Step-by-step guide for obtaining a residence permit for the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus.

Northern Cyprus is not only a resort with turquoise sea, mild climate and low real estate prices. It is increasingly seen as a comfortable place for long-term residence, especially among people from the CIS, Europe, the Middle East and Asia. Due to its ease of entry, soft visa rules and high loyalty to foreigners, Northern Cyprus attracts thousands of new residents every year.

In 2025, new rules for obtaining a residence permit came into force — and they turned out to be the most profitable in recent years. The TRNC authorities have significantly simplified the requirements for property owners, introduced longer permit periods, and eliminated a number of income requirements. Such steps open up even more opportunities for those who consider buying a home as a way not only to invest, but also to gain a foothold on the island.

If earlier applying for a residence permit required regular income certificates, long waits and frequent renewals, now it is enough to own real estate, a basic set of documents and correct submission. This is especially true for those who are planning to move the whole family or are looking for a place for a quiet life abroad without bureaucracy.

In this guide, you will learn:

– who can apply for a residence permit in 2025;

– what innovations have come into force.

– how is the procedure for obtaining and renewing the license?

– what risks and nuances should be considered.

– what is the difference between different types of permissions and what should you choose?

If you are thinking about living in Northern Cyprus — this article will be your detailed step-by-step guide.

1. Main types and terms of a residence permit in Northern Cyprus

In the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC), there are several types of residence permits, each of which is issued depending on the purpose of the location and the legal status of the applicant. Since the beginning of 2025, important changes have taken place in this area: the validity period of residence permits, has been extended, conditions for property owners have been simplified, , and requirements for financial documents have been reduced.

The main types of residence permits:

• Temporary Residence Permit Permit

This is the most common type of residence permit, which is issued for 1 year with the possibility of renewal. After the latest changes, it is possible to apply for an extension immediately for 2 years, if the grounds have not changed. Most often, a temporary residence permit is issued on the basis of rental housing, a work contract, or medical reasons.

• Residence permit based on real estate ownership (Property-Based Residency)

Since 2025, this type has received a special status.

If the applicant owns a property with a registered Koçan title in his / her name, he / she can obtain a residence permit for a period of 5 years at once without having to prove income. This has greatly simplified the path for those who invest in housing for living or rent.

If the property is not yet registered as a property, but a purchase agreement и получено has been signedand a topurchase permitPurchase) has been obtained — you can apply for a residence permit for 2 or 5 years, depending on the stage of registration.

• Residence permit based on rental housing

Available for those who rent a house in Northern Cyprus and can confirm the income or funds in the account. Such a residence permit is usually issued for 1 year, but requires an annual extension. A mandatory condition is an official lease agreement registered with the tax service.

• Permanent Residency

This status is granted to persons who have lived in the TRNC for at least 6 yearswithout violating the visaregistration rules. A permanent residence permit eliminates the need to renew the status every year and can serve as a basis for obtaining citizenship in the future.

2. Who can apply for a residence permit and features for different categories of foreigners

After the 2025 updates, the rules for obtaining a residence permit in Northern Cyprus have become noticeably more loyal. The main condition is the presence of a legal basis for living: buying real estate, renting, working, studying or reuniting with your family. However, different categories of foreigners may encounter nuances that are important to take into account in advance.

Who can get a residence permit:

• Property owners with a registered title (Koçan);
• Foreigners who have entered into a purchase and sale agreement with Tapu registered registration and received разрешение на покупку (a purchase permit (Permission to Purchase);
• Tenants of housing, if there is a formal contract and proof of income;
• The spouse and minor children of the property owner can get a family residence permit.
• International students studying at TRNC universities;
• Employees who have an employment contract and a work permit.

Special features for citizens of the CIS (Russia, Ukraine, Belarus, Kazakhstan, etc.):

• All of these countries are among those who can enter the TRNC without a visa for up to 30-90 days (depending on citizenship).
• When applying for a residence permit, CIS citizens do not face additional restrictions and are treated as other foreigners.
• A medical certificate is mandatory for everyone, including children.
• If the property is registered to a spouse — the second partner can get a residence permit on a family basis.

Special features for citizens of the EU, USA, UK and other countries:

• The visa regime is similar: free entry and applying for a residence permit on a general basis.
• If you own a property with a title — you can apply for a residence permit for 5 years without proof of income.
• If the object is at the stage of purchase — a residence permit for 1-2 years is possible, if there is a contract and financial documents.

What’s new in 2025:

• It is no longer required to provide a certificate of income for those who own a property with Koçan.
• Children under the age of 18 who study in TRNC schools are exempt from the need to obtain a separate residence permit, if one of the parents has issued it.
• The validity period of the residence permit has been extended — now registration for 2 or even 5 years is available instead of an annual extension.
• Applying for a residence permit is possible remotely (pre-registration online), but personal presence at the application stage remains mandatory.

3. How to get a residence permit in Northern Cyprus: step-by-step instructions

A residence permit is issued through the TRNC Migration Department (Içişleri Bakanlığı / Muhaceret Dairesi). After the 2025 updates, the procedure has become more transparent and faster. Below is the current step-by-step algorithm.

Step 1. Entering the country

• When entering the TRNC, the passport is stamped with the permitted period of stay (usually 30, 60 or 90 days).
• During this period, you must apply for a residence permit, otherwise you will have to leave and re-enter.

