All types of visas in Northern Cyprus

A brief guide to the main types of entry visas for Northern Cyprus and their durations of stay.

As of January 2026, the main types of visas for Northern Cyprus are: tourist (usually 30 days; up to 60 days for family visits; up to 90 days with confirmed accommodation/purpose), work permit visa (30 days with prior approval), study visa for internships/courses/exchange programs (up to 90 days with confirmed purpose), business setup visa (30 days with proof of capital), visas for applying for various types of residence permits (up to 60–90 days depending on the basis), as well as visas for judicial/administrative purposes and scientific research (for the duration of the tasks), and graduate visas (30 days).

• Table: visa types and durations
• Tourist visa
• Work permit visa
• Study visa: internship, courses, exchange, professional development
• Business setup visa
• Residence permit visa
• Visa for judicial and administrative purposes
• Scientific research visa
• Graduate visa for Northern Cyprus universities
• How to do it
• Glossary
• Frequently Asked Questions
• If you need consultation on visas and migration status

Table: visa types and durations

Tourist visa

The tourist visa is issued to those arriving in Northern Cyprus for tourism and staying in a hotel or other accommodation, as well as those renting a place for this purpose. The tourist visa is usually issued for 30 days. Stay up to 90 days is possible upon presenting a paid booking or proof of property ownership.

Those visiting family or relatives and staying at their home are granted a tourist visa for a maximum of 60 days.

Visas for up to 90 days may also be issued to individuals arriving for official visits, business meetings, conferences, seminars, festivals, fairs, exhibitions, sports or cultural events, wellness tourism, and other similar purposes.

Work permit visa

Issued for 30 days to those arriving in Northern Cyprus with prior approval under the rules for issuing a Work Permit for foreigners.

For citizens of countries without an embassy, consulate, or other representation, entry with a passport valid for at least two years is required for issuing this visa.

Study visa: internship, courses, exchange, professional development

Foreigners wishing to come to Northern Cyprus for internships, courses, student exchange programs, or professional development may be granted a visa for up to 90 days if they provide documents confirming the purpose of the visit.

Business setup visa

Foreigners arriving in Northern Cyprus to start a business are granted a 30-day visa if they can prove they have capital for establishing the business.

Residence permit visa

Depending on the type of residence permit, foreigners arriving in Northern Cyprus may be issued different types of visas.

Family residence

Foreigners applying for a family residence permit upon entry may be issued a visa for up to 90 days.

Residence based on property ownership

Those presenting a certificate of property ownership may be granted a visa for up to 90 days.

Student residence application visa

Foreigners arriving for student residence may be granted a 60-day visa after submitting a student registration or pre-registration document.

Visa for judicial and administrative purposes

Issued to those arriving in Northern Cyprus at the request or decision of judicial or administrative authorities. The visa may be valid for the duration of the task.

Scientific research visa

Issued to those arriving in Northern Cyprus for scientific research purposes. The visa may be valid for the duration of the research.

Graduate visa for Northern Cyprus universities

A visa valid for 30 days may be issued to university graduates in Northern Cyprus who have completed a full course of study: for programs requiring two years of study, as well as for four-year or longer programs — if studied for at least three years.

How to do it

1. Determine the purpose of your trip (tourism, family visit, work under Work Permit, study, business setup, applying for residence permit, judicial/administrative tasks, research).
2. Prepare supporting documents for the chosen visa type (booking/payment for accommodation, property documents, invitation/family confirmation, employer documents for Work Permit, documents from the educational institution, proof of business capital, documents for residence application).
3. Upon entry, check the duration granted and match it with the purpose of your stay.
4. If you plan to apply for a residence permit, do not delay submission: consider the duration granted at entry to avoid overstaying.
5. If your trip involves crossing the internal control line, note that the "Green Line" is the demarcation and movement control line between Northern and Southern Cyprus.

Glossary

• Work Permit — work authorization for foreigners in Northern Cyprus; a separate 30-day visa may be issued upon entry.
• Residence Permit — status allowing residence in Northern Cyprus based on a specific basis (e.g., family, property, study).
• Student pre-registration — document from an educational institution that can be used to issue a 60-day visa for applying for student residence.
• "Green Line" — demarcation and movement control line between Northern and Southern Cyprus.

Frequently Asked Questions

How many days is a tourist visa usually granted for Northern Cyprus?

The tourist visa is usually issued for 30 days. Up to 90 days is possible with a paid accommodation booking or proof of property ownership. For family visits, the maximum stay at relatives’ homes is 60 days.

Which visa is needed if I am going to work under a contract?

If you enter for work, a work permit visa applies: it is issued for 30 days with prior approval (Work Permit).

How many days are granted for internships or short-term courses?

For internships, courses, exchange programs, and professional development, a visa of up to 90 days may be granted if the purpose of the visit is documented.

Which visa is suitable if I am going to start a business?

A 30-day visa is provided for business setup if proof of capital for the business is confirmed.

How much time is given for applying for student residence?

A visa of 60 days may be granted for applying for a student residence permit after submitting a student registration or pre-registration document.

Are there separate visas for judicial processes or scientific research?

Yes. For judicial and administrative purposes, a visa may be issued for the duration of the task upon request/decision of authorities. For scientific research, a visa may be issued for the duration of the research.

If you need consultation on visas and migration status

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

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