Residency/Driving Licence

Hedge-fund · Post by **Hedge-fund** » Fri 14 Sep 2018 10:12 am

I'm thinking I might need a TRNC driving licence but would appreciate advice.

I'm here around 100 days per year and always hire from Larnaca - getting insurance at the crossing.

The first step I read on getting a driving licence mentions a residency stamp. Do I need to apply for residency? Can I get a licence without residency.

I think I qualify for residency (own a house here) but wondered if it expires if I'm out of the TRNC for most of the year.

Many thanks.

Hector · Post by **Hector** » Fri 14 Sep 2018 10:20 am

If you are 60 or over then you don't need residency to get a TRNC driving licence provided of course you have a UK driving licence. Under 60, then yes you need residency stamp.

Hedge-fund · Post by **Hedge-fund** » Fri 14 Sep 2018 10:27 am

Thanks.

I'm under 60.

So the residency won't expire if I'm not here for 265 days?

jofra · Post by **jofra** » Fri 14 Sep 2018 12:14 pm

I'm (well) over 60, so this may not apply -
I've owned an apartment for three years now, spend about 100 days a year here but do not have any residency stamp.
However, to obtain a license, as an owner I require and have obtained a letter confirming my ownership from my local Muhtar so that I can get my driving license - this is all that several neighbours done who have now got their licenses

13roman58 · Post by **13roman58** » Fri 14 Sep 2018 2:14 pm

If you hire a car at Larnaca then it is a Greek car so you are driving on your UK licence no problem

Keithcaley · Post by **Keithcaley** » Fri 14 Sep 2018 3:23 pm

13roman58 wrote:If you hire a car at Larnaca then it is a Greek car so you are driving on your UK licence no problem

.... until you enter the TRNC, perhaps...

Deniz1 · Post by **Deniz1** » Fri 14 Sep 2018 3:40 pm

Uk licence can only be used for 30 days in TRNC

Deniz1 · Post by **Deniz1** » Fri 14 Sep 2018 3:40 pm

unless you leave and return of course.

Keithcaley · Post by **Keithcaley** » Fri 14 Sep 2018 3:59 pm

I thought that it was 90 days (to match the duration of the usual tourist visa) - was I wrong?

snd1966 · Post by **snd1966** » Fri 14 Sep 2018 4:39 pm

Keithcaley wrote:I thought that it was 90 days (to match the duration of the usual tourist visa) - was I wrong?

and driving a hire car I thought was ok to do on an uk licence, I believed it was if you had bought your own car

jofra · Post by **jofra** » Fri 14 Sep 2018 5:13 pm

From Brit. Res. site...
"Driving Licences
Foreigners may use their own national driving licence throughout the 90 days of their tourist entry visa (see separate residency section). Those who wish to continue driving beyond this period are required by law to apply for a TRNC driving licence within 30 days. Failure to do this may invalidate motor insurance policies and result a court case and a monetary fine.

Please note that if those who are aged under 60 and who do not intend applying for a TRNC driving licence will not be able to drive any vehicle in the TRNC once the 90 day tourist visa has expired."

It's also been stated in previous posts that a TRNC license must be obtained if in the TRNC over A TOTAL of 90 days in 12 months, even if spread over two or more visits....

wanderer · Post by **wanderer** » Fri 14 Sep 2018 5:28 pm

There has also been a bit where it has been reduced to 30 days as in Trevor 's tips

tomsteel · Post by **tomsteel** » Fri 14 Sep 2018 10:41 pm

There has also been mention that to drive a TRNC registered vehicle, the driver must have a TRNC DL and cannot use any other national DL in lieu. Confusing at times eh?

tylerbabe · Post by **tylerbabe** » Sat 15 Sep 2018 9:46 am

We have been living here 5 weeks now so after 3 months we can apply for a TRNC driving license. We are only renting but have a rental contract and where do we apply for it thanks

Hedge-fund · Post by **Hedge-fund** » Sat 15 Sep 2018 10:18 am

Thanks for your replies for which I'm grateful. I'm generally none the wiser (no probs) so I think I'll reduce stay to 89 days p.a until things are clearer.

Keithcaley · Post by **Keithcaley** » Sat 15 Sep 2018 10:30 am

tylerbabe wrote:We have been living here 5 weeks now so after 3 months we can apply for a TRNC driving license. We are only renting but have a rental contract and where do we apply for it thanks

You don't have to wait for 3 months before applying - if you know that you are going to be here fot a long time, then you can apply as soon as you like

You apply at the office in Lefkoşa - see other posts/threads for directions - or one of the driving schools will do it for you for a modest fee, which might be more convenient for you if you are working....

EnjoyingTheSun · Post by **EnjoyingTheSun** » Sat 15 Sep 2018 10:42 am

tylerbabe wrote:We have been living here 5 weeks now so after 3 months we can apply for a TRNC driving license. We are only renting but have a rental contract and where do we apply for it thanks

More a case that you have to have a driving licence after 3 months.

