The cost of short-term mandatory military service in Turkey has been increased to 243,000 Turkish liras ($6,880), offering young men the option to complete 28 days of military service instead of the standard six months.
The Turkish Defense Ministry announced the 11.54% hike on January 9, 2025, as part of semiannual adjustments tied to civil servant salary increases. Applicants must pay the fee within two months of their application to qualify for the program.
Mandatory military service is required for all male Turkish citizens over the age of 20. However, the paid military service program provides a shorter alternative for those who can afford the fee, which has seen a significant rise over the years.
When the program was introduced in 2019, the fee stood at 31,343 liras ($6,000). By 2025, the cost has reached its highest level, reflecting a 67.8% increase in dollar terms over two years, including a 33.2% hike in the past year alone.
This record-high fee underscores the rising costs of this alternative to traditional military service, amid ongoing economic adjustments in Turkey.