Step 2. Preparing documents

The standard package includes:

• Foreign passport (valid for at least 6 months);
• Document for real estate:
  • either Koçan (title of ownership),
  • or a purchase and sale agreementregistered with Tapu and approved by Permission to Purchase.
• Certificate of residence/residence address in the TRNC;
• Medical certificate (tests for tuberculosis, HIV, and hepatitis are submitted at the local laboratory);
• Passport-sized photos.
• Proof of income or bank account (if required).
• Receipt for payment of the fee (issued later).

For the family:

• Marriage certificate (if necessary — with apostille and translation);
• Birth certificates of children.

Step 3. Online registration and registration

• Starting from 2025, electronic registration is available on the website of the TRNC Ministry of Internal Affairs: icisleri.gov.ct.tr
• After registration, the system issues an appointment to submit documents to the appropriate migration office.

Step 4. Applying to the Migration Service

• The applicant personally comes to the designated department, submits biometric data (fingerprints, photos) and submits a full package of documents.
• A temporary permit and a receipt for payment of state duty are issued.

Step 5. Pending review

• Review period: from 2 to 6 weeks, depending on the workload and region.
• Additional documents may be requested during this period.

Step 6. Getting a residence permit

• Once approved, you will receive an official documentconfirming your resident status.
• Depending on the reason, the permit can be issued for 1, 2 or 5 years.

4. Benefits of a residence permit in Northern Cyprus in 2025

The updated rules of 2025 have made the process of obtaining a residence permit in Northern Cyprus easier, clearer and more profitable for foreigners. This is especially true for those who have purchased real estate here. The key advantages that TRNC residents have are summarized below.

• Legal residence in the country

Having obtained a residence permit, you can officially stay in the territory of Northern Cyprus for a long time without violating the visa regime and without fear of being denied entry. This is especially important for families with children, the elderly, and those looking for stability.

• Simplified conditions for property owners

Starting from 2025, property owners with a registered Koçan title can apply for a residence permit immediately for 5 years-without providing a certificate of income and without annual renewal. This is one of the most loyal conditions among countries that grant a residence permit through the purchase of real estate.

• Possibility to get a residence permit for the whole family

Spouses and minor children can obtain a residence permit on the same grounds as the main applicant. Additional documents are minimal, and the procedure is submitted as part of a single package.

• Access to infrastructure and services

Residents with a residence permit can:

• open an account with a local bank.
• make a long-term lease or buy a car.
• sign contracts for internet, water, and electricity;
• apply to private and public medical institutions;
• enroll children in TRNC schools and universities.

• A favorable tax system

The TRNC offers low taxes, no global income tax, and favorable investment conditions. A residence permit allows you to fully enjoy the benefits of tax residency in the future.

• The prospect of permanent residence and citizenship

Having accumulated a certain number of years of residence (usually from 6 or more), you can apply for a permanent residence permit, and in some cases-for TRNC citizenship.

5. Nuances, limitations and possible risks

Despite the general availability and transparency of the system, obtaining a residence permit in Northern Cyprus can be accompanied by a number of pitfalls. Understanding these points will help you avoid mistakes, unnecessary expenses, and unpleasant delays in the process.

• The difference between a “title” and a “contract of sale”

If you only have a purchase agreement in your hands without a completed registration and Koçan (title deed), you will not receive a residence permit for 5 years, even if the property is fully paid for.

In this case, you can only apply for a two-year permit and only if you havea purchase permit (Permission to Purchase).

• Not all developers apply for a Koçan right away

In practice, some projects may be in the combined title stage. This means that Koçan has not yet been allocated for a specific apartment, and you will not be able to take advantage of all the benefits of a long-term residence permit.

Solution: check the status of the object with a lawyer in advance.

• Requirements for presence in the country

When applying for a multi-year residence permit, there is an unofficial but practiced rule: do not stay out of the country for more than 90 consecutive days, otherwise the status may be revoked. You should also stay in the TRNC for at least 180 days a year if you have a permanent residence claim.

• Migration requirements may change

The TRNC migration policy is developing: what was in effect in 2023 may no longer be relevant today. It is important to keep track of official sources, especially when preparing documents in advance or for long-term planning.

• A residence permit does not give you the right to work

Even with a residence permit, you are not automatically eligible for employment. To work, you must obtain a separate work permit from the TRNC Ministry of Labor.

• There is no automatic transition to citizenship

Even after living for 5 or 10 years, obtaining TRNC citizenship is not automatic. In each case, this is a separate procedurethat requires compliance with a number of conditions and individual approval.

Conclusion

Northern Cyprus offers one of the most affordable and flexible formats for obtaining a residence permit for foreigners. In 2025, the rules have become even more loyal: the terms of residence permits have been extended, conditions for property owners have been simplified, and income requirements have been abolished in some cases. This makes the TRNC an attractive destination not only for recreation or investment, but also for a full life.

A residence permit allows you to legally stay in the country, use its infrastructure, issue invoices, insurance, train children, receive medical services, and, if necessary, renew your status without leaving. In most cases, the process of obtaining a residence permit is clear, transparent and takes from two weeks to a couple of months.

However, as in any legal procedure abroad, nuances are important: the status of real estate, paperwork, the role of a lawyer, compliance with the requirements of the migration service. And here it is better to act not at random, but with an understanding of each stage.

If you are considering Northern Cyprus as your new place to live, it is high time to take advantage of the opportunities that have opened up after the legislative updates. A competent approach, the right real estate and the support of an experienced specialist-guarantee that obtaining a residence permit will be easy, and your life on the island will be calm, comfortable and legally protected.

Step-by-step guide for obtaining a residence permit for the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus.