How to get a residence permit in North Cyprus

Important: there is no official document called "Residence Permit" (ВНЖ) in Northern Cyprus.
The correct name is "Official Permit for Long-Term Residence in the Territory of the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC)".

However, in everyday speech, this document is commonly referred to as "Residence Permit" or "visa", so for convenience, we will use this term below.

Legal nuance

In some countries, there is an obligation to notify competent authorities about obtaining a foreign residence permit or permanent residency.
In the case of Northern Cyprus, this obligation does not exist, as officially it is not a "residence permit" but a residence authorization.

Sections:

• Grounds for Northern Cyprus Residence Permit
• Documents for Applying for a Residence Permit
• Proof of Funds
• Submitting the Residence Permit Application
• Frequently Asked Questions about Residence Permits

How to Apply

You can obtain a residence permit independently by submitting an application through the TRNC Ministry of Interior online platform.

However, this process is quite labor-intensive and requires attention: any mistake or missing document can result in refusal.
If you want to save time and avoid stress, you can contact specialists — for example, the company "DeJure" — Telegram @dejurecy.

Grounds for Obtaining a Northern Cyprus Residence Permit

Before applying, you need to determine the basis on which you will apply for a residence permit.
There are a total of 17 categories:

• Family for spouse
• Family for applicant’s children
• Family for applicant’s parents
• Based on property ownership
• Based on high income (also called "rental-based")
• Medical tourism
• Industrial training / internship
• Student exchange program
• Yachtsmen
• Judicial or administrative appointment
• Filming of feature or documentary films
• Graduates of TRNC educational institutions
• Retirees
• Licensed athlete competitions
• Integration of foreigners into the country’s culture
• Family for applicant’s partner (cohabitant)
• Humanitarian permit

In practice, residence permits are most often issued based on property ownership, high income, or the so-called "student visa".

Below we will review the two most popular categories of residence permits — high income and own property. We will also provide brief information about the "student" visa.

Northern Cyprus Residence Permit Based on Property

Reminder: a Title Deed (Title Deed, Koçan) is a legal document confirming your property ownership.
It is issued by the TRNC Land Registry after approval by the TRNC Council of Ministers for property acquisition by a foreigner.

Conditions for Obtaining a Residence Permit Based on Property

Previously, registering the sale and purchase agreement was sufficient to obtain a residence permit. Now, a purchase approval application number from the TRNC Council of Ministers is also required.

• Property owners without title — residence permit for 6, 12, or 24 months with proof of financial means.
• Property owners with title — residence permit for 5 years without proof of financial means.

Obtaining a Residence Permit Based on High Income (Rental)

Suitable for those who do not own real estate. The applicant must prove financial capacity.

Feature: 3 times more money in the account than for a property-based residence permit. Duration — 6 months or 1 year.

"Student" Visa

Students of accredited universities can obtain a student visa. It does not require property ownership, rental, or income.

Required Documents for a Northern Cyprus Residence Permit

The list of documents is almost identical for both types of residence permits. Only the main document differs.

For Property Owners:

If there is no title:

• Sale and purchase agreement
• Purchase approval application number

If there is a title:

• Title Deed

For Renters:

• Certified rental agreement from the tax office

Additional Documents (for everyone):

• Copy of passport
• Copy of page with the last entry
• Certificate from mukhtar
• Photo 3×4
• Bank statement for 6 months
• Translation and notarization of marriage certificate (if spouse included)
• Children's passports

Proof of Funds

You can check the requirements here.

To submit a residence permit application, you need to:

1. Register or log in to the website permissions.gov.ct.tr.
2. Upload documents and select the residence permit duration — 6 months, 1 year, or 2 years.

The system will schedule a police appointment.

• List of police stations

Bring originals of all documents to the appointment.

After the appointment, you need to pay for tests and insurance, then complete the tests.

State fee for November 2025 — 1053.70 TL.

After payment, a ready residence permit will appear in your personal account.

Conclusion

Obtaining a residence permit independently is feasible if you carefully follow the instructions. If you want to speed up the process, you can contact DeJure — Telegram @dejurecy.

Frequently Asked Questions about Northern Cyprus Residence Permits

For how long can you apply for a residence permit?
The permit is issued for 6, 12, or 24 months.

What if the medical tests are bad?
If the tests are positive, the residence permit is not issued, even if you own property.

Assistance with residence permits

• WhatApp: @dejurecy
• Telegram: @dejurecy

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