Kibkom North Cyprus Forum

We are flying over early May & staying for just over 5 months, as we are 65 & 67 will we need to apply for a residency permit?
Can anyone enlighten us & if yes how do we go about it please.

If you own a property here I'd say no, just relax and enjoy.

The only fly in the ointment is that you are only allowed to use your UK driving licence for 3 months, so you should apply for a TRNC driving licence before that time runs out, if you are intending to use a car whilst here. People have been fined for not complying with this law. Here is a link to the BRS website explaining the rules, as of January this year http://www.brstrnc.com/index.php/lifest ... june-2017-

Thanks for both responses. We own a home & already have a TRNC licence.

Oliver1508 wrote:Thanks for both responses. We own a home & already have a TRNC licence.

Then no worries. When I asked at the immigration office to clarify do I need residency over 60, while I was there with my under 60 partner, the lady said don’t bother...... so I haven’t for the third year running

If or when they decide that it’s mandatory then I will abide by that decision.

Mint1955, Sorry to tell you BUT it has always been mandatory, regardless of age, that if an alien stays for more than 90 days then they must apply for the initial visa permit. It is written in TRNC law and has been for many years. The current agreement regarding aliens over the age of 60 only applies to those who have already completed - at sometime in the past - the initial visa application. As you know that agreement is currently under review by the TRNC government and we all await the outcome.

I know someone who has never had residency, lives here all the time, is over 60 and has never had any problem, whatever the law or current agreement states.

So do I and I also know people who are still receiving pensions paid to people who have long gone, but neither of these facts alter the law here. I understand where you are going with this frontalman, but it is just information anyway and it only matters if you want to stay within the law or not.

Many people here do not bother with a Turkish driving license - till the police stop them. Equally, many people have never bothered to get a visa and live below the radar quite happily. I am told that many people hire out their property and don't pay tax on the earnings and shock of shocks some people actually work here without a permit to do so - faints in horror - lol.

The only reason I posted the information is that the government appears to be actually taking an interest in how many people live here and they are doing something about finding out who they are and where they are, better forewarned than not I feel.

http://www.brstrnc.com/index.php/lifest ... june-2017- Info from the BRS updated Jan 19

I can remember reading somewhere or other, no matter if you are over 60, you do need to do a 1st temp residency, if you are staying for over 90 days. Thereafter, for those over 60, you can forego the residency requirements, if you so wish.

It's a bit of a minefield for the OP as to what to do. If at any time, you've had residency here, you should be fine. Personally, I would hate to advise just to not bother doing anything, just in case you get hit by a 120TL per day fine per person after the 90 day visa expires. 2 months over comes to nearly £2000 for 2 people.

It does seem a right hassle to go through the steps for a temp residency if not staying here all the time. Of course there are those who take a little trip to the south side, or over to Turkey to get another 90 days, but it's not always given.

waddo wrote:So do I and I also know people who are still receiving pensions paid to people who have long gone, but neither of these facts alter the law here. I understand where you are going with this frontalman, but it is just information anyway and it only matters if you want to stay within the law or not.

Many people here do not bother with a Turkish driving license - till the police stop them. Equally, many people have never bothered to get a visa and live below the radar quite happily. I am told that many people hire out their property and don't pay tax on the earnings and shock of shocks some people actually work here without a permit to do so - faints in horror - lol.

The only reason I posted the information is that the government appears to be actually taking an interest in how many people live here and they are doing something about finding out who they are and where they are, better forewarned than not I feel.

I wasn't going anywhere with anything, just sharing my experience. I keep hearing this thing about needing at least one residency stamp but I don't believe that's true, and not necessary to obtain a TRNC driving license.

I'm over 70. I live here. I have a TC driving licence. Been hospitalised in Girne and Nicosia 6 times. Fly to the UK and back again at least once a year. Never applied for or had a TC residency permit. Until I'm told differently by TC authorities I shall continue on my merry way doing what I'm doing.

Why is it a hassle pretty straight forward especially if your 60 plus

I know it's not much hassle but why do it and pay 400+ TL if it's not necessary?

https://mfa.gov.ct.tr/consular-info/visa-regulations/ - That is your first bit that many just ignore or do not know about - interesting and remember that you are a "Foreigner" first, last and always here.

http://www.mahkemeler.net/cgi-bin/default.aspx - This bit requires effort but the law on immigration and what all "Aliens" must do is in there, I have spent many hours on this site - google translate helps - during the winter months and it is a shame it is only in Turkish when many other Government sites are in different languages.

I freely admit to being a touch pedantic but then after 25 years in the Military where you were always told "ignorance is no excuse" I guess I have grown up to check, check and then check again. Have fun if you have the time there are some interesting things in there.

When I looked into it all last year my interpretation of what was posted on the BRS (I know some are not fans) was that you had to have applied and been granted the initial application but didn't have to renew. I queried this when I joined and was told by two of the volunteers that you didn't have to apply at all if you were over 60. I believe that to be their interpretation and not necessarily the formal view of the BRS. So there is still even in my mind a doubt as to the correct way to go about it.

Let's hope that we are left as we are and we can continue without having to jump through hoops constantly with changes as and when it is deemed fit.

Waddo thanks for those links. I agree with the bit about ignorance is no excuse and my training instilled that into me as well. It would be easier for us Brits if translations were done for us I guess but it would also be easier if the law was applied with some consistency rather than relying on whoever is applying it and what sort of day they are having.

waddo wrote:https://mfa.gov.ct.tr/consular-info/visa-regulations/ - That is your first bit that many just ignore or do not know about - interesting and remember that you are a "Foreigner" first, last and always here......

An intriguing bit from the above link -
"Foreigners are required to have the following in their possessions at the port of entry to the TRNC:
.......
.......
.......
Proof of confirmed hotel reservation....."

And if you're a "swallow" visiting your holiday home, NOT stopping with friends or at a hotel....?

frontalman wrote:I know it's not much hassle but why do it and pay 400+ TL if it's not necessary?

By supporting the country you reside in and love!!! Maybe then they would not have to crucify the ones who they already have a hold over.

I personally disliked the amount of people who used to take advantage of things they could do in the UK as it was not necessary or there was a loop hole that allowed them to do it when I lived there.

But then I suppose being one of the minority of British foreign workers having a beyaz kimlik earnt through a work permit, maybe I am a little bias.

I'm sure the money saved goes to support the country in other ways. We all do our bit. If they were that desperate for the money, they wouldn't have granted the concession in the first place.

if they are so concerned about money, how about the government handing out kocans to those who have not got theirs, they would rake in millions.