by Northern Cyprus Property 
Guide to North Cyprus Residency – Key Highlights (May 2025 Update)
New 5-Year Residency Visa for All Property Buyers
As of 1st May 2025, the North Cyprus government introduced a significant update:
All overseas property buyers with a title deed in their name can now apply for a 5-year residency visa without any income requirement.
This applies to buyers of all ages, aligning North Cyprus residency o
Previously, only buyers over 60 qualified for 5-year visas under the Visa Exemption Scheme.
Buyers under 60 had to prove income (minimum wage equivalent) and could only get 1- or 2-year visas.
Family Residency Benefits
Property owners can sponsor their spouse/partner for the same 5-year residency period.
Children under 18 attending school in North Cyprus no longer need to apply separately or show income proof.
Residency Visa Types Based on Purchase Stage
| Purchase Stage | Visa Type | Duration | Income Requirement |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sales Contract Only | Visitor Visa | Up to 90 days | None |
| Sales Contract Only (Residency) | Residency Visa | 2 years | Proof of income required |
| Sales Contract + Permission to Purchase (P2) | Residency Visa | 5 years | Proof of income required |
| Title Deed in Buyer’s Name | Residency Visa | 5 years | No income proof required |
Note: The full purchase process (contract → permission to purchase → title deed) can take up to 18 months.
Visitor visas can be extended to 90 days but cannot be consecutively renewed more than twice per year.
Important Notes
Property ownership alone does not grant automatic residency; you must apply for the visa.
Long-term renters can apply for residency but face stricter income requirements (up to 3x minimum wage) and nationality-specific rules.
For in-person help, you can contact The Foreign Residents (TFR) via their Facebook page or attend weekly clinics in North Cyprus.
The TRNC minimum wage is approximately £10,000/year (subject to currency fluctuations).
These rules are new and may be updated; always check the latest info on the TFR Facebook page or official government portals.
Official Statement from TRNC Prime Minister Ünal Üstel
“We continue to implement with determination the steps that directly touch the lives of every segment of society living in our country. Our understanding of the social state is an understanding that embraces both our citizens and everyone who is in our country, who invests, produces and contributes to us. I believe that these regulations will create a solid foundation for a more peaceful social life, a stronger economic structure and a more contemporary public administration.”
If you need detailed assistance with your residency visa application or have specific questions, contacting TFR or a qualified legal advisor in North Cyprus is recommended.
For residency consultancy in North Cyprus, you can contact expert conveyancer Özyar Turgut. She is a graduate of law school, specializes in property conveyancing in Kyrenia. Özyar Turgut provides comprehensive legal advice and assistance with all aspects of property purchase, sales, and residency procedures for both local and international clients