Japan
Türkiye
Exchange rates: European Central Bank reference rates, 2026-10-23. Japan: Tokyo, Kyokai Kenpo, salary paid evenly each month with no bonus, no dependants. Türkiye: Private-sector employee in Istanbul, Turkish tax resident and national, single with no children, no disability, salary only paid evenly as monthly pay (no bonus or benefits), calendar tax year 2026, not a retiree working under the social security support premium. Employee social security (SGK) 14% and unemployment insurance 1% on gross pay up to the 2026 ceiling, both deducted before income tax; income tax at the 2026 wage tariff applied to the cumulative annual base; the minimum-wage income-tax and stamp-duty exemptions that apply to every employee are deducted; stamp duty 0.759% on gross pay. Employer SGK at the 2026 rate after the 2-point Treasury premium reduction available to compliant non-manufacturing employers, plus 2% unemployment insurance.
At three salary levels
| Salary (US$ equivalent) | Japan | Türkiye |
|---|---|---|
| $60,000 | Cost 1.14× Keeps 73% ¥9,408,202 | Cost 1.22× Keeps 62% ₺2,984,267 |
| $120,000 | Cost 1.10× Keeps 66% ¥18,816,403 | Cost 1.13× Keeps 62% ₺5,968,534 |
| $250,000 | Cost 1.05× Keeps 57% ¥39,200,840 | Cost 1.06× Keeps 61% ₺12,434,446 |
Employment rules compared
| Japan | Türkiye | |
|---|---|---|
| Statutory annual leave | 10 days after six months, rising to 20; 5 days must be taken | 14-26 working days by service |
| Public holidays in 2026 | 18 | 14 (Istanbul) |
| Notice of dismissal | 30 days, or pay in lieu | 2-8 weeks by service |
| Severance required by law | None | 30 days' pay per year (capped), after 1 year |
| Typical negotiated exit | Commonly 3–6 months’ pay plus unused leave | Severance plus notice pay; mediation settlements common |
| Probation | Commonly 3–6 months; dismissal still needs grounds | Up to 2 months (4 by collective agreement) |
| Working hours | 40 a week; overtime capped at 45 a month and 360 a year | 45 h/week |
| How hard is dismissal? | Very hard: needs objectively reasonable grounds | Moderate: valid reason needed (30+ staff, 6+ months) |
| Women in management (ILO) | 14.5% (2023) | 21.7% (2025) |
Questions
What does a US$120,000 salary cost an employer in Japan and Türkiye?
With the rates and exchange rates as of October 2026, in Japan (Tokyo, ¥18,816,403) the employer’s total cost is 1.10 times the salary; in Türkiye (₺5,968,534) it is 1.13 times. The employee keeps 66% of salary in Japan and 62% in Türkiye.
Is it cheaper to employ someone in Japan or Türkiye?
At this salary, the employer’s on-cost is lower in Japan. The ratio changes with pay, though: where contributions are capped, the on-cost falls as a share of salary for high earners. Enter the real salary in the calculator above to compare.
How do notice and severance compare?
Japan: 30 days, or pay in lieu; no severance is required by law, and negotiated exits are commonly 3–6 months’ pay plus unused leave. Türkiye: notice is 2-8 weeks by service; severance required by law: 30 days' pay per year (capped), after 1 year; typical negotiated exit: severance plus notice pay; mediation settlements common.
Which has more paid leave and public holidays?
Japan: 10 days after six months, rising to 20; 5 days must be taken, and 18 public holidays in 2026. Türkiye: 14-26 working days by service, and 14 public holidays in 2026.
Sources: Japan (Kyokai Kenpo, Japan Pension Service, MHLW, National Tax Agency, MIC). Türkiye: every rate and rule is listed with its primary source on Türkiye's HR data. Exchange rates: ECB reference rates (2026-10-23); for currencies the ECB does not quote, the central bank's rate.
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