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We have some very exciting news for anyone over 60 and their spouse or partner who wishes to easily retire to or get residency in North Cyprus (TRNC) have 5 Year Residency Visa Exemption.
The North Cyprus Government (Interior Ministry) announced on 14th June that a five-year exemption from needing a residency visa is to be introduced for over 60s and their spouse or partner who have at least £10,000 or more p.a. income or pension.
We at NCI can announce that this is now in operation. This is fantastic news for all overseas property buyers over 60 making it much easier to set up your new life in the TRNC.
Criteria for over 60s 5-year residency visa exemption:
- The property owner on contract is over 60.
- The spouse or partner (not on the contract) can be over or under 60.
- You have purchased a property in North Cyprus (contract of sale)
- You have applied for permission to purchase online (you will need proof from the online application).
- You can prove that you have an overseas pension or annual income equivalent to the UK state pension which is £10,000 per year.
FIVE YEAR RESIDENCY EXEMPTION – HOW TO APPLY
You can visit the Facebook page of The Foreign Residents Society of North Cyprus for regular updates, the application process, the list of documents required and updates to the laws as they are in regular contact with the government.
Here is a brief summary of the existing procedure which may change or be updated.
- You must go in person to the Ikamet Office on the Ground Floor of the Interior Ministry in Lefkosa (North Nicosia), before your current 30-day visitor visa expires.
- You will complete a paper registration form and submit your documents. It is planned to introduce an online version of the form in the future.
- Immigration will process your application and issue you with an exemption from residency. This will either be a stamp in your passport or a form which you should keep with your passport. The exemption permit will be approved and issued on the day of registration.
Documents required for property owners
The documents required for the 5-year residency exemption for over 60s include:
marriage certificates, single status documents for cohabiting couples (both in English or Turkish), Title Deeds and/or contracts of sale, evidence of permission to purchase application, Muktar letter, passport copies, proof of pension, bank statements and more.
Please note, the process is currently for married couples only, but we are awaiting confirmation of an amendment to allow for cohabiting couples and renters.
For a full and more precise list of documents required for the over 60s 5-year residency visa exemption, please see the TFR Facebook page.
Please note:
If both names are on the Title Deed or Contract, then you can both be processed as individual property owners provided you both meet the £10,000 p.a. financial requirement.
If the property owner is less than 60 years old, but their partner or spouse is over 60 years old then they will still be able to obtain a 5-year residency permit. The property owner will need to continue with the standard residency process until they are 60 years old.
Emergency health insurance – there is currently no method for including the State Emergency Health Insurance (usually part of the residency application) as part of this exemption, but in the future, it is planned that this can be applied for separately.
Over 60 and planning to rent in North Cyprus?
It is planned to introduce the 5-year residency exemption for property renters over 60, but they will be assessed as the “high income category” which currently requires evidence of income over £30,000 per year.
Need help – over 60s residency five year exemption application?
Our NCI staff are not able to assist you personally with your application, but if you need help, we recommend you visit the www.infonorthcyprus.com website or the Facebook page of the TFR (see below) as they have staff members who can offer paid assistance.
