Kibkom North Cyprus Forum

The Following was published by TFR last year. My question is simple but I can not seem to get a reply from any of the bodies who deal with the government on this matter as they all seem to be more concerned with property owners than renters.

Question - Has there been any movement on this promise made or is there anything in the pipeline dealing with this very important issue???

Additionally it is important to renters, as the Minister of the Interior also made a public announcement of this issue yet the financial requirements for residency of renters still remains at 3 times minimum wage income or 12 times 3 times minimum wage in savings in a bank. As the minimum wage rises twice annually many renters will now be in a position of not being able to meet the old requirements!!

I feel that now more than a year has passed since this occurred it should be raised once again with the Ministry!

New Residency Procedure for Foreigners over 60 years of age
3rd July 2024


People who Rent Property (High Income Category)
We were advised by the Interior Minister and it was published in the Press that people over 60 years who are renting a property will be able to obtain a residency exemption permit for the duration of their rental/tenancy agreement. This option was not included in the Law Change of 14th June so is not available at the present time.
For example, if you have a 2-year tenancy agreement then you will be able to get a 2 year residency permit.
Rental residency permits are available to the following people over 60 years old:
• Named person on the Rental agreement
• People married to a Named person on the Rental agreement, who provide a marriage certificate, translated into either English or Turkish
• People living with a Named person on the Rental agreement, who provide a single person status document from their home country, translated into English or Turkish.
If the person named on the Rental/Tenancy agreement is less than 60 years old, but their partner or spouse is over 60 years old then they will still be able to obtain a residency permit for the duration of their rental/tenancy agreement. The person named on the Rental/Tenancy agreement will need to continue with the standard residency process until they reach 60 years of age.

Strange, over 200 views which would indicate that I am not the only person living here in rental accommodation, yet no response - definitely none from TFR - which also indicates that either no one is interested or everyone else knows what is happening?

I would contact the Minister myself but as he does not have an email address and as my hearing deficiency precludes the use of the telephone, my only option is to once again visit the relevant department in person and try to fight my way through to anyone who will either not just shrug and ignore me or actually talk to me - another hopeless task!

However, should I learn anything new on this subject I will report back here.

waddo wrote: ↑

Sat 25 Oct 2025 1:07 pm

Strange, over 200 views which would indicate that I am not the only person living here in rental accommodation, yet no response …

İ read your post so will be one of the 200 views. We own our property. İ had nothing of value to contribute, so didn’t.

Thank you!

Nothing has changed, exemption is only available to home owners. I checked North Cyprus Heartbeat on FB which is the fountain of all knowledge.

Same as JoandJelly, has far has I'm aware nothing has changed .
I wouldn't be surprised if and when the 5 year online residency option is available, they will do away with exemptions altogether, it brings in comparatively little income.

I read it and awaited replies with interest since we’re in the same situation as Waddo. I too am confused following the earlier announcement of changes but nothing seems to have happed and the TFR webpages still showed the old three-times income requirement. No mention of five year leases (which we’ve just got).

Seems the rules were changed back in May 2025...not sure if this helps much...but the last 3 paragraphs mentions renters.


Cyprussun estate agents

·
New Residency Rules in Northern Cyprus

On May 15, 2025, the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC) enacted a new regulation (N386) that significantly alters the residency permit process for foreigners. The key changes are as follows:

Five-Year Residency Without Income Verification: Foreigners can now obtain a residency permit for five years without needing to prove their income, provided they have a title deed for their property. It is crucial to complete the title transfer process before applying for the residency permit.

Residency for Property Buyers: Those who have purchased property and registered their sales contract with the local land registry and tax office can also apply for a five-year residency permit. However, they must provide proof of income at least equal to one minimum wage during the permit's validity.

Residency with Bank Deposit: If a buyer has registered their property but lacks confirmed income, they can still secure a five-year residency by depositing an amount in a local bank that equals the minimum wage multiplied by the permit duration.

Short-Term Residency for Renters: Renters can apply for a one-year residency permit by proving a monthly income of at least three minimum wages or by depositing a sum equivalent to this amount in a local bank.

Long-Term Residency for Renters: A long-term residency permit for up to five years can be obtained if the rental agreement is registered and covers the requested period. Proof of income or a bank deposit is required.

Special Provisions for Seniors: Individuals aged 60 and over without guaranteed income can receive a residency permit for up to five years, contingent on providing proof of a bank deposit calculated based on the minimum wage.

These updates represent significant relaxations in the residency permit process for foreigners in Northern Cyprus, particularly the five-year residency without income verification for property owners, which is unprecedented in Europe. For further inquiries, please leave comments below for discussion.

'..if the rental agreement is registered"
Registered with whom?

On May 15, 2025, the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC) enacted a new regulation (N386) that significantly alters the residency permit process for foreigners. The key changes are as follows:

That would be nice indeed if it can be shown to be true! I will ask my TC buddy to check that for me. As I understand it, all rental agreements have to be registered with the Tapu because the landlord has to pay tax on the rent received. Maybe that is what is meant as "Registered"?

You can read this information on Cyprussun-pro.com just hoping they have got it right for renters!

Not sure about being registered with the tapu. Registered with tax office more likely.

I don't think the 5 year Residence for homeowners or renters has come to pass yet as far has I'm aware.
Has anyone actually got a 5 year residency, has opposed to a 5 year exemption?

kerry6138, you could very well be correct. I think some people are getting confused with Residency and Exemption.

benjaminbutton wrote: ↑

Sun 26 Oct 2025 4:18 pm

kerry6138, you could very well be correct. I think some people are getting confused with Residency and Exemption.

This topic refers. But since it was written in May when lots of changes were announced but few of which seem to have come into effect, it might be moot.

kerry 6138 wrote: ↑

Sun 26 Oct 2025 1:44 pm

I don't think the 5 year Residence for homeowners or renters has come to pass yet as far has I'm aware.
Has anyone actually got a 5 year residency, has opposed to a 5 year exemption?

5 years residency is still not available, the online application allows for 1 or 2 years. Currently, 5 years is only available via the exemption route, provided you meet certain conditions. It doesn't seem like any of the changes announced in May have actually happened.

https://www.ncp24.com/my-northern-cypru ... cy-permits

Not sure who these people are but seem to have summed up everything, almost, what people have contributed to. See what you think.

I agree, whoever they are have simplified the situation more or less. I beg to differ (I think) near the end when the subject of long term residency i.e. after 10 years . we tried after 5 years, 7 years, 10 years and 12 years then told to stop asking, it wasn't going to happen.

benjaminbutton wrote: ↑

Mon 27 Oct 2025 4:57 pm

I agree, whoever they are have simplified the situation more or less. I beg to differ (I think) near the end when the subject of long term residency i.e. after 10 years . we tried after 5 years, 7 years, 10 years and 12 years then told to stop asking, it wasn't going to happen.

Benjaminbutton.....agree it's not good for those caught up in long term property issues, I'm guessing that if the 5 year residency eventually gets going it might just be for the first time applicants or obviously those with no problems. About time they looked at individual cases to see what they can do.

BJB, msg 18 is quite correct - over simplification of the current situation without a doubt - in the case of a permanent Residency permit the immigration office made no bones about their statement. Have you held a work permit for 6 years here? If the answer is NO then you can now never get permanent residency! No if's, but's or discussion would be entered into - shown the door yet again! That was 5 years ago and again last year so nothing has changed in the 18 years we have held and always renewed our "Temporary" residency permit. The only thing that has changed that has made any difference to our situation is the shade cover at the Girne Police Station - lol. Maybe, now we have a new President, they might also add a few chairs for the elderly - lol.