Residence Permit Application Process for Foreigners in the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus

The Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC) offers various residence permits for foreign investors and individuals wishing to reside. The residence permit application process involves specific steps and timeframes according to legal regulations. Below are the details of the residence permit application process for foreigners in the TRNC:

General Process for Residence Permit Application

Foreigners are required to apply within 30 days from the start of the visa period they receive upon entering the TRNC. Applications are made to the relevant Immigration Office of the District Police Department.

For the renewal of the current residence permit, the application period must be at least 60 days before and at most 20 days before the expiration date of the current permit. Applications are reviewed by the Immigration Office of the District Police Department, and approved applications are forwarded to the Immigration Department with a reasoned opinion within 10 days.

After the residence permit application, the applicant must present a positive health report. After necessary examinations, if there are no issues regarding the application, the residence permit will be issued. If the health report does not reach the department within 30 days from the date of application, a text message will be sent indicating that the application has been rejected and that the applicant must exit the country within 5 days.

The official website for submitting applications is https://icisleri.gov.ct.tr/, and applications are generally made through this platform.

Residence Permit Renewal

Those wishing to renew their current residence permit may submit their applications at least 60 days before the expiration date of the current permit. Applications are reviewed in accordance with legal procedures, and it is expected that the applicant provides a health report. If the health report is not submitted within the specified time, the application will be rejected and the applicant will be informed that the legal process has begun.

Residence Permit for Foreigners Who Own Real Estate

Real estate owners in the TRNC have the right to obtain a residence permit. The process for granting residence permits for foreign real estate owners is as follows:

• During the first three years, a one-year residence permit is granted to the foreign real estate owner. After becoming the title deed owner, a two-year residence permit may be granted.

Criteria for Residence Permit for Foreigners Who Own Real Estate:

• The investor must reside in a suitable dwelling and must use this dwelling for residential purposes.

• If there are multiple shareholders of the same dwelling, residence permits will not be granted to other shareholders if one shareholder applies for a short-term residence permit.

• In the case of purchase with a sales contract, at least one-third of the sales price must be paid and an application must be made to the Council of Ministers for the acquisition of the property.

• If the title deed is registered in the applicant's name, the applicant must have a monthly income of at least three minimum wages. If the property was acquired through a payment contract and the title deed transfer has not yet been completed, the applicant must also have a monthly income of at least three minimum wages in addition to the monthly installments.

Obtaining a residence permit in the TRNC is a rather straightforward process when the correct procedures are followed. Foreign investors, real estate owners, or other individuals wishing to obtain a residence permit can contact us for detailed information about the application process or for professional consultancy services.

You can contact our expert team for more information about residence permits and real estate transactions.