It is easier to obtain a residence permit in Northern Cyprus, in contrast to migration legislation in other states popular for beach holidays and loyal to tourists. Although today, obtaining resident status takes several months due to the large influx of foreigners.
Foreigners wishing to stay in Northern Cyprus beyond the period issued upon entry must obtain a residence permit. Foreign citizens who have a valid work or business permit do not need to obtain a separate residence permit.
Foreigners eligible to apply for a temporary residence permit
- Foreigners studying under an existing educational program in Northern Cyprus (must apply for a student residence permit for the period of study).
Based on real estate
- Foreigners who own real estate with an income of at least GBP 10,000 per year.
Foreigners owning a villa or apartment in the TRNC can be granted a renewable residence permit for a period of 6 months - 1 year for the first 3 years, and then a renewable residence permit for a period of 2 years, provided that they have obtained a certificate of ownership ( Kochan) registered in their name. The applicant must own property suitable for residential purposes that is currently being used for that purpose.
- Based on a rental contract that can demonstrate a monthly income of at least $25,000 per year
To obtain a resident visa, an application is submitted using the online system, which is available at www.icisleri.gov.ct.tr.
The application is submitted based on the place of residence, for which it is necessary to obtain a letter from Mukhtar, a copy of which will need to be uploaded at the time of filing the application. After submitting your application, you will be notified of the date of the meeting at the district police station.
To the police appointment, the applicant must bring all required documentation (Detailed information about the required documents can be found below, at www.icisleri.gov.ct.tr). The County Police Immigration Authority will assess your documentation and notify you of any missing documents. Once your application has been approved and the documents have been accepted, you should log in again, where further actions will be indicated. The visa can be issued from 6 months to 2 years.
CHANGES IN THE LAWS!!!
Following the 19% increase in the minimum wage (40,436.00TL) which was recalculated from 1 September 2024, please note the changes in the financial criteria when applying for a residence permit, as the changes come into effect immediately at the Immigration Police Departments.
Residence permit by purchasing real estate
Applicants now need a monthly income of at least 40,436TL (£893.91) or capital of 485,232TL (£10,726.92) if using a savings or deposit account.
Residence Permit for High Net Worth Individuals
A monthly income of at least 121,308TL (£2,681.73) or capital of 1,455,696TL (£32,180.76) is now required if using a savings or deposit account.
All financial criteria must be proven at a TRNC bank or a Turkish bank with branches in the TRNC.
For UK passport holders who have reached the age of 60 and are receiving a pension, the financial criteria will be the same as for residence permit applicants when purchasing a property, even if the property is rented or leased. In this case, the funds can also be held in a UK bank.
Proposed fees (Pending final confirmation) for national health insurance and residence permit fees from 1 September 2024.
NATIONAL HEALTH INSURANCE
One year 4,037.19TL
Two years 8,074.38TL
Blood test 2,826.25TL
RESIDENCE PERMIT
Six months permit 981.75TL + stamp duty 46.00TL, total 1,027.75TL
One year permit 1,981.35TL + stamp duty 46.00TL, total 2,027.35TL
Two years permit 3,927.00TL + stamp duty 46.00TL, total 3,973.00TL
Documents for applying for a residence permit
Letter from Mukhtar at his place of residence - original and copy
Original + copy of passport + latest resident visa + latest exit/entry stamp for the TRNC
Original + copy of bank account - deposit or monthly income.
Real estate contract - original and copy
Titles (head) for real estate - original + copy
If titles have not yet been obtained - a stamped document from the Real Estate Division of the Ministry of Internal Affairs, which contains the file reference number of your application for permission to purchase. After meeting with the police, you will need to pay for your health insurance online (you will be asked to visit a specific clinic). Once the health check has been approved, your application will be approved to move on to the next stage. After a few weeks you will be informed via the online system whether you have been granted a residence permit. The final stage of obtaining a residence permit will open - payment of insurance and residence permit. Payment can only be made by credit card.
1. If you need to leave the country after a police interview, we recommend that you pay for medical insurance before departure.
If you exceed the validity period of your visa without renewing your visa, you will have to pay a fine. The fine is calculated as the daily minimum wage multiplied by the number of days you overstayed your visa before leaving the TRNC.
2. Due to the large influx of foreign citizens and the inability of government agencies to cope with a large number of applications, you can wait several months for an appointment at the Kyrenia Police Department. If you need to travel, you can provide tickets along with a package of documents - applications are processed immediately.
