Obtaining North Cyprus Residency

Non-Turkish Cypriots have the right to visit TRNC without a visa for up to 90 days. If you buy or legally rent a property in Northern Cyprus, then it is easy to obtain a TRNC residence permit there is no minimum investment amount.

By obtaining a TRNC residence permit you receive the right to permanent residence in North Cyprus. So can enjoy the wonderful Mediterranean climate and nature of that Cyprus offers.

The average processing time for a residence permit is 2-3 months.

Initially a residence permit for the purchase of real estate in Northern Cyprus is issued for one year and this can then be extended immediately for three years.

I am not a citizen of the TRNC, but I want to purchase two properties in the TRNC? How can I do this?

You can sign the contract of sale for the two properties in your own name; however, you can only apply for purchase permission for and take title to one property. Therefore, you will need to find a nominee (this person should be a friend or relative or someone you know and trust) to take title to the property and hold the property on trust for you or you will need to set up a TRNC company. Please ask us for more detailed advice on trusts and companies.

Can my spouse and I purchase one property each?

 Yes. Under new rules, husband and wife may now purchase one property each in their sole name. How long will the purchase permission process take and what does it involve? This process can take some time – current estimations are around two years. The process involves searches being taken from the Land Registry, the Immigration and the Military. Do I need to wait for my purchase permission before I can move into my property? No. Once your property is complete, you will be able to take possession of your property and move in. However, see our notes above on the advice of the Council of Ministers and associated risks.

Can I sell my property before I obtain my purchase permission?

This depends on the terms of your contract of sale. As standard practice at Naomi Mehmet & Partners, we always try to negotiate with the vendor to insert a clause allowing you to sell the property before taking title. We would then simply prepare an assignment of contract to be signed between you, the vendor and the new purchasers assigning all of your rights and obligations under the contract to the new purchasers.