What Are Employment Documents? What Documents Are Required When Starting a Job?

Employment documents not only mark the beginning of the employee's job but also secure the employee’s legal rights and social security benefits. Timely and complete submission of the correct documents impacts many critical steps, from the start of the employee’s insurance process to access to healthcare services.

So, what documents are required when starting a job, and how can these documents be obtained? You will find all the details about employment documents in this article.

What Documents Are Required When Starting a Job?

The required documents may vary depending on the employer and the position the employee will hold. However, the commonly requested documents include:

• Copy of ID Card: Required for identity verification, social security transactions, and other legal obligations to be recorded in official records.
• Residence Certificate: Shows the employee’s current address.
• Family Registration Certificate: A document showing family information and marital status.
• Copies of Diplomas and Certificates: Verifies the employee’s educational background and professional qualifications.
• Work Certificate: Shows how long and in which position the employee worked at their last job.
• Cumulative Tax Base Letter: A document showing the total income tax base paid by the employee within the calendar year.
• Bank IBAN Information: Necessary for salary payments and other compensations.
• Health Report and Examinations: Determines whether the employee is physically and mentally fit for the job. Required for those working in dangerous or highly dangerous jobs, in accordance with Law No. 6331 on Occupational Health and Safety.
• Criminal Record: Indicates whether the employee has any criminal background. Must be up to date.
• Blood Type Card: A document showing the employee’s blood type, to be used in emergencies.
• Military Service Status Document: Required for male employees to prove whether they have completed their mandatory military service.
• Passport Photo: Required for use in identity documents and other necessities (the number of photos may vary by institution).
• Family Status Document: Shows whether the employee is married, single, or has children.

These documents are important both for protecting employee rights and ensuring that the employer meets their legal obligations.

How Long Are Employment Documents Stored?

According to Turkish Labor Law, employers are required to keep the employment documents in the personnel file. These documents must be stored for at least 10 years after the employment contract ends, while health records must be kept for at least 15 years as required by the Occupational Health and Safety Regulation. This period is mandated to ensure that the employer can fulfill their responsibility in case of any legal needs. Proper archiving and safeguarding of these documents are critical to avoid any legal penalties in the future.

Where Can You Obtain Employment Documents?

While most employment documents can be easily obtained through the e-Government system, some must be obtained physically from authorized institutions. Here are the sources for obtaining these documents:

Documents You Can Obtain Through e-Government

• Residence Certificate
• Criminal Record
• Family Registration Certificate
• Military Service Status Document
• Student or Graduation Certificate

Documents You Must Obtain Physically

• Health Report: The health report can generally be obtained through an examination by a family doctor or from state hospitals. However, for those working in hazardous job sectors, a suitable health report must be obtained from Joint Health and Safety Units (OSGB) centers. Different types of health reports may be required depending on the nature of the job. In any case, the report must be approved by a doctor. Therefore, attention should be paid to the type of report suitable for the job sector, and the most appropriate health center should be consulted.
• Passport Photo
• Bank Account: If a bank account is required, the employee must open an account at the branch specified by the workplace.

Should you have any queries or need further details, please contact us.