Residence Permit

On arrival in the Turkish Republic of North Cyprus (TRNC), you must obtain a tourist visa with the validity of three months. If you wish to stay longer or buy a property in North Cyprus, you must apply for a residency permit.

How to apply for a residency permit (standard procedure):

According to the Immigration laws, you must present your passport at the local Immigration office, situated in the police station. Residency permits are granted by the Department of Immigration in Nicosia (Lefkosa). A permit together with a passport will be issued for a fee for the first year and a yearly renewal of your permit and medical examination is also required for a small fee.

Temporary residency permit:

When applying for a temporary residence permit, you will need to submit a written application form together with a valid passport. 

• valid proof of identity – passport (photocopy of a passport is accepatable),
• proof of your place of residence: the deeds of your property in North Cyprus, a copy of sales contract or a rental agreement,
• proof of funds: a bank statement, a proof of  pension payouts etc.

Once you have obtained a Residency Certificate, you need to undergo a medical examination at a clinic in Nicosia (Lefkosia), including blood tests for HIV and a chest X-ray. You will obtain a receipt for a medical examination. After the medical report is completed (approximately three weeks) you will have collect the results in person as they are sealed.

If you have already obtained a Residency Certificate and you have undergone a medical examination, you may apply for a permit at the Immigration office. With your written application you need to enclose the following documents:

• valid proof of identity – passport (photocopy of a passport is acceptable),
• proof of your place of residence: the deeds of your property in North Cyprus, a copy of sales contract or a rental agreement,
• proof of funds: a bank statement, a proof of  pension payouts etc.,
• six photos (passport size photos),
• receipt from the clinic.

Permanent residence permit:

• you own a property in North Cyprus
• you have a regular income,
• you are retired.