As of 16 May 2025, legislative changes have come into effect in the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC), making it easier for foreigners to purchase real estate and obtain a residence permit. These changes make Northern Cyprus a more attractive destination for both investors and those planning to relocate.

Contents:

  1. Major Changes in Legislation
  2. New Conditions for Obtaining a Residence Permit
  3. How to Get a Residence Permit in Northern Cyprus: a Step-by-Step Process
  4. Benefits of Resident Status
  5. What to Look For When Buying Real Estate

Major Changes in Legislation

One of the main innovations was the reduction of the tax on the registration of a real estate purchase transaction (transfer of title deeds) from 12% to 9% for foreign buyers. Thus, the total costs became 14.5% instead of 17.5%. This allows for significant savings when registering property. In addition, residents of Northern Cyprus can count on low tax rates. One of the main innovations was the reduction of the tax-duty on obtaining a title (title deeds) from 6% to 3% for foreign buyers. Thus, the total costs became 14.5% instead of 17.5%:

What makes up 14.5%:

  • Stamp duty — 0.5%.
  • VAT — 5%.
  • Title Deed Fee — 3% (reduced from 6% under the new law).
  • Permission from the Council of Ministers to transfer the title to the owner and register the agreement — ​​6% (registration in the Land Registry).

This allows you to save significantly when registering your property. In addition, residents of Northern Cyprus can count on low tax rates.

An important change also affected the number of properties that a foreigner can own. If previously there was a limit of one property, now foreign citizens can purchase up to three properties. This opens up new opportunities for investment diversification.

The cost of real estate in Northern Cyprus varies from 65,000 euros to several million. The final price depends on many factors: the type of property, its location and other parameters.

New Conditions for Obtaining a Residence Permit

The conditions for obtaining a residence permit have also been significantly simplified. Now property owners can apply for a residence permit for a period of 5 years without the need to confirm their income.

Those who are in the process of registering their property can apply for a two-year residence permit under a purchase and sale agreement after receiving approval from the Council of Ministers.

Immediately after entering the country with property documents, a foreigner has the right to stay in Northern Cyprus for 90 days. This time is usually enough to complete all the necessary paperwork.

Especially important for families: spouses and children under 18 are included in the application for a residence permit. Minor children who study or live with their parents receive a residence permit automatically.

So, in short: 

  • 90 days — you can stay in the country immediately after entry with documents for real estate.
  • 5 years of residence permit — if you have the right of ownership (without proof of income!).
  • 2 years of residence permit — under a sales contract after approval by the Council of Ministers.
  • Children under 18 — can obtain a residence permit if they are studying or living with their parents.

How to Get a Residence Permit in Northern Cyprus: a Step-by-Step Process

For citizens of Russia, Belarus and other CIS countries, there is a visa-free regime with Northern Cyprus. Upon entry into the country, a stamp is placed in the passport, giving the right to stay in the territory from 30 to 90 days. It is important to submit documents for a residence permit before the expiration of this period. 

To obtain a residence permit, you will need the following documents: a foreign passport with a copy, a real estate purchase and sale agreement or long-term lease, a certificate from the district headman about residence, a bank account statement, medical insurance and test results for HIV, hepatitis and tuberculosis. For family immigration, you will also need translated and certified marriage certificates and birth certificates of children.

The application for a residence permit is submitted through the online system, after which a personal meeting with the police is scheduled to provide biometric data.

When applying for a residence permit, you will need to pay for medical tests (approximately $300) and translation of documents.

The entire process takes about a month. Within 30 days of submitting the application, you must provide the results of medical tests to the Lefkosa Immigration Service. In the future, the residence permit requires regular renewal using a similar procedure.

Benefits of Resident Status

Having received a residence permit in Northern Cyprus, a foreigner acquires a number of privileges. First of all, this is the opportunity to live in the country without restrictions. Residents get access to quality education for children in local schools and universities, as well as to medical care under insurance. Resident status allows you to open an account in a TRNC bank and use all financial services on an equal basis with local residents. In the long term, it becomes possible to obtain citizenship — after 12 years of legal residence or after 7 years for spouses of TRNC citizens.

What to Look For When Buying Real Estate

When purchasing property in Northern Cyprus, foreigners should take into account several key points. Contracts can be concluded in different currencies — Turkish lira, pounds or euros, which affects the final cost and minimizes currency risks.

It is especially important to carefully check the title deed, as not all properties have a clean title and correct registration in the cadastre. Legal verification of documents is a mandatory step when making a transaction. This is exactly what our agency GP Real Estate does, providing qualified lawyers and attorneys.

Despite the increase in the property ownership limit to three properties, larger investments may require registering a company in Northern Cyprus.

Recent changes in legislation have significantly increased the competitiveness of Northern Cyprus in the investment property and immigration market. However, before making transactions, we strongly recommend that you consult with professionals to ensure the safety of your investment and the correct execution of all documents.