North Cyprus Eases Visa Policy for Property Owners

The Prime Minister of the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC), Ünal Üstel, has announced a series of significant changes aimed at easing the visa policy for property owners in the region. Several amendments will be made to the Law on Foreigners and Residence Permits.

According to the Prime Minister, these changes will include provisions such as granting long-term residence permits to property owners without requiring proof of income, as well as offering visa exemptions and a criminal record amnesty for foreign students under the age of 18. Additionally, new rules will establish legal status for marriages between TRNC citizens and foreigners, while special benefits will be introduced in the compulsory health insurance system, especially for foreign property owners over the age of 60.

“Caring for the needs of people who live in our country, invest here, or come to contribute to our national economy, and addressing the challenges they face, is not just our duty; it is a humanitarian mission and a social responsibility,” said the Prime Minister.

Key Points from Ünal Üstel:

• The 90-day visa, previously granted only to those who presented a title deed for property registered with the Land Registry Department, will now also be issued to those who submit a property purchase agreement approved by the Tax Department.

• The maximum term for initial short-term residence permit applications remains one year. However, subsequent applications can now be granted for up to two years.

• Foreign property owners with a registered title deed in their name will be granted a five-year residence permit without any income requirements. The previously applied "minimum wage requirement" has been abolished with this new regulation.

• Foreign children under 18 years of age will be exempt from the requirement to obtain a residence permit if they can provide documentation showing they are enrolled in primary and secondary schools recognized by the Ministry of Education.

• A new provision has been introduced for foreigners marrying TRNC citizens: a marriage contract must be signed while the foreigner is in legal status in the country.

• Applications submitted with a property purchase agreement, which previously resulted in a one-year residence permit, will now be granted for two years. If the Council of Ministers approves the purchase of property, the term will be extended to five years. The condition of having an income equal to at least one minimum wage is still applicable.

• A temporary provision has been added, eliminating fines for foreign students under 18 who are absent from classes without permission.

• Health insurance benefits have been enhanced for foreign property owners. Regulatory work has been completed to simplify health insurance requirements for foreigners over 60 years old who own property in Northern Cyprus. The verification period for health insurance, which must be checked annually, has been extended to five years.

“With this new regulation, which will come into effect in May, we will reduce bureaucratic burdens and simplify processes, especially for foreign property owners over the age of 60,” stated Ünal Üstel.