North Cyprus residency information

The Interior and Labour Ministry started accepting applications for the 2,000TL permanent residency cards on Monday, after regulations implementing the law were approved on December 10.

The first of some 10,000 foreign residents eligible for the TRNC’s new ‘white ID cards’ have begun applying
 
Long-term expats can apply once they have six consecutive years of residency, work, or business permits, and business owners and employees may not be out of the country for more than 240 days in six years. 

Non-working expats may not have been away for more then 1,080 days during their six years of temporary residency permits, and have to meet other criteria such as having 125,000 euros in a TRNC bank account, or having bought property worth the same amount. Over-60s may apply after three years, during which they may not have been overseas for more than 540 days. Non-working expats must have private health insurance valid in the TRNC.

Full details and application forms - in both Turkish and English - are available from district offices, and applications should be made at the Interior Ministry in Lefkosa, after which they will be evaluated by a special commission.