Residence Permits

What is a Residence Permit? (TR) (Ger)

In the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC), foreigners intending to stay for more than the period granted by a visa or visa exemption, or exceeding ninety days, are required to obtain a residence permit unless they have other legal permissions.

Work permits issued under the Law on Work Permits for Foreigners, business establishment permits, and permanent residence permits issued under the Law on Permanent Residence Permits are considered residence permits for the purposes of this regulation during their valid periods, and obtaining an additional residence permit is not necessary.

Foreigners wishing to stay in the TRNC for more than ninety days can apply for a residence permit if they meet the requirements of the relevant residence permit type.

What should be the passport validity period to obtain a residence permit?

For citizens of countries without an embassy, consulate, or representation in the TRNC and citizens of non-European Union countries, entry visas depend on having a passport valid for at least six months. For citizens of countries with an embassy, consulate, or representation in the TRNC and European Union citizens, entry visas depend on having a passport valid for at least two months. The validity period of a work permit visa is thirty days, requiring a passport valid for at least two years for citizens of countries without an embassy, consulate, or representation.

Since residence permits are issued for a period shorter than the validity period of the passport or the equivalent document, the passport's validity period is crucial.

Under what circumstances is an Exemption Certificate required for a residence permit?

Citizens of the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC) who are married to foreigners and individuals identified as stateless by the Director are exempt from obtaining a residence permit. They must apply to the Department within forty days from the expiration of the legal permission period in the country. Those exempted from residence permits must obtain an Exemption Certificate within one year from the date the Residence Permits and Visas Regulation is published in the official gazette. Failure to obtain the Exemption Certificate within this period will result in unauthorized presence, and penalties stipulated by the law will be applied.

(Other situations exempt from the obligation to obtain a residence permit can be found in Article 12 of the Residence Permits and Visas Regulation.)

Is it mandatory for foreigners over the age of sixty residing without legal permission in the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus to obtain permission?

Foreigners over the age of sixty who were residing without legal permission in the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus before the entry into force of the Residence Permits and Visas Regulation

(1) Within one year from the date the Regulation enters into force, if they obtain a residence permit in accordance with the rules of this Regulation, or

(2) Within one year from the date the Regulation enters into force, if they leave the country, will be considered to have been present in the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus with the authorities' permission during the period after the age of sixty and before obtaining such a residence permit or before leaving the country. No fines will be applied for this period.

What should individuals who are eligible for a residence permit but have not obtained one before the entry into force of the Residence Permits and Visas Regulation do?

Individuals who are eligible for a residence permit but have not obtained one before the entry into force of the Residence Permits and Visas Regulation, including spouses and children of legally permitted individuals, parents who can obtain a residence permit due to their child being a citizen, and individuals who can obtain a residence permit due to their child or spouse having a student permit, should apply within one year from the date the regulation comes into force. If they can prove their eligibility for the past period according to the rules in effect at that time, they can obtain a residence permit covering that period.

How does the residence permit application process proceed?

• Residence permit applications are made to the Immigration Branch of the District Police Directorate responsible for the region where the applicant's residence is located within thirty days from the start of the visa period granted upon entry into the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus.

• Renewal applications for an ongoing residence permit must be made at least sixty days before the expiration of the current residence permit, and applications are evaluated by the Immigration Branch of the District Police Directorate. The reasoned opinion on whether to grant a residence permit is sent to the Department within ten days.

• After the application is forwarded to the Department, the applicant must submit a positive health report. If there is no need for further examination, a residence permit is issued on that date.

• If the positive health report is not submitted to the Department by the applicant within thirty days from the application date, a text message is sent to inform the applicant of the rejection of the application, and the applicant must leave the country within five days. Failure to leave the country within five days will be considered unauthorized presence, and legal penalties will be applied.

• The necessary information and documents for each type of residence permit are determined by the Department and published on the official website.

• If the option to apply through the Department's official website is available, applications will be submitted through this method

Criteria for obtaining a residence permit for foreigners who own immovable property in the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC): 

Foreigners who own immovable property in the TRNC can be granted a one-year renewable residence permit for the first three years, and thereafter, a two-year renewable permit provided that they have obtained the title deeds registered to their names. The criteria for obtaining a residence permit include having a suitable residence in the TRNC and using it for this purpose, and having a monthly income of at least three times the minimum wage if the property is purchased through a contract or if payments are still being made on the property 

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