This Information is for those coming on North Cyprus International Property Inspection trips, for those who require North Cyprus residence permit and for those planning to relocate to live in their new property.
Please note:
* We are NOT a visa department and cannot take general queries by live chat or phone about North Cyprus visitor visas.
* For those who are planning to purchase a property from NCI and have queries, please email us help@northcyprusinternational.com and we will either answer your query or refer you to a bona fide legal advisor.
* Visitor and Residency visas do NOT allow you to work in North Cyprus.
North Cyprus visa and residency regulations may change in the future and this section is intended as general advice only. NCI cannot take responsibility for any future changes to the legislation which may not appear in this section.
Contents
North Cyprus Residency Application
Procedure for Residency Application
FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)
It’s very easy to visit North Cyprus and almost all nationalities are welcome to visit and purchase property.
However, as of 23rd October 2019, there have been some changes to the North Cyprus regulations for visitor visas and residency permits.
Most notably – only 30-day visitor visas are given automatically at your point of entry (previously usually 90 days were given). If you own a property you can extend your 30 days to 90 days (see FAQ section for details).
In addition, the waiver or exemption given to retirees over 60 years old that they did not need to apply for residency has now been stopped and those over 60 who are living full or part-time in North Cyprus now need to apply for residency.
Tourist / Visitor Visa
This is all you need if you are coming on North Cyprus International Property Inspection trip OR if you are planning to use your property for holidays of 30 days or less. Many property owners never apply for residency and there is no need to do so if your property is for holidays.
Under the new regulations, there are THREE types of tourist or visitor visa. Visitor visas will be for either 30,60 or 90 days depending on the reason for the stay.
* 30 days purely for tourist holidays or short visits
* 60 days if staying with a relative or
* 90 days if you own, or rent property, and wish to subsequently apply for residency
You will only be able to stay 90 days in each 180-day period. The period of each will be determined by the entry date into the TRNC.
Please see our FAQ section for details on how to extend your 30-day visa if you own a property.
Residency for Over 60s
As of the 23rd October 2019, the ‘waiver’ formerly provided to residents over 60 years of age has been withdrawn and EVERYONE regardless of age is now required to register for Temporary Residency.
If you are over 60 years of age and already living in North Cyprus, you need to complete the Residency application by 23rd October 2020 (within one year of the legislation changes).
Temporary Residence Permit
How to apply for a temporary North Cyprus residence permit in TRNC
We strongly recommend that all British Citizens applying for a residency should join the British Residents Society http://www.brstrnc.com/ who have excellent staff regularly available to assist British applicants.
There are planned to be two methods of application
* Paper System
* Online System (under construction as of end 2019)
Paper Application System for Residency
All applications and renewals for those applying using the ‘paper’ system, should be made to the Immigration Section at Police Stations with Immigration Departments.
North Cyprus Residency Application
Documents and Financial Evidence Required
* Your passport
* A photocopy of your passport and a copy of the page showing previous residency stamp or copy of stamped Residency document, if renewing.
* Mukhtar’s letter with 4tl stamp
* A copy of your title deed, registered purchase contract (or registered rental agreement),
* If relevant – Your marriage certificate in Turkish or English (photocopies are accepted), or certified Family Partnership Residency/Civil Partnership document (which can be obtained from the British Residents Society).
* A passport photo for the Lefkosa immigration office.
* 24tl stamps
* Proof of income or savings in the TRNC (see the financial section below)
* Copies of UK bank accounts can be used showing the appropriate amounts required as proof.
* Your previous pink or white renewal booklet if renewing.
As of end 2019, a property owner would be required to prove monthly income equivalent to that of the current minimum monthly TRNC wage, which is 3,400tl.
Applicants who are renting the property would need to prove income equivalent to that of three times the current minimum monthly TRNC wage which would be 10,200tl.
As an alternative to proof of income, applications can be made that demonstrate savings equivalent to 12 times the minimum monthly wage. In the case of a property owner 40,800TL or if renting property 122,400TL.
Residency as a Couple
Applying for North Cyprus Residency as a couple or family.
Please note that dependents over 18 years will need a notarised statement from their sponsor (e.g. parents) promising financial support.
If a couple applies together, each person must have a full set of documents. For the first year, it is only possible to obtain a residency permit for one year. You will get a longer permit upon renewal.
There are different categories for anyone applying for Residency, but this is particularly the case for couples, whether married or not.
Property Owners Residency
North Cyprus Property Owners applying for residency (“Immovable Property” Residency application)
This is for a person who owns the property and can only apply to one person at the property.
Even if the title deed or purchase contract is in joint names, only one person can apply for ‘immovable property’ and will be required to provide the financial documentation shown above.
This application type MUST be completed prior to a Family permit being applied for.
Family members living at the property (Family Residency application)
This is for anyone else residing at that property – and this has the benefit of not being required to provide any financial information. If one partner has a work permit the other should apply as above, but for a FAMILY RESIDENCY.
Medical tests for Under 60
North Cyprus Medical Tests for those under 60 years of age
If you are over 60 years of age you do not need a medical test for your residency application.
If the documents are in order, the immigration officer will give you a slip of paper to take to your local branch of Koop Bank where you will pay for your medical test and be given a receipt.
You then need to take this to the State Hospital. Residents of Lefke will go to Guzelyurt; Karpaz residents will go to Gazimagusa and Girne residents to Girne State Hospital.
Cost is TL 135.00 (as of June 2019). The hospital will advise you which laboratory you should attend. Test results are ready in 7 days.
Procedure for Residency Application
Procedure for finalising your North Cyprus Residency application
Once you have completed the medical tests you should return to the Immigration Section at the police station with all the required documents plus the medical test payment receipt.
Following that visit, a month later you attend the residency office at the Immigration Department in Lefkosa on a weekday morning, taking with you the documentation detailed below:
* Your passport
* Your medical report in its sealed envelope
* The current residency fee is TL 447 for one year (Jun 19).
* TL 24.00 in revenue stamps (Nov 19) (You can buy stamps in the Cafe on the same floor, but the fee could be slightly more)
* Evidence of Health Insurance (Private or State – which must cover the period of the Residency Application)
You can choose to have a residency stamp in your passport or a stamped paper residency document.
Due to uncertainty regarding the UK’s membership of the EU, we would recommend the stamped paper residency document as preferable for British residents of North Cyprus.
Health Insurance
North Cyprus Health Insurance for Residency
Health Insurance is now a requirement for residency and should be obtained prior to submitting your final application for residency.
You can apply for the North Cyprus state health insurance easily via the Koop Bank in Lefkosa and pay for either ONE or TWO years insurance. (340tl per annum).
Once you have paid, you can attend the health ministry to have your insurance confirmed.
FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)
North Cyprus Visa and Residency FAQs
Here are some FAQs to make it easy for you to understand the visa and residency rules of North Cyprus (TRNC).
VISITOR VISA FAQs for Non-Property Owners
Why do I now only get a 30-day visa when I enter North Cyprus?
Under the new regulations, there are now three different types of (non-resident) visitor visa for either 30, 60 or 90 days. The 30-day visa is for holidaymakers, 60-days is if you are staying with relatives who live in the TRNC and 90-days if you have a property (purchased or rented) and intend applying for residency.
What is the maximum period in a year that I can enter and re-enter North Cyprus as a visitor?
Any visitor NOT applying for Residency will only be able to stay in the TRNC for up to 90 days in any 180-day period (or 180 days in a year). The 180-day period begins on the first time you enter North Cyprus.
If I spend less than 90 days here each year do I need to apply for North Cyprus Residency?
No. Many property owners never apply for residency as they only come for holidays of less than 30 days each time.
VISITOR VISA FAQs for Property Owners
As I was only given a 30-day visitor visa at the border – how can a North Cyprus property owner get their 90-day visa?
You should attend the Immigration Dept. at Lefkosa with your passport, title deed, stamped sales or official rental agreement and you can extend your visa to 90 days.
Should I carry my North Cyprus Title Deed or sales contract with me in the south of Cyprus (if arriving via Larnaca or Paphos airport) in order to get 90 days at the border?
If you are travelling to North Cyprus from the Republic of Cyprus, we do not recommend that you carry any title deeds or sales contracts with you.
There could be legal consequences in the south of Cyprus if found carrying these documents. Attend a local immigration department instead to have your 30-day visa extended.
North Cyprus Residency FAQs
Do I need to own a property to get residency of North Cyprus?
No, you can apply for residency with EITHER an official tenancy agreement OR a title deed/purchase contract.
What documents do I need in order to apply for North Cyprus Residency?
* Your passport
* A photocopy of your passport and a copy of the page showing previous residency stamp or copy of stamped Residency document, if renewing.
* Mukhtar’s letter with 4tl stamp
* A copy of your title deed (or registered rental agreement),
* If relevant – Your marriage certificate in Turkish or English (photocopies are accepted), or certified Family Partnership Residency/Civil Partnership document (which can be obtained from the British Residents Society).
