Northern Cyprus continues to attract international investors and residents seeking a high quality of life, affordable real estate, and a clear path to long-term residency.
One of the most effective ways to establish legal residence in the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus is through real estate investment or proof of stable financial means.
This guide provides accurate, up-to-date information on the two most common and accessible routes to obtaining a Residence Permit , based on current regulations and procedures at the TRNC Immigration Department.
Whether you are purchasing a completed property, investing off-plan, or applying as a non-working resident, understanding the requirements is essential for a smooth and successful application.
1. Residence Permit Through Real Estate Purchase
Foreign nationals have the right to apply for a temporary residence permit upon purchasing property in Northern Cyprus , whether the property is completed or still under construction.
1.1 Residence Permit for Owners of Real Estate in a Completed Project
Required Documents:
- 1.1.1 Valid passport
- 1.1.2 Certificate of residence issued by the local Mukhtar (neighborhood official)
- 1.1.3
- Title Deed (Tapu) registered in the applicant’s name, or
- A registered Purchase and Sale Agreement with the Tax Office
- If the Tapu has not yet been transferred, proof of application to the Ministry of Internal Affairs must be provided, including the official Dossier (Case) Number
- 1.1.4 Bank Statement showing:
- A minimum balance of USD 16,000 (or equivalent)
- For first-time applicants: Statement from a foreign bank, translated into Turkish or English and notarized
- For renewals: Statement from a local TRNC bank (to confirm residency and local financial activity)
- Important: This amount must be maintained throughout the entire validity period of the permit
1.2 Residence Permit for Real Estate in a Project Under Construction
Applicants purchasing off-plan property can still apply for residency by providing additional documentation.
Required Documents:
- 1.2.1 Valid passport
- 1.2.2 Registered Purchase and Sale Agreement for off-plan property
- 1.2.3 Certificate of residence from the Mukhtar
- 1.2.4 Registered rental agreement for alternative accommodation (in the applicant’s name)
- 1.2.5 Bank statement meeting the same requirements as in Section 1.1.4
2. Residence Permit for High-Income Individuals (“Non-Working Resident”)
This category is designed for individuals who do not intend to work or run a business in the TRNC but can financially support themselves.
Required Documents:
- 2.1 Valid passport
- 2.2 Certificate of residence from the Mukhtar
- 2.3 Registered rental agreement in the applicant’s name
- 2.4 Bank Statement showing:
- A minimum balance of USD 33,000 (or equivalent)
- For first-time applicants: Foreign bank statement (translated and notarized)
- For renewals: Local TRNC bank statement
- The balance must not fall below USD 33,000 during the permit’s validity
This route is commonly used by retirees, remote workers, and investors.
Family Reunification
Once the primary applicant obtains a residence permit, eligible family members may also apply.
Spouses
- Valid passport
- Certified marriage certificate
- Passport of the primary permit holder
- Copy of their residence permit
- Mukhtar certificate
Children
- Male children under 25 years | Female children: no age limit
- Certificate of non-marriage (for children over 16)
- Birth certificate
- Parents’ marriage certificate
- Passport of the parent with the permit
- Mukhtar certificate
Parents (65+ Years)
- Must be 65 years or older
- Passport
- Mukhtar certificate
- Birth certificate (proof of parent-child relationship)
Unmarried Partners (Cohabiting)
- Passports of both partners
- Mukhtar certificate
- Signed declaration confirming neither is married
- Form EK7 – Completed and notarized at a local notary office
Critical Requirements for All Applicants
All documents must be:
- Translated into Turkish or English
- Notarized by a licensed notary public in Northern Cyprus
Applications with unverified, untranslated, or unsigned documents are typically delayed or rejected.
How DASHAD GROUP Supports Your Residency Journey
While the process is standardized, navigating it successfully requires local knowledge, attention to detail, and reliable support.
At DASHAD GROUP, we’ve helped hundreds of international clients not only purchase high-quality properties but also secure their residence permits with full documentation support.
Our services include:
- Assistance with Mukhtar registration and rental agreements
- Coordination of bank statements and translations
- Guidance through CoM and Tapu transfer
- Document checklists and pre-submission reviews
- Multilingual support in Russian, English, Farsi and Turkish
We ensure your investment leads to more than just a home , it becomes the foundation of your new life in Northern Cyprus.
