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Why Digital Nomads choose North Cyprus
Over the last few years, the practice of remote working has evolved from a minority practice to a mainstream way of life. During the pandemic, many professionals were asked to “work from home” or WFH – and many have never returned to the office! As a result, and because it’s now so easy, more and more professionals are seizing the opportunity to take their laptop abroad and become an ex pat Digital Nomad.
With fast internet spreading around the world, new destinations are opening up to offer services to online workers or digital nomads. The latest location now growing in popularity, is the Mediterranean destination of North Cyprus (also known as the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus).
With its stunning mountains and natural beauty, warm climate, fascinating culture, fabulous lifestyle and modern amenities, it’s no wonder that digital nomads are heading to North Cyprus as the latest hotspot for those seeking a blend of work and leisure.
Here are the reasons why this Northern part of the Mediterranean island of Cyprus is a perfect location for digital nomads!
1. North Cyprus – English an official language
Although Turkish Cypriots speak Turkish, Cyprus has three official languages and English as the common language is spoken all over the island. Road signs and most shop signs are all in English. Most professionals (doctors, dentists, bankers etc) speak good English and of course the international community of overseas residents all communicate in English. This makes it easy for digital nomads in North Cyprus to integrate and communicate.
For British arrivals – those from the UK enjoy the fact that the driving is on the left!
2. North Cyprus has low-cost residency visas
Almost all passport holders can stay for 30 days upon arrival.
If you want to stay longer in North Cyprus as a digital nomad, or visit very regularly, the cost of getting a temporary or permanent residency visa in Northern Cyprus is much lower than in many other European countries, particularly for British arrivals. If you purchase a property (contact us for details of what might be right for you) – then you only need to show the equivalent of the minimum wage (around £10,000 per year) in order to qualify. The amount you need in the bank is higher if you rent, but still achievable for many professionals who want to spend longer than the 30-day visitor visa allows.
NB – Although it is not possible to get locally paid employment in North Cyprus without a work visa or being sponsored by a local company, if you are a digital nomad, and your payment is all gained from outside North Cyprus, there is no barrier to operating online from the TRNC.
3. North Cyprus has a wonderful climate
One of the biggest attractions for North Cyprus remote workers is its fabulous weather. With over 300 days of sunshine each year, digital nomads can enjoy a pleasant climate for much of the year. Whether you’re working online by the beach or taking a break in one of the hillside villages, North Cyprus’s sunny weather is ideal for combining work with relaxation. The mild winters, compared to those in most of Europe, are particularly appealing to those looking to escape colder climates.
4. North Cyprus – an affordable Cost of Living
Compared to many other destinations, the cost of living in the TRNC is lower.
Accommodation – whether you buy or rent – is reasonably priced. Eating out, especially in the “off the beaten track” local eateries, does not break the bank. This makes it easier to manage finances while living and working abroad as a digital nomad in North Cyprus.
5. North Cyprus – great ex-pat lifestyle
North Cyprus has an excellent support structure for ex-pats. There are thousands of part time or full-time resident ex-pats living and working in North Cyprus from all over the world – including many from the UK, Germany, Austria, Scandinavia, Turkiye, Eastern Europe and the Middle East.
Organisations such as The British Residents Society (BRS) and The Foreign Residents Society (TFR) offer great advice on temporary residency applications as well as offering ex-pat events and meet ups which create a ready made sociable lifestyle for overseas arrivals. This makes it easy to connect with like minded people who have also moved to work remotely as a digital nomad in North Cyprus.
6. High-Speed Internet in North Cyprus
For a North Cyprus digital nomad, reliable internet is crucial.
North Cyprus now has high-speed internet (up to 100mbps) and modern infrastructure, enabling you to work online without interruptions. Whether you’re working from your home or a café, you’ll find that North Cyprus is easily able to meet the demands of a remote work lifestyle.
The healthcare and dental care in North Cyprus is also of a high standard. Although you do need to pay for your healthcare, many people travel to the TRNC specially for their healthcare and you will find it far more affordable than other European countries.
7. North Cyprus – Golf and amazing leisure opportunities
Digital nomads in North Cyprus need a break from work too! And that’s when North Cyprus comes into its own as a fabulous leisure destination. Enjoy the North Cyprus beaches, and activities such as mountain hiking, diving, summer turtle watching, paragliding, boat trips on the Mediterranean, visiting the marinas, exploring the many fabulous North Cyprus restaurants, shopping in Kyrenia, exploring the lovely villages and much more.
8. North Cyprus – a rich culture & history
The North of Cyprus is a rich treasure trove of culture and history for the culture loving digital nomad.
Famous places to visit in the north of Cyprus include the “Tree of Idleness” in Bellapais where Lawrence Durrell wrote his famous “Bitter Lemons of Cyprus” (was he the original remote worker?), Kyrenia harbour, Bellapais Abbey, and the breathtaking mountain top Crusader castles of St. Hilarion, Buffavento and Kantara. The Roman ruins of Salamis on the east coast are well worth a visit and the completely unspoilt Karpaz Peninsula enables you to chill out on the unspoilt sandy beaches surrounded by wild donkeys and gorgeous country views.
North Cyprus combines Turkish/Ottoman, former British colonial and Middle Eastern influences which creates a unique ambience. The centre of old Nicosia (the last divided capital city in the world) offers wonderful shopping with old bazaars and craft shops with back street cafes offering extremely affordable dining. If your visa/passport allows, you can also visit the Greek Cypriot south of Cyprus which adds even more to your cultural – and shopping – opportunities.
9. Low Crime Rate and Hospitality
Northern Cyprus is well known for its low crime rate and welcoming attitude towards foreigners – which includes the ex-pat remote worker.
The island a whole has a very low crime rate, and you will really enjoy the famous Turkish Cypriot sense of hospitality, whether in a hotel or restaurant.
This level of security makes it really attractive for those looking to live and work abroad.
10. Great Travel Connections
North Cyprus’s location in the Eastern Mediterranean makes it a convenient base for digital nomads to explore other European destinations and the world beyond. North Cyprus is a really great halfway point between the Middle East and northern Europe.
The largest airport in Cyprus is the North Cyprus Ercan International Airport. From here you can fly to Antalya in Turkiye in only 40 minutes and on to all over the world via the Turkish hub airports of Istanbul and Ankara.
There are also now regularly foot and car ferries from Kyrenia in North Cyprus to Turkiye.
If your visa/passport allows, you can also use the airports in South Cyprus (Larnaca and Paphos). Larnaca Airport is an international hub with connections to the Middle East, all EU countries and beyond.
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If you would like more information on buying a property in North Cyprus as your remote work base, or getting residency via property ownership, please contact our friendly NCI Team
