Phone Registration in Northern Cyprus

When arriving in Northern Cyprus with the intention of staying long-term, many face the problem of their imported phones being blocked. After 90 days in the country, a mobile device loses access to GSM networks and stops receiving calls and SMS from local operators.

Here we explain how you can use your phone after three months of stay and the legal ways to unlock and register your device.

• Phone Registration
• Payment of Customs Duty
• Using Different SIM Card Slots
• Buying a Local Phone
• Frequently Asked Questions

IMEI blocking does not affect the overall functionality of the phone — the device still works, Wi-Fi, internet, and all apps function normally. However, incoming and outgoing GSM calls and SMS, as well as mobile internet with a local SIM card, become unavailable.

Phone Registration in Northern Cyprus

IMEI registration is the official way to keep your phone working with a local SIM card. You need to visit the Bilgi Teknolojileri ve Haberleşme Kurumu (BTHK) center in Nicosia in person. Bring your phone and passport with you.

On-site, you fill out a form (in English) indicating your name, passport details, and the device IMEI number. You can find your IMEI by dialing *#06# on your phone.

BTHK Working Hours: Monday to Friday from 08:30 to 14:00; Saturday and Sunday are closed. There is no online registration — documents are accepted on a first-come, first-served basis. When submitting the form, a registration fee of 410 TL is paid, after which you receive a payment receipt.

Center Address: Bilgi Teknolojileri ve Haberleşme Kurumu, Lefkoşa (Nicosia) Phone: +90 392 600 9000. Official website.

Tip: Do not delay registration until the phone is blocked — the 90-day countdown starts from the moment the local SIM card is first inserted, or from January 1 if the phone was not previously used that year.

Payment of Customs Duty

The next step after submitting the form is device evaluation and payment of the customs duty. The amount depends on the brand, year of manufacture, and memory capacity of the phone. The newer and more expensive the model, the higher the duty.

Payment can be made at BTHK in Nicosia or at customs offices in Kyrenia and Famagusta.

You can check approximate rates in our article.

Payment is made in Turkish Lira at the current exchange rate. For older iPhone and Android models, the amount is specified directly in lira.

Using Different SIM Card Slots

Each phone slot has its own IMEI number. If you move the SIM card to another slot, the system considers it a different device. This allows you to temporarily bypass the block and use it for another 90 days.

Important: On January 1 of each calendar year, the 90-day limit is reset, allowing each IMEI number to be used without registration again. However, this method is not an official solution and is not suitable for long-term residence.

Buying a Local Phone

If your phone is expensive and you do not want to pay customs duty, you can buy a low-cost phone in Northern Cyprus. Local SIM cards will work on it without restrictions. Your main device can still be used via Wi-Fi or messaging apps by connecting the internet through the new phone’s hotspot.

Tip: When purchasing, check whether the device is registered in the local IMEI database — most stores sell certified phones with registration.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does the block apply to foreign SIM cards?

No. The block only applies to SIM cards of Northern Cyprus operators (Turkcell, Telsim, etc.). Russian, Turkish, and other foreign SIM cards continue to work in roaming without restrictions. More about local operators can be read in this article.

Are there discounts for students?

Yes. Detailed information can be found in this article.

Also, BTHK occasionally visits universities to register phones on-site. Check with your university administration for the schedule of on-site sessions.

Can a phone be registered to another person?

Sometimes locals offer to register a phone to a student for convenience. However, this is not officially allowed and may cause problems during inspections, especially when changing the SIM card or selling the phone.

Check current tariffs and registration procedures on the Northern Cyprus Telegram Forum.

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