Before specifying who must be registered with Bağ-Kur, it is important to explain what it means to be Bağ-Kur registered. Being registered with Bağ-Kur refers to a system that enables people who do not work for state institutions or private employers under the scope of occupational health and safety, and who are not affiliated with the Social Security Institution (SGK) through employer contributions, to make social security contributions on their own behalf and secure retirement and health benefits in the future. Bağ-Kur targets individuals for whom no contributions are paid to the Social Security Institution or to the civil servants’ pension fund. Those who contribute to Bağ-Kur for 15 or 25 years can benefit from health and retirement services. Once the payment period and age criteria determined by law are met, a person can retire.
Article 4/1-b of Law No. 5510 clarifies who is required to be registered with Bağ-Kur. According to this provision, village and neighborhood headmen (muhtars), self-employed individuals who are subject to income tax, tradespeople registered with chambers of craftsmen and artisans and exempt from income tax, and those engaged in agricultural work are required to be Bağ-Kur members. The key factor is that the person works on their own account and pays taxes. A typical example is small shop owners, such as grocers. In addition, partners in collective companies are also required to register with Bağ-Kur.
What Happens If Bağ-Kur Is Not Paid?
People who do not pay insurance contributions and who are not registered with Bağ-Kur cannot access subsidized healthcare services. They must pay full price for high-cost medicines and hospital expenses without discounts. They will not have the opportunity to retire in the future based on Bağ-Kur benefits. For those who are unable to pay Bağ-Kur contributions, there are specific arrangements and relief measures; such individuals must submit an Insurability Exemption Certificate or other relevant documentation to social security authorities as required by the regulations.
What Are the Conditions for Being Registered with Bağ-Kur?
To be registered with Bağ-Kur, a person should not be covered through an employer for occupational health and social security; that is, no employer-paid social security contributions should be made on their behalf. A person cannot be both insured under an employer scheme and be Bağ-Kur registered simultaneously. Therefore, the individual should not have workplace insurance registration through an employer.
Being a citizen of the Republic of Turkey is a primary requirement to register with Bağ-Kur.
Are Business Owners Required to Register with Bağ-Kur?
Yes. Business owners who work on their own account are required to register with Bağ-Kur because they will pay income tax on their business earnings and therefore must make their own social security contributions.
What Are the Advantages of Being Registered with Bağ-Kur?
Bağ-Kur members can access healthcare services with a co-payment—typically a percentage payment depending on current regulations—making high-cost medicines and medical services more affordable. Depending on the contribution base and the date of entry into Bağ-Kur, it is possible to receive a higher pension when retiring. Regular contributions also secure access to healthcare and retirement benefits in accordance with the applicable rules and calculation methods.