How to retire by paying GSS premiums is one of the most frequently asked questions among people who do not work, want to register their own insurance record, or have no social security. In Turkey there are several routes to qualify for retirement within the social security system. One option is to pay voluntary premiums. Individuals who pay General Health Insurance (GSS) premiums can, by taking additional steps, secure retirement rights in the long term.
This article examines whether retirement is possible with GSS, the ways premiums can be paid, the conditions that must be met, and the application procedures step by step. We also summarize important information about SGK’s retirement models, required premium payment periods, age requirements and related legal regulations. With this information you can prepare a road map suited to your personal situation.
What is General Health Insurance (GSS) and who is covered?
General Health Insurance is a system that guarantees access to health services for all individuals residing in Turkey. Introduced in 2012, it aims to ensure that everyone benefits equally from basic health rights as part of the state’s social welfare approach. GSS’s purpose is to provide health coverage for both employed and unemployed people.
Who falls under GSS coverage?
- People who do not work and have no social security
- Young people who have finished their studies and are no longer covered by family insurance
- Housewives
- Those whose income is less than one-third of the minimum wage (determined by income test)
- Individuals over 65 without social security
- Foreign nationals residing in Turkey (under certain conditions)
Rights provided by GSS
- Free or low-cost health services at public hospitals
- Family physician appointments and basic tests
- Emergency services
- Advanced procedures such as surgery and childbirth
- Prescriptions and medication support (at pharmacies contracted with SGK)
Individuals covered by GSS secure health coverage by paying premiums themselves. However, these premium payments alone do not grant the right to retire. To obtain retirement rights, one must switch to a different type of insurance.
Is paying GSS premiums sufficient for retirement?
General Health Insurance is a system intended solely for accessing health services. GSS premiums only provide health coverage; these premiums do not grant retirement rights. In other words, you cannot retire by paying only GSS premiums.
To be eligible for retirement it is necessary to pay social security contributions (that is, 4A, 4B or voluntary insurance premiums). Within this framework, GSS can serve only as a temporary solution or preliminary coverage.
Differences between GSS and retirement contributions
| GSS Premium | Retirement Contribution |
|---|---|
| Provides only health coverage | Provides both retirement and health coverage |
| Not counted toward retirement days | Included in retirement days and total contributions |
| Paid at a fixed monthly rate | Payment amount varies according to declared earnings |
| May be covered by the state depending on income test | Paid entirely by the individual |
What to do?
Someone who wishes to retire should switch from paying only GSS premiums to the voluntary insurance system while continuing GSS coverage. This way they benefit from health services and begin accumulating retirement days.
What is voluntary insurance and how to apply?
Voluntary insurance enables people who are not employed or who lack social security despite working to pay their own contributions and benefit from both health services and retirement rights. This SGK application helps individuals secure their financial future.
Who can benefit?
- Be at least 18 years old
- Reside in Turkey
- Not be insured through an employer
- Not be a self-employed tradesperson
- Not be actively registered with SGK as insured
Application process
1- Apply in person at an SGK office
- Photocopy of ID card
- Voluntary insurance entry declaration
2- Apply via e-Government (e-Devlet)
- Online application available through the “Voluntary Insurance Entry Declaration” service.
Once the application is approved, the person is assigned a registration number and must pay a monthly premium.
Payment details
- The premium amount is calculated as 32% of the gross minimum wage.
- Of this amount, 20% is allocated to retirement and 12% to health insurance.
- Payments must be made monthly and consistently.
A voluntary insured person is included in GSS and also accumulates premium days toward retirement.
How many years and days of contributions are required to retire?
Retirement in Turkey depends on the number of contribution days paid, age and the date the insurance began. Those paying voluntary contributions must meet specific contribution periods to qualify for retirement. These periods vary depending on the type of insurance coverage.
General conditions for retirement
For women:
- At least 7,200 days (20 years) of contributions
- Be at least 58 years old
For men:
- At least 9,000 days (25 years) of contributions
- Be at least 60 years old
Retirement under 4B (Bağ-Kur) status
Those who pay voluntary insurance fall into the 4B category. Conditions for 4B are:
- Women: 58 years + 7,200 days
- Men: 60 years + 9,000 days
If the insured person previously worked under SSK (4A) and later pays 3.5 years (1,260 days) of additional 4A contributions, they may become eligible for retirement under 4A rules. In that case, retirement age and required days might be reduced.
Tracking contribution days
You can easily track total contribution days by viewing the SGK service statement via the e-Government (e-Devlet) system. This makes retirement planning more reliable.
How is retirement calculated?
Retirement date and pension amount depend on many factors including insurance type, length of contribution payments and age. Turkey’s retirement calculations follow formulas and criteria set by SGK. Using personal data, these calculations determine the year you can retire and an estimated pension amount.
How is the retirement date calculated?
Insurance start date
- The first date of insurance determines the retirement age and required contribution days.
- Different rules apply for those who started insurance before September 8, 1999, between 2000–2008, and after 2008.
Total contribution days
- This varies according to 4A, 4B and 4C insurance types.
Age requirement
- Retirement may be age-based; if contribution days are insufficient, reaching the age alone does not grant retirement.
How is the pension amount calculated?
SGK considers three contribution periods when calculating pension:
- Contributions before 2000 (typically higher-earning years)
- Contributions between 2000–2008 (indicator system)
- Contributions after 2008 (point system)
Higher contribution amounts and longer insurance periods generally yield higher pensions. The average earnings over the last 10 years also significantly affect the pension amount.