Is it possible to leave Northern Cyprus with 20%, 50%, and 60% residency — explanation of the conditions

Obtaining a residence permit in Northern Cyprus is not a fast process: for many people, the 60% status can remain “stuck” for months.

Sometimes, while the process is still incomplete, you may need to leave the island — below we explain when and under what conditions this is possible.

This material covers:

• Residence Permit Progress
• Conditions for Leaving the Island
• Frequently Asked Questions
• Assistance with Residence Permits in Northern Cyprus

Residence Permit Progress

Between registering to submit your residence permit application and actually receiving it, there are several stages, expressed as percentages and displayed in your personal account.

• 20% — submission of documents online, before the visit to the police with physical documents.
• 50% — after the police appointment and submission of documents (randevu).
• 60% — after paying for insurance and medical tests, as well as completing the tests.
• 70% — after receiving test results and before paying the residence permit fee.
• 100% — after paying the residence permit fee.

Conditions for Leaving the Island

Departure at 20%. After submitting documents online and before visiting the police (20% status), you are not allowed to leave the country. According to lawyers, if you have valid reasons (for example, a medical visit outside the TRNC), the police may accept your documents out of turn within a week before your trip so that you can reach 50%.

Departure at 50% and 60%. If you are at 60% and more than 60 days have passed since your randevu, it is recommended to complete the process before leaving: you need to visit the Ministry of the Interior in Nicosia. Otherwise, the process will be paused until your return.

If you are at 60% and less than 60 days have passed since submitting your documents to the police, no additional steps are required: you may leave the country by showing the 60% progress screen at border control.

Departure at 50%. You may leave the country at the 50% stage (after your documents have been accepted by the police), completing the process upon return. Keep in mind that you are usually given two weeks to take the tests and make payments, which is why many prefer to wait for the next stage.

Practical tips:

• Keep a screenshot/printout of the progress page and your application number handy.
• Take the originals and copies of the submitted documents and payment receipts.
• Plan your dates so that you can complete the required steps (tests/payments) in time or finish them before travelling.

Frequently Asked Questions About Northern Cyprus Residence Permits

Which website is used to submit residence permit documents?
Registration and initial document upload are done on the Residence Permit Portal.

How to apply for a residence permit independently?
See the step-by-step guide here. We explained how to register on the portal in this material. If you want to obtain a residence permit without stress and time loss — call our specialists by phone or write on Telegram. WhatsApp is also available for quick contact: WhatsApp.

How long does it take to reach 60%?
The timeline varies. Police appointments are often scheduled within a month; another month is usually needed to wait for the clinic referral. Additional delays are possible: the 60% stage often remains “stuck” for several months. If six months have passed since registration and there is no progress, it may be worth contacting the Ministry of the Interior in Nicosia for clarification.

Assistance with Residence Permits in Northern Cyprus

Need assistance with your residence permit application? Our partner will help with the documents and the process.

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