Turkey will test the proposed “basic citizenship income” pilot program, first announced by the governing AKP in 2023.
The program targets households whose total income falls below the national minimum wage and is designed to raise their earnings to at least that threshold.
Under the scheme, families in which no one is employed — or whose total monthly income remains below the minimum wage — could receive the payment. The support would continue until at least one family member secures employment and starts earning a salary. Concurrently, the government plans to offer employment‑assistance services to working‑age members of eligible households.
The program will initially be tested in one or two provinces before broader rollout.
Critics say the program may bind beneficiaries more tightly to the state or the ruling party rather than reduce poverty sustainably. As of 2025, Turkey’s net monthly minimum wage has been set at approximately 22,104 Turkish lira.
