Is It Possible to Work in Northern Cyprus with a High-Income Residence Permit

If you hold a High Income Residency Permit in Northern Cyprus, you are not allowed to work as an employee or provide services within the country. To legally start working, you must cancel your current residency permit and obtain a Work Permit through your employer. Working without changing your status is considered a violation of immigration rules.

• Why you cannot work with a High Income Residency Permit
• What to do if you find a job
• How to change your status to a work permit
• Glossary
• Frequently Asked Questions
• If you need advice on visa status

Why you cannot work with a High Income Residency Permit

A High Income Residency Permit allows residence in Northern Cyprus without employment. It is issued upon proof of income from sources outside Northern Cyprus and does not permit:

• employment as an employee;
• providing services to local companies;
• running a business without a separate permit.

What to do if you find a job

If you receive a job offer in Northern Cyprus, you have only one legal option:

• cancel your High Income Residency Permit;
• obtain a Work Permit through your employer;
• after that, get a residency permit based on employment.

How to change your status to a work permit

Steps to follow

1. The employer submits an application for a Work Permit to the Ministry of Labor.
2. Once approved, you cancel your existing High Income Residency Permit.
3. Enter the country or update your status based on the Work Permit.
4. Obtain a residency permit linked to the Work Permit.

Glossary

• High Income Residency Permit — a residence permit in Northern Cyprus for individuals with stable income from abroad, without the right to work.
• Work Permit — a permit for employment in Northern Cyprus, arranged by the employer for a foreign employee.
• Residency Permit — a residence permit issued based on employment, income, studies, or family reasons.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I work remotely with a High Income Residency Permit?

Yes, if your income comes from outside Northern Cyprus and you do not provide services to local companies.

What happens if I work without changing my status?

This is considered a violation of immigration rules and may lead to fines, cancellation of the residency permit, and difficulties during renewal.

Do I need to leave the country to change my status?

In some cases — yes. The specific procedure depends on the situation and the decision of immigration authorities.

Can an employer arrange a Work Permit if I already have a residency permit?

Yes, but your current High Income Residency Permit must be canceled after the Work Permit is approved.

If you need advice on visa status

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

• Phone: +90 539 119 05 55
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