Hedge-fund · Post by **Hedge-fund** » Sat 15 Sep 2018 11:43 am

EnjoyingTheSun wrote:
tylerbabe wrote:We have been living here 5 weeks now so after 3 months we can apply for a TRNC driving license. We are only renting but have a rental contract and where do we apply for it thanks

More a case that you have to have a driving licence after 3 months.

But do you need residency to get a licence? On the list of things you need to take to the police is 'residency stamp'.........

tylerbabe · Post by **tylerbabe** » Sat 15 Sep 2018 12:14 pm

We are over 60

tylerbabe · Post by **tylerbabe** » Sat 15 Sep 2018 12:17 pm

Keithcaley wrote:
tylerbabe wrote:We have been living here 5 weeks now so after 3 months we can apply for a TRNC driving license. We are only renting but have a rental contract and where do we apply for it thanks
You don't have to wait for 3 months before applying - if you know that you are going to be here fot a long time, then you can apply as soon as you like

You apply at the office in Lefkoşa - see other posts/threads for directions - or one of the driving schools will do it for you for a modest fee, which might be more convenient for you if you are working....

waddo · Post by **waddo** » Sat 15 Sep 2018 12:19 pm

Even if you are over 60 you still have to do your FIRST residency - do check that out for yourselves. After you have done your first residency and if you are over 60 then it is up to you to trust the handshake agreement from the Government or keep doing residency every two years - coin toss for some, £40 ish a year to be safe for others. Up to you.

tylerbabe · Post by **tylerbabe** » Sat 15 Sep 2018 1:31 pm

waddo wrote:Even if you are over 60 you still have to do your FIRST residency - do check that out for yourselves. After you have done your first residency and if you are over 60 then it is up to you to trust the handshake agreement from the Government or keep doing residency every two years - coin toss for some, £40 ish a year to be safe for others. Up to you.

How do you find out ? or when you apply for a license they tell you a stamp is needed ?

waddo · Post by **waddo** » Sat 15 Sep 2018 3:50 pm

Here is a bit you don't normally see on here: http://mfa.gov.ct.tr/consular-info/visa-regulations/
And another bit for you to ponder on: http://www.nmplegal.com/assets/docs/Gui ... 060313.pdf
More: http://www.essentialcyprus.com/residenc ... th-cyprus/

Things have moved on and to be honest the BRS website is fairly well up to date but notice there is no mention of age upon arrival and what you should do. Best advice I can offer is to go to the Immigration Dept in Lefcosia, take a ticket and then go and ask what the actual rules are "Today". If you can get to talk to the little guy with the moustache then talk to him, he has been there years and really knows his stuff.

We have been here 11 years now, always done residency (I was over 60 when I arrived) and we have chased permanent residency all that time with no luck as the rules keep changing. The latest rule change that required you to have purchased a property above a certain value will have stopped many people who have lived her much longer than us from ever getting permanent residency because house prices have risen dramatically since our arrival. The forum is a good source of informed knowledge but it is best to go to the department in question to find out if what you read is still current.

Good luck out there.

Keithcaley · Post by **Keithcaley** » Sat 15 Sep 2018 3:51 pm

tylerbabe wrote:...still trying to get him a job he is bored now he is an electrican

Be aware that he will need an 'offer of employment' and a work permit to be 'legal' regardless of age - and be subject to deportation without right of appeal if he is found to be working without - not that some people don't risk it, but I would advise against it, given the consequences!

Also, you cannot have 'Residency' (actually a 'Visitor Status Visa') and a work permit at the same time...

tylerbabe · Post by **tylerbabe** » Sat 15 Sep 2018 4:10 pm

Thanks guys

tomsteel · Post by **tomsteel** » Sat 15 Sep 2018 7:38 pm

tomsteel wrote:There has also been mention that to drive a TRNC registered vehicle, the driver must have a TRNC DL and cannot use any other national DL in lieu. Confusing at times eh?

Sorry, TRNC registered hire cars are not subject to this law. It applies only to privately owned TRNC registered vehicles. Hire car drivers can use their national DLs, providing they remain within the TRNC immigration law relating to the length of stay here.

More turns and twists than a corkscrew.

jofra · Post by **jofra** » Sat 15 Sep 2018 7:45 pm

waddo wrote:Here is a bit you don't normally see on here: http://mfa.gov.ct.tr/consular-info/visa-regulations/
"© 2011, Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus Deputy Prime Ministry and Ministry of Foreign Affairs"
And another bit for you to ponder on: http://www.nmplegal.com/assets/docs/Gui ... 060313.pdf
Right click, Page info -
"Modified: 26 September 2013, 00:52:34"
More: http://www.essentialcyprus.com/residenc ... th-cyprus/
"January 22, 2012 By admin"

.......Best advice I can offer is to go to the Immigration Dept in Lefcosia, take a ticket and then go and ask what the actual rules are "Today". If you can get to talk to the little guy with the moustache then talk to him, he has been there years and really knows his stuff......

