An occupation code is reported for every insured person in the start notification and the monthly withholding and premium return. It is chosen by the work actually done, not by the employee's diploma. The classification is based on the ILO's ISCO-08 standard, extended with national detail.
Structure
The code is a four-digit ISCO unit group + a dot + a two-digit national occupation (format 2411.xx). The first digit shows the major group:
| First digit | Major group | Examples |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Managers | General manager, branch manager, sales manager |
| 2 | Professionals | Accountant, engineer, lawyer, teacher, software developer |
| 3 | Technicians and associate professionals | Accounting clerk, technician, sales representative |
| 4 | Clerical support workers | Secretary, front office, data entry, cashier |
| 5 | Service and sales workers | Sales assistant, cook, waiter, hairdresser, security guard |
| 6 | Skilled agricultural, forestry and fishery workers | Gardener, livestock farmer |
| 7 | Craft and related trades workers | Electrician, welder, tailor, furniture maker |
| 8 | Plant and machine operators and assemblers | Forklift operator, driver, machine operator |
| 9 | Elementary occupations | Cleaner, warehouse worker, courier |
| 0 | Armed forces occupations |
Where to find the code
The current full list is in the e-Bildirge occupation code search; İŞKUR's occupation dictionary uses the same classification. As the list is long and updated by SGK, always use the list in the system.
Why it matters
- Actual service credit: for certain hazardous work, the code affects early retirement.
- Work accidents and occupational disease: the employee's real job is compared with the code in investigations.
- Pay consistency: a highly skilled occupation reported at the minimum wage attracts attention in SGK risk analysis and can be evidence of the real wage in court.
- Foreign employees: the position in the work permit and the SGK code must match. Work permits.
Fine and correction
Reporting a wrong occupation code is fined under Law 5510 art. 102 at 1/10 of the minimum wage per employee (2026: TRY 3,303), at most one minimum wage per document. No fine applies if the employer corrects the error on its own initiative by petition. Update the code when duties change. SGK fine calculator.