission to make lump sum contributions to the UK State Pension Scheme by the purchase of Class 3 voluntary contributions, to increase pension entitlement. I understand that if a foreigner pays into the Turkish Universal Insurance Scheme and pays extra for pension, there is an entitlement to a pension from the Turkish State after 15 years.
Can you please give me a good Internet source (in Turkish or English) I can use to research this, and let me know if it is possible to make lump sum contributions? Perhaps, paying a lump sum equal to 15 years' contribution would create the entitlement to Turkish pension immediately. Thank you. Michael.”
Dear Michael, unfortunately, I cannot recommend any qualified Internet source (Turkish or English) relating to social security applications. However, you can take a look at www.sgk.gov.tr, and see what you find there.
To answer your question, there is no lump sum payment for the Turkish social security system. If you start a premium payment today, you must continue to pay it over the next 15 years. In this respect, the Turkish pension system is different from the UK State Pension Scheme.
To work in Turkey…
The second question is from Nadia. She writes:
“Hello Mr. Sadettin,
I am a licensed dentist living in New York City. I graduated from dental school in 2009 and completed my one-year general residency this past June. My husband and I may move to Istanbul in early 2011. I am having a very difficult time finding out what requirements I may need to work as a dentist in Istanbul. I have tried to contact dental schools in Turkey, but have not been able to get the information I need. Can I work as a general dentist in Istanbul as an American citizen? I do not plan on having my own clinic; I plan on working for another dentist. Would I need to complete more years of education in Turkey in order to work? I appreciate any help you can give me. Thank you. Nadia, DDS.”
Dear Nadia, in Turkey, three types of work permits exist. There are visas given for a definite period and an indefinite period, as well as an independent work permit (for more information about work permits, you can look at my article dated 12 Dec. 2009). For foreign doctors and dentists, however, merely obtaining a work permit is not enough to ensure employment. According to Law Number 1219, non-Turkish citizens can not work as doctors in Turkey. So, without Turkish citizenship, you cannot work as a dentist in Turkey.
On the other hand, in very rare cases, some doctors are allowed to work without Turkish citizenship. But in these instances, diploma equivalency and interviews with professors and jury conditions are required. As a result, working in Turkey as a foreign doctor (dentist) is very difficult.
Hurriyet Daily News/15.10.2010
For your questions: [email protected]
www.sadettinorhan.net
Today, I want to answer questions regarding two separate issues. The first question is from Michael:
“Good day,
I have enjoyed your articles when I have come across them, they often raise queries in my mind which I find challenging to research. My specific query today arises from the permission to make lump sum contributions to the UK State Pension Scheme by the purchase of Class 3 voluntary contributions, to increase pension entitlement. I understand that if a foreigner pays into the Turkish Universal Insurance Scheme and pays extra for pension, there is an entitlement to a pension from the Turkish State after 15 years.
Can you please give me a good Internet source (in Turkish or English) I can use to research this, and let me know if it is possible to make lump sum contributions? Perhaps, paying a lump sum equal to 15 years' contribution would create the entitlement to Turkish pension immediately. Thank you. Michael.”
Dear Michael, unfortunately, I cannot recommend any qualified Internet source (Turkish or English) relating to social security applications. However, you can take a look at www.sgk.gov.tr, and see what you find there.
To answer your question, there is no lump sum payment for the Turkish social security system. If you start a premium payment today, you must continue to pay it over the next 15 years. In this respect, the Turkish pension system is different from the UK State Pension Scheme.
To work in Turkey…
The second question is from Nadia. She writes:
“Hello Mr. Sadettin,
I am a licensed dentist living in New York City. I graduated from dental school in 2009 and completed my one-year general residency this past June. My husband and I may move to Istanbul in early 2011. I am having a very difficult time finding out what requirements I may need to work as a dentist in Istanbul. I have tried to contact dental schools in Turkey, but have not been able to get the information I need. Can I work as a general dentist in Istanbul as an American citizen? I do not plan on having my own clinic; I plan on working for another dentist. Would I need to complete more years of education in Turkey in order to work? I appreciate any help you can give me. Thank you. Nadia, DDS.”
Dear Nadia, in Turkey, three types of work permits exist. There are visas given for a definite period and an indefinite period, as well as an independent work permit (for more information about work permits, you can look at my article dated 12 Dec. 2009). For foreign doctors and dentists, however, merely obtaining a work permit is not enough to ensure employment. According to Law Number 1219, non-Turkish citizens can not work as doctors in Turkey. So, without Turkish citizenship, you cannot work as a dentist in Turkey.
On the other hand, in very rare cases, some doctors are allowed to work without Turkish citizenship. But in these instances, diploma equivalency and interviews with professors and jury conditions are required. As a result, working in Turkey as a foreign doctor (dentist) is very difficult.
Hurriyet Daily News/15.10.2010