All useful and very worth considering, but subject to change over 5-7 years...? As you say, " actual rules are "Today" are the best guide....

jimm · Post by **jimm** » Sun 16 Sep 2018 6:05 am

If you are over 60 then you do not have to have residency stamp to obtain a driving licence, I never had one and got my licence ok

tylerbabe · Post by **tylerbabe** » Sun 16 Sep 2018 6:58 am

jimm wrote:If you are over 60 then you do not have to have residency stamp to obtain a driving licence, I never had one and got my licence ok

Thanks will give it a try

EnjoyingTheSun · Post by **EnjoyingTheSun** » Sun 16 Sep 2018 7:19 am

jimm wrote:If you are over 60 then you do not have to have residency stamp to obtain a driving licence, I never had one and got my licence ok

Maybe a Mukhtar's letter might help?

jimm · Post by **jimm** » Mon 17 Sep 2018 5:41 am

yes you need a Mukhtars letter

PoshinDevon · Post by **PoshinDevon** » Wed 19 Sep 2018 12:33 pm

Today’s (19 Sept 2018) Driving Licence Experience.

1. This was a renewal of both our TRNC Driving Licences which ran out in May 2018.

2. We have a number of residency stamps in our passport however we did not renew residency this year as we were not planning an extended stay.

3. I am over 60 my wife is under 60 years old.

We went to the offices in Girne just up from the state hospital to complete paperwork.

1. You need to complete the application form (Copy available in English). Form is on the counter where the applications are processed. The form appears to be exactly the same whether it’s an initial application or a renewal.

2. We also needed the following for each renewal application:-

Two photographs (Ensure they are the correct size to fit on the licence)
A photocopy of our passport. ( Just the main pages. Not the pages with any residency stamps)
Our old TRNC Driving Licence
Fee (For 2, 3, 5 or 10years)

No Muhtars letter was required (We presume that as this was because this was a renewal of our licence and our address was already on our old licence).

Fees as at today:-

2 years = 270TL per licence
3 years = 365TL per licence
5 years = 555TL per licence
Didn’t make a note but fee for 10 years was around 990TL

We were the only ones in the queue at around 11am. The girl processing the paperwork was very pleasant and chatty and as there was no one else waiting we were able to discuss the “technology” and processes in use for the applications......she was young and bright and clearly thought it was was out of date! All paperwork including old licence is held and a receipt issued for payment for the renewal. Keep hold of the receipt as this is proof you have a licence and it is just being renewed. Told to return in 1 month to collect new licence.

Hope this may help anyone who is looking to renew their TRNC licence. The caveat is that things change!

For those applying for the first time our understanding is that this can only be done at the offices in Lefkosa and in addition to the paperwork we have advised you will need a Muhtars letter. Plus evidence of at least one residency stamp in passport whether you are over or under 60yrs old. Again the caveat is that things change!

wanderer · Post by **wanderer** » Wed 19 Sep 2018 2:34 pm

Two photographs (Ensure they are the correct size to fit on the licence)
Posh where did you get photos from & size I'm in the Ozankoy area
Thanks in anticipation

PoshinDevon · Post by **PoshinDevon** » Wed 19 Sep 2018 2:53 pm

wanderer wrote:Two photographs (Ensure they are the correct size to fit on the licence)
Posh where did you get photos from & size I'm in the Ozankoy area
Thanks in anticipation

We headed into Girne. Parked up in main car park on right hand side before the little roundabout right in centre.

Spotted a photo (Foto) shop with a Kodak sign above it, just where the dolmus buses used to park up a couple of years ago. It’s close to and opposite the little roundabout right in the centre before the road goes right, down into town itself.

Took 5 mins for set of eight pictures each to be taken, cut to size etc.

Hope this helps.

Chriswright03 · Post by **Chriswright03** » Wed 19 Sep 2018 3:03 pm

PoshinDevon wrote:Today’s (19 Sept 2018) Driving Licence Experience.

For those applying for the first time our understanding is that this can only be done at the offices in Lefkosa and in addition to the paperwork we have advised you will need a Muhtars letter. Plus evidence of at least one residency stamp in passport whether you are over or under 60yrs old.

We are both over 60 and didn't need a residency stamp at all just a Muhtar's letter. We do not have residency. We did the process through one of the Driving schools and had our licences back within 2 weeks.

wanderer · Post by **wanderer** » Wed 19 Sep 2018 3:11 pm

Thanks Posh for those directions

tylerbabe · Post by **tylerbabe** » Wed 19 Sep 2018 3:39 pm

Chriswright03 