How to obtain a residence permit in Northern Cyprus

Important: there is no official document called "Residence Permit (ВНЖ)" in Northern Cyprus.
The correct name is "Official Permission 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 (ВНЖ)" or "visa", so for convenience, we will use this term further.

Legal nuance

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

Sections:

• Grounds for a Northern Cyprus Residence Permit
• Documents for obtaining a Residence Permit
• Availability of funds in the account
• Submitting documents for a Residence Permit
• Frequently asked questions about Residence Permits
• Where to seek help in obtaining a Residence Permit

How to submit documents

You can obtain a Residence Permit independently by applying through the TRNC Ministry of Interior online platform.

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

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 17 categories available:

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

In practice, most commonly, Residence Permits are issued based on property ownership, high income, and also the so-called "student visa".

Below we will consider the two most popular Residence Permit categories — high income and own property. We will also provide brief information about the "student" visa.

Northern Cyprus Residence Permit based on property ownership

Recall that the Title (Title Deed, Koçan) is a legal document confirming your ownership rights to the property.
It is issued by the TRNC Land Registry after approval from the TRNC Council of Ministers for a foreigner to acquire property.

Conditions for obtaining a Residence Permit based on property

Previously, to obtain a Residence Permit, it was enough to register the sales contract. Now, the application number for approval of purchase by a foreigner from the TRNC Council of Ministers is also required.

• Property owners without a title — Residence Permit for 6, 12, or 24 months with proof of financial capacity.
• Recently, a 5-year Residence Permit with a title was introduced, but this option depends on many factors, including age, so considering the specifics of Residence Permit issuance, the possibility of obtaining this Permit must be personally clarified at the police or ministry in each case.

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. Term — 6 months or 1 year.

"Student" visa

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

Required documents for obtaining a Northern Cyprus Residence Permit

The list of documents is almost the same for both types of Residence Permits. Only the main document differs.

For property owners:

If there is no title:

• Sales contract
• Application number for purchase approval

If there is a title:

• Title

For tenants:

• Lease agreement certified by the tax office

Additional documents (for everyone):

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

Availability of funds in the account

Requirements can be found here.

To submit an application for a Residence Permit, you need to:

1. Register or log in at permissions.gov.ct.tr.
2. Upload documents and select the Residence Permit term — 6 months, 1 year, or 2 years.

The system will assign a police appointment date.

• List of police stations

Bring originals of all documents to the appointment.

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

State fee for November 2025 — 1053.70 TL.

After payment, the ready Residence Permit will appear in your personal account.

Conclusion

Obtaining a Residence Permit independently is possible if you carefully follow the instructions.

Frequently asked questions about Northern Cyprus Residence Permits

For what term can a Residence Permit be requested?

The permit is issued for 6, 12, or 24 months.

What if the tests are bad?

If the tests are positive, the Residence Permit is not issued, even if you own property.

If you want to obtain a Residence Permit without unnecessary errors and problems

Contact our partner — the law firm DeJure.

Phone: +90 539 119 05 55
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