17.02.2026 21:41
The Complementary Pension System, which will affect millions of people working in both the private and public sectors, from minimum wage earners to civil servants, is planned to be implemented in 2026. Under this system, regular deductions will be made from employees' salaries, employers will contribute, and the government will provide a 30% support. The new model aims to create a second income in addition to the SGK pension during retirement.
The Complementary Retirement System (TES), planned to ensure that employees do not rely solely on their current salary during their retirement years, has emerged as a new social security model based on long-term savings.
The system relies on funds created with the joint contributions of employees, employers, and the state. The aim is for the amounts accumulated during active working life to become a regular additional income during retirement and to maintain the standard of living.
WHAT STRUCTURE IS TES BUILT ON?
In the new model, a certain percentage will be regularly deducted from the gross salary of employees. The same amount will also be transferred to the system by the employer. The state will encourage the growth of the fund by providing additional support to this accumulation. The collected funds will be evaluated by professional managers and strengthened with long-term investment returns. TES aims to establish a more solid foundation for retirement incomes by working alongside the existing individual retirement structure.
THE IMPLEMENTATION CALENDAR SHOWS 2026
The system is planned to be implemented in 2026. According to the targets in the Medium-Term Program, it is anticipated that the application will start in the spring months. The Ministry of Labor and Social Security, which is carrying out the preparation process, continues its work on legal regulations and technical infrastructure. TES will officially come into effect after the completion of the process in the Grand National Assembly of Turkey (TBMM) for the draft to be legislated.
THE SCOPE WILL BE BROAD, WITH LIMITED SEPARATION
Unlike the existing automatic individual retirement, the new system aims to cover all employees. In the draft studies, it is emphasized that those entering the system should stay for a long time, with a minimum requirement of 10 years in the system. It is planned to significantly restrict early exit options. However, a final decision has not yet been made on whether participation will be mandatory.
THE TRIPLE CONTRIBUTION MODEL IS COMING INTO EFFECT
It is anticipated that a 3% deduction will be made from the employee's salary in TES. The employer will also contribute at the same rate. The state will create the strongest pillar of the system by providing support equal to 30% of the total accumulation. This structure aims to create high-value retirement funds in the long term.
REGULAR COMPLEMENTARY SALARY IN RETIREMENT
Access to TES savings will be directly linked to the retirement conditions of the Social Security Institution. A phased retirement system will be based on ages 58 to 65 for women and 60 to 65 for men. The amount obtained at retirement will be provided as regular monthly support instead of a one-time payment, creating additional income alongside the existing retirement salary.
THERE WILL BE NO DOUBLE DEDUCTION
When TES comes into effect, the automatic individual retirement system will be included in this structure. Thus, there will be no two separate deductions from the employee's salary; only contributions under TES will be paid.
NO LOSS OF RIGHTS FOR JOB CHANGERS
When an employee moves to another job, their savings will be protected. The TES account can be transferred to the new employer, and the system will not reset. Providing additional advantages to those who stay in the same workplace for a long time is also among the options being considered.
PUBLIC EMPLOYEES WILL ALSO BE IN THE SYSTEM
The new model is planned to be applied not only to the private sector but also to public employees. Teachers, doctors, police officers, and other public personnel will also be included in the scope of TES. It is expected that the state will contribute both the employer's share in the public sector and continue its support.
HOW MUCH WILL BE DEDUCTED FROM SALARIES?
According to current calculations, when the system comes into effect, it is anticipated that approximately 1,000 lira will be allocated monthly from those working at the minimum wage level, that this amount will exceed 1,000 lira for the middle-income group, and approach 2,000 lira for civil servants. With the state's contribution, it is aimed that these deductions will turn into a significant retirement fund in the long term.