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What does crediting overseas periods mean?
Law No. 3201 allows periods of employment and certain periods of residence abroad to count towards a Turkish pension through the payment of contributions. Applications are made to the Social Security Institution (SGK).
Turkish citizens and people who were Turkish citizens by birth and relinquished citizenship with permission (Blue Card holders) can benefit from this right. For Blue Card holders, only periods spent as a Turkish citizen can be credited; periods after relinquishing citizenship are excluded.
Which documents are requested?
The file is based on records showing employment periods abroad:
- Contribution or employment record from the insurance institution of the country of employment, such as Rentenversicherung records in Germany
- Letters from employers showing employment periods
- Residence documents for periods spent as a homemaker
- The relevant forms for procedures covered by a social security agreement
Turkish translations of all these foreign-language documents are included in the file; SGK practice requires translations by a sworn translator and notarisation where necessary.
Social security agreements
Türkiye has bilateral social security agreements with many countries, notably Germany. In countries covered by agreements, combining contribution periods and pension procedures are handled through the agreement's forms.
Applications for a pension award require a recently issued contribution or employment record; applications using outdated records require renewal.
Process recommendations
- Request the contribution or employment record close to the application date; institutions' postal delivery times are long
- Have all the documents translated together; translating them separately can undermine the consistency of the file
- Check that names and dates of birth match Turkish population registry records; discrepancies require correction
- Check SGK's current circulars and announcements before applying
Frequently asked questions
My contribution record from Germany is in German — will SGK accept it?
The record must be submitted together with a Turkish translation. The translation bears a sworn translator's stamp; notarisation is added if the relevant SGK unit requires it.
How is the contribution payment calculated?
SGK calculates the amount based on the selected earnings subject to contributions, and the amount changes from time to time. Refer to SGK's official announcements for the current calculation; our office provides document translation, rather than financial advice.
This content is for information purposes. The documents and procedures required by institutions may change; we recommend confirming the requirements with the relevant institution before applying.
