Permission to purchase property in Northern Cyprus: how to obtain it

To obtain a Title Deed in Northern Cyprus, a foreign buyer usually requires approval from the Council of Ministers of Northern Cyprus. The sale agreement can be signed and registered without this approval, but for the final transfer of the title into your name, an application is submitted through the Ministry of Interior of Northern Cyprus, and an application number is issued (previously often called dosya numarası). Typically, the submission requires preparing a passport, the sales contract, a certificate of no criminal record, a site plan, an architectural plan, and the current property documents.

• What is an application number (dosya numarası)
• How to obtain an application number
• When an application number is also needed
• Why approval is needed at all
• When an application may be refused
• Where to find more information
• Frequently Asked Questions
• If you need help with transaction documents

What is an application number (dosya numarası)

The “file number” (dosya numarası) is the common term for the reference number you receive after submitting a request for approval of property purchase by a foreigner. Previously, this was a paper number; now it usually refers to the application number recorded in the system upon submission of documents. This number confirms that the application has been submitted and is used in related procedures.

How to obtain an application number

To obtain an application number, one typically contacts the Ministry of Interior of Northern Cyprus, Real Estate Department, fills out an application, and submits the document package.

Steps to do this

1. Prepare documents for the buyer and the property (passport, sales contract, certificate of no criminal record, site plan, architectural plan, property ownership documents).
2. Visit the Ministry of Interior of Northern Cyprus, Real Estate Department, and complete the application form.
3. Submit the document package and receive an application number (submission confirmation).

When an application number is also needed

An application number is usually required when transferring the Title Deed into your name. In practice, it may also be requested in immigration procedures as proof that an application for purchase approval has been submitted.

• See related topic: how to obtain a residence permit

Why approval is needed at all

Approval serves as a mechanism to verify the buyer and the property. During the review, they usually assess any serious legal issues and the location of the property relative to strategically important areas.

• See related topic: how to obtain a certificate of no criminal record

When an application may be refused

A property purchase application may be rejected if:

• the application is incorrectly filled out or submitted with incomplete documents;
• the buyer has a criminal record (including serious cases or levels checked against international databases);
• the property is located near strategically important sites, including military zones.

To reduce the risk of refusal, it is common to pre-check the document package and the accuracy of the statements for your situation (especially if the transaction is atypical).

Where to find more information

• The “Real Estate” section on the Cyprus-FAQ website.
• The “Real Estate” thread on the largest Northern Cyprus forum on Telegram.
• Cyprus-FAQ Channel on Telegram

Frequently Asked Questions

Can property be purchased without approval from the Council of Ministers of Northern Cyprus?

You can usually sign the sales contract with the owner or developer without approval. Approval is required if you want to register the final legal title (Title Deed) in your name.

What exactly does the application number (dosya numarası) confirm?

It confirms that the application for purchase approval has been submitted and accepted for processing. This number is then used in related procedures.

Why might an application number be requested for a residence permit?

In practice, it may be requested as proof that you submitted an application for property purchase approval (if your residence permit application is linked to property).

Which documents are usually required for submission?

Typically, you prepare a passport, sales contract, certificate of no criminal record, site plan, architectural plan, and current property documents (including the Title Deed if it already exists).

Who usually assists with submitting the application?

Usually a lawyer accompanying the transaction, or a real estate specialist experienced in document processing in Northern Cyprus.

If you need help with transaction documents and submitting an application for approval,

You can contact our legal partner — DeJure — for a consultation with a licensed Northern Cyprus attorney.

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