Residence permit renewals for foreigners sharply rise in Northern Cyprus

In the TRNC, the cost of renewing residence permits for foreign nationals has increased significantly. Authorities quietly raised the fees for issuing and renewing residence permits by almost 39.5%, sparking a wave of discontent among foreigners, particularly students.

Following a recent increase in the minimum wage, prices have risen across nearly all aspects of life. However, this time the main impact fell on foreign residents. Now, when renewing a residence permit, mandatory medical tests and insurance cost approximately 10,305 Turkish lira, plus a tax fee of 1,464.75 lira. The total comes to about 11,770 lira (around 275 USD) per year.

The increase comes amid an already challenging economic situation. Many students and foreigners are already facing high rental prices, inflation, and rising everyday expenses. The new rates mean that maintaining legal status in the country now requires foreigners to pay over 10,000 lira annually.

Foreign students and residents have expressed concern over the sharp and, in their words, unaffordable increase in costs. On social media and in student communities, suggestions are increasingly being made to change the system and allow residence permits to be renewed every two years instead of annually. Foreigners believe such a measure could reduce financial pressure, ease the impact of inflation, and provide greater stability for those living and studying in Northern Cyprus.

Authorities have not yet provided official comments regarding a potential revision of the system or easing of conditions.