* A passport photo for the Lefkosa immigration office.
* 24tl stamps • Proof of income or savings in the TRNC (see the financial section below)
* Copies of UK bank accounts can be used showing the appropriate amounts required as proof.
* Your previous pink or white renewal booklet if renewing.
How much money or income do I have to prove for North Cyprus Residency?
As of end 2019, a property owner would be required to prove monthly income equivalent to that of the current minimum monthly TRNC wage, which is 3,400tl.
Applicants who are renting the property would need to prove income equivalent to that of three times the current minimum monthly TRNC wage which would be 10,200tl.
As an alternative to proof of income, applications can be made that demonstrate savings equivalent to 12 times the minimum monthly wage. In the case of a property owner 40,800TL or if renting property 122,400TL.
I currently rent a property from a friend without an official rental contract. Can I still use this rental to apply for North Cyprus residency?
No. In order to apply for North Cyprus residency as a property tenant, you must have a rental agreement which has been certified (which means that the landlord is paying tax).
I wish to apply for North Cyprus Residency. My husband and I have joint ownership of our property, can we apply jointly?
No. Only one of you can apply for residency as an owner of North Cyprus ‘immovable property’. That person then and provides the documentation including their financial details.
The other owner then applies as a ‘family member’ and is exempt from needing to provide separate financial information.
I wish to apply for North Cyprus Residency. Do I need Health Insurance?
Yes, you now need health insurance to apply for residency of North Cyprus. You need Private or State Health Insurance which is in force for the duration of the Residency permit.
What is covered by the State Health insurance?
There is no upper age limit for the state health insurance in North Cyprus. It covers the use of a State ambulance (112 Emergency Ambulance Service) and gives the holder a 20% discount on treatments.
How should I obtain North Cyprus State Health Insurance for Residency?
See the Residency section on the British Residents Society website members area (you will need to join the society). This gives full instructions and provides a map showing the relevant locations.
I wish to apply for North Cyprus Residency. Can I use private health insurance?
Different private insurance providers are currently having their policies assessed by the officials. The British Residents Society members will be able to obtain a list of these by joining the society.
Do I need to have a blood test to get residency of North Cyprus?
Under 60 they are required. Over 60 they are no longer needed.
Where do I go to have a Blood Test for North Cyprus Residency?
You should get a form at the Police station and attend a branch of the Koop bank to pay for your test. You should then go to the State Hospital in your area where you will be informed about which clinic to attend.
I wish to apply for North Cyprus residency but am not married to my partner. How can I apply for Family Residency?
There is a document on which both parties confirm the relationship outside of marriage and is then certified by a Notary. This is called a Family Partnership Residency/Civil Partnership document. This will be accepted in place of a marriage certificate.
North Cyprus Residency applications for those over 60 years old
I am over 60 – when do I have to complete my North Cyprus Residency application by?
If you were over 60 and in the TRNC prior to the date of the new regulations (23rd October 2019) you have one year until 23rd October 2020 to complete your application.
I arrived to live in North Cyprus after 23rd October 2019 but wish to apply for Residency what should I do?
You should begin your application immediately and before 23rd January 2020. Once you have been to the Police Station to provide your documents, if all is in the order you will be given a slip which effectively gives you a 90 visa while the process is being completed.
I am over 60 – how long do I get a North Cyprus Residency permit for?
if you are over 60 years of age you may apply for a THREE-year permit, although at present only TWO-year permits are available.
If you are seeking to purchase a property or come on a North Cyprus International Property Inspection trip and have queries about North Cyprus relocation or residency, please do email us on help@northcyprusinternational.com or call us in the UK or North Cyprus on +44 207 112 8086 or +90 548 861 0600 or Whatsapp +44 7799 212425. Please note, we cannot answer general visa enquiries.
Donna Ruzzano
on said
We have been getting our permits every 2 years since 2012. For the health insurance, my husband worked at EMU therefore he has Social Security from TRNC which comes with National Health Insurance for him, and as his spouse, also for me. We were given a cards, mine I must have stamped every year. Do I need something more than this for proof when we renew our permits this coming July? Thanks in advance for your help in this matter.
NCI
on said
“Thank you for your enquiry. We are directing all of the British enquirers with health insurance, National Insurance and residency queries to the British Residents Society http://www.brstrnc.com who have kindly provided us with the information we have on the website. We are an estate agency and not qualified to give completely accurate information on this area. BRS run weekly clinics including in the Near East Bank in Catalkoy – see http://www.brstrnc.com . We encourage all of our British property owners to join the BRS”.