How long can you drive with a foreign license in Northern Cyprus?

Getting around the northern part of the island without a car is quite difficult. Fortunately, after arriving in Northern Cyprus, you can drive a car with your home country’s driver’s license for a limited period.

• How long you can drive with a national license
• What to do when your license expires
• Details when applying for a residence permit
• Other questions about driver’s licenses

How long you can drive with a national license

According to the legislation of the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC), foreign citizens are allowed to drive a car with their home country’s driver’s license for the duration of their tourist visa. A tourist visa refers to a passport stamp indicating the number of days of legal stay in the country — usually 30 days, but in some cases, it can be extended up to 90 days.

After this period, foreign licenses become invalid in the TRNC, and driving with them is considered a violation.

What to do when your license expires

If you plan to stay on the island longer than your tourist visa allows, you must obtain a residence permit (TRNC residence permit). From the moment you receive the residence permit, you are required to exchange your foreign driver’s license for a local TRNC license. Continuing to drive with a foreign license after this is prohibited.

Details when applying for a residence permit

The process of obtaining a residence permit in Northern Cyprus takes from several weeks to several months. During this time, you formally cannot drive if your tourist visa has expired.

Since it is impossible to obtain a local license without a residence permit, a “transition period” arises. In such a situation, it is recommended to take a screenshot of the Ministry of Interior portal page showing that your residence permit application is under review. If stopped by the traffic police, this screenshot can be shown as proof of your legal status.

Other questions about driver’s licenses

How to obtain a local license?
To get a local license, you need to complete driving school training and pass both theoretical and practical exams. Previously, it was possible to exchange a foreign license without an exam, but this procedure is now canceled. Read more in our article “How to get a driver’s license in Northern Cyprus”.

Can I buy a car without a residence permit?
Yes, you can buy a car even without a residence permit. The transaction can be arranged through a dealership or privately. More details are available in the guide “Where to buy a used car in Northern Cyprus”.

Is there a fine for driving with an expired license?
Yes. You can read more detailed information in this article.

Where can I ask questions about driving and licenses?
You can consult the Telegram chat “Cars of Northern Cyprus”, where more than 10,000 participants communicate.

Summary: You can drive with a national license only for the duration of your tourist visa. After obtaining a residence permit, you must acquire a local TRNC license. To avoid fines, do not delay this process — you can submit your documents in advance.