Residence Permit Facilitation Provided to Real Estate Investors in Cyprus

The Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC) has made important arrangements for real estate investors and foreigners who choose to live in the country. With the new legal arrangements, residence permit conveniences have been provided for real estate investors in Cyprus. The changes announced by TRNC Prime Minister Ünal Üstel on May 1, 2025 provide new opportunities for real estate investors and those planning to live in Northern Cyprus.

5 Year Residence Permit for Owners of Deeded Real Estate

Foreign real estate investors with title deeds registered in their own names will now be able to obtain a 5-year residence permit without any income requirement . The “minimum wage income” requirement in previous regulations has been removed, greatly facilitating investors’ processes for staying and investing in Northern Cyprus.

Sale Contract and Purchase Permit and Residence Permit Right

The residence permit period for applications made with immovable property sales contracts has been doubled compared to the previous application. With this new regulation, real estate investors investing in Cyprus will now be able to obtain a residence permit for 2 years . In purchase permits approved by the Council of Ministers, this period can be extended up to 5 years. This situation stands out as one of the important factors that make the investment environment of Northern Cyprus attractive.

Duration Increase in Short-Term Residence Permits

While short-term residence permits are kept for a maximum of 1 year for the first applications, the period has been increased to 2 years for subsequent applications . This makes life much easier for foreigners who make long-term plans in Northern Cyprus.

90-Day Visa Facility

Obtaining a visa based on the Immovable Property Sales Contract has also been made easier. The 90-day visa facility, which was previously granted only to documents approved by the Land Registry Office, will now also be granted to contracts approved by the Tax Office.

Innovations in Health Insurance

Health insurance processes have also been simplified for foreign real estate owners over the age of 60. The duration of mandatory health checks has been extended to 5 years , and health procedures have been made possible in private hospitals and laboratories . Thus, bureaucratic procedures have been reduced, making the lives of investors in the older age group easier.

Exemptions for Students and Families

Foreign students under the age of 18 will be exempt from the obligation to obtain a residence permit for the duration of their studies . In addition, the accumulated fines of students who have stayed in the country without a residence permit in the past have been forgiven, providing significant relief to families.

Marriage Status with TRNC Citizens

In order for foreigners who marry TRNC citizens to benefit from exemption rights, the marriage must take place within the period in which the person has a legal status in the country.

Obtaining a Residence Permit Through Real Estate Investment in Cyprus

These regulations aim to strengthen the investor-friendly policies of Northern Cyprus and increase the quality of life of all individuals with the understanding of a social state. TRNC is becoming an attractive destination for real estate investment with the conveniences it provides to investors.