In our interview with Donya Chehreh Dashti, chief sales officer of Aretan Group, a professional real estate and investment consultancy company in Northern Cyprus, we gathered important information about the legal procedures and requirements for living in Northern Cyprus. We highly recommend reading our article as we believe it will be highly beneficial for anyone interested in living and settling in Northern Cyprus.

What are the conditions for obtaining a residence permit in Northern Cyprus?

There are various options for obtaining a residence permit in Northern Cyprus. The first type of residence permit is for students who wish to reside in Northern Cyprus while registered at universities there. If you want to live with your family, you must provide a guarantee equivalent to the minimum wage each month so that they can also reside with you. After graduating, you will need to change your residence permit status to continue living in Northern Cyprus.

If you secure employment at a workplace in Northern Cyprus, the employer can issue you a work permit, allowing you to live in the country with your family. If you hold a work permit for 12 consecutive years, you can apply for citizenship.

Another type of residence permit available to foreign citizens is the high-income residence permit. To obtain this permit, you must be able to afford it by renting a house and providing five times the minimum wage every month. However, this type of residence permit is not permanent and does not lead to citizenship. It is initially issued for six months and must be renewed annually.

If you open a company in Northern Cyprus, you can reside there as long as your business remains active. You must pay your taxes regularly each year and obtain the employer seal. Which you can be eligible for citizenship at the end of six years.

People who purchase completed housing can obtain an annual residence permit by providing a minimum wage each month. Those who buy housing in a project form must provide three times the minimum wage. If your house is not yet ready, you will need to rent a separate house. You can obtain a residence permit for yourself and your family. Once the house is ready, you can renew the residence permit every two years. According to the rules of Northern Cyprus, a studio apartment is suitable for 1-2 people, a minimum of 1+1 flat for a family of 3, a 2+1 flat or villa for a family of 4, and a villa or 3+1 flat for a family of 5-6 people. If you purchase a 1+1 flat, you can change your residence status to permanent residence after 5 years if the value of your home is over £110,000 or €125,000 and you have not been penalized. If the house is part of a project, the 5-year period is calculated from the time you receive the house.

What type of visa should I apply for to live in Northern Cyprus?

If you have the financial means, starting a business or obtaining a home residency is usually a smoother process. These options are considered more reliable for securing long-term residency or even applying for citizenship in Northern Cyprus. However, each type of residency has its own set of requirements and procedures, so it is important to carefully review the relevant rules and requirements before submitting your application.

What documents do I need to provide when applying for a residence permit or visa for Northern Cyprus?

To obtain a residence permit, certain documents are required, including approved contracts from the tax and land registry of your residence. If the house is not yet ready, a rental agreement with stamps must be provided. Additionally, you need to submit the certificate of residence, passports of the resident and family members, birth certificates of children, a criminal record, and a letter of guarantee from the bank.

If the house is ready or if you have the title deed, you must provide 1 minimum wage (approximately $8,000- $10,000) per month. However, if the house is not ready, you need to provide 3 minimum wages (around $25,000- $26,000). Salary slips should be in Turkish or English and denominated in dollars. Alternatively, you can open a bank account in Northern Cyprus and obtain the necessary documents from there.

How long does it take to process a residence permit or visa application for Northern Cyprus?

The processing and finalization time of the application differs for each residence permit. The fastest permit is the student permit and usually results in 15 to 20 days after application. Foreigners must obtain a preliminary permit for a work permit. After completing the necessary health tests and procedures, the working person can get the work permit within 20 days on average. Completion of a residence permit application for homeowners usually takes up to 3 months on average. For employers' quadrilateral approval certificates, the employer's seal can be issued approximately 15-20 days after the application, and this period may take up to 30- 40 days.

Can I apply for a work permit with my residence permit or visa application?

Individuals with high-income residence permits are not eligible to obtain a work permit since they declare to the state that they possess sufficient financial means. However, if they intend to start a business, they can easily establish their own company. When individuals wish to work, they must convert their residence permits to work permits through their employers. It is important to note that work permits can only be issued by legitimate employers who own real companies. Permits other than work permits and employer permits are solely for the purpose of residency.

What is the validity period of a residence permit or visa in Northern Cyprus?

If the house is ready, a 1-year residence permit is initially granted, and subsequently, the residence permit is renewed every 2 years. However, if the house is not yet ready, a 6-month residence permit is issued initially, and the residence permit is then renewed annually. Once the house is completed and ready, the renewal process transitions to a 2-year cycle.

What is the cost of obtaining a residence permit or visa for Northern Cyprus?

To obtain a residence permit, certain health tests, insurance, and tax payments are required. These fees amount to approximately 2100 TL for per person.

However, it is important to verify the exact amounts and details of these fees with the relevant authorities or tax advisors. Fees and regulations may change annually, so it is crucial to obtain the most up-to-date information from official sources.

Can I extend my residence permit or visa in Northern Cyprus?

You can extend your residence permit for up to 2 years if your house is ready by submitting the necessary documents 20 days before the expiration of your current permit each year. This allows for a one-year extension at a time.

All the procedures mentioned above encompass steps that require careful monitoring and involve significant measures. Aretan Group is by your side during this process, aiming to facilitate all the process for you.

www.aretangroup.com info@aretangroup.com +90 539 120 19 29