White passport (Beyaz kimlik) in Northern Cyprus: what it is and how to obtain it

The "White Passport" (Beyaz kimlik) in Northern Cyprus is not an international passport, but one of the types of residence status (essentially, a type of residence permit). To be eligible, it usually requires: 6 years of continuous work or business visa, proof of accommodation (ownership or rental), a medical certificate from a government hospital confirming the absence of certain diseases (including tuberculosis, hepatitis B/C, HIV/AIDS), and a certificate of no criminal record. Validity: January 2026.

• Navigation in the article
• What is a White Passport
• Requirements for Beyaz kimlik
• Documents and preparation
• How to do it
• Glossary
• Frequently Asked Questions
• If you need help

Navigation in the article

Below is a brief step-by-step overview: what "White Passport" means, which conditions are usually checked, and how to prepare the document package without wasting time on corrections.

What is a White Passport

The "White Passport" is a common colloquial name for the Beyaz kimlik document. In essence, it is a type of residence permit in Northern Cyprus. Its possession confirms your residence status, but does not replace a passport and is not a document for international travel.

Requirements for Beyaz kimlik

In practice, the "White Passport" is usually considered a status for people who have already lived in Northern Cyprus for an extended period based on work or business. The key conditions are the duration of legal status and a basic check of health and reliability.

Documents and preparation

The exact list may vary depending on your situation and the requirements of the authority at the time of submission, but the logic is usually: confirm continuous status (work/business), residence address, medical clearance, and absence of criminal record.

What to prepare in advance

• Proof of continuous work or business visa for 6 years (including permits/registrations, if applicable).
• Proof of accommodation in Northern Cyprus: property documents or a valid rental agreement.
• Medical certificate from a government hospital.
• Certificate of no criminal record.

Why specialists are often consulted

Most difficulties arise not in the concept of the requirements, but in the details: current forms, document language, correctness and validity of certificates, and how to confirm "continuity" of status without interruptions. Therefore, document preparation is often entrusted to specialized professionals.

How to do it

1. Ensure you have 6 years of continuous work or business visa without gaps.
2. Collect proof of accommodation: property documents or a valid rental agreement in Northern Cyprus.
3. Obtain a medical certificate from a government hospital (according to the requirements in effect on the date of application).
4. Obtain a certificate of no criminal record (in the format accepted for submission).
5. Check with the relevant authority for the list of documents and the submission procedure on the application date, then submit the package.

Glossary

• Beyaz kimlik — "White Passport," a colloquial name for one type of residence status in Northern Cyprus.
• Residency Permit (ВНЖ) — residence permit in Northern Cyprus.
• Work Permit — work authorization; for the "White Passport," it is important that the work/business status was continuous.
• Business visa — status/basis for staying for business purposes (depending on your activity model and registration).

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the "White Passport" a real passport for travel?

No. Beyaz kimlik is a document related to residence status (type of residence permit) in Northern Cyprus and does not replace an international passport.

Is it necessary to have 6 years without interruptions?

As a rule, they check specifically the continuity of work or business status over 6 years. If there were gaps, it is advisable to clarify in advance how they are treated during consideration.

Is a certificate of no criminal record required if there were traffic fines?

For Beyaz kimlik, a certificate of no criminal record is generally required. At the same time, legal proceedings for traffic violations are not considered when applying for a "White Passport."

Can documents be prepared and submitted independently?

Yes, but the "White Passport" is not the only path to legalize residence in Northern Cyprus. If you choose the independent path, clarify in advance the current list of documents and the requirements for certificates (format, validity, language).

Where does the procedure usually start?

Usually, it starts with checking compliance with the criteria (6 years of continuous status), then preparing a medical certificate, a certificate of no criminal record, and proof of accommodation, after which the submission procedure is clarified on the application date.

If you need help with obtaining a residence permit in Northern Cyprus

You can contact our legal partner — the company DeJure for consultation with a licensed lawyer in Northern Cyprus.

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