Northern Cyprus Work and Residence Permits
When you enter North Cyprus you are granted a tourist visa which allows you to stay for up to three months. Obviously this is perfectly long enough when you’re coming here on holiday, but if you’re buying a North Cyprus property, you may have other ideas!
What is a Residency Permit?
A residency permit basically allows you to stay in Northern Cyprus for longer than the three months granted on a tourist visa. But, the residency permit is still only a temporary permit which allows you to stay in North Cyprus for up to a year.
How do you apply for a Residency Permit?
This is quite a long process, which doesn’t happen overnight, so you will need to plan in advance if you want to stay for longer than three months.
- Complete an application form obtained from your local North Cyprus police station
- Take this to your local North Cyprus councillor who will issue you with a Resident’s Certificate
- Undergo a medical exam in Nicosia to check that you do not have any infectious diseases
- Apply for your residents permit at the Immigration Office
- When the results of your medical are ready (within about 3 weeks) collect them and take them to the Immigration Office, but DO NOT open them!
- Your medical results will be looked at and the police will carry out checks on you.
- If everything is satisfactory, your Residence Permit will be granted on payment of a fee (about £150) and production of your passport.
If the above concerns you, you can choose to employ an agency to help you through the process.
How long is the Residency Permit valid for?
Your Residency Permit is valid for one year, though it can be renewed for another year on payment of a minimal fee. Unfortunately you will also have to undergo a new medical exam each time you wish to renew.
Can you become a Permanent Resident of North Cyprus?
Yes, you can, but there are conditions you will have to meet… You have to have had at least three consecutive temporary residence permits; you have to prove that you own a property in Northern Cyprus; you have to be retired from work and you have to prove a regular, satisfactory income. Be warned, these applications can take up to 2 years!
How can you get a Work Permit for work in Northern Cyprus?
Work permits are only granted for specific posts for which there are no qualified North Cyprus citizens, and must be applied for by your potential employer before you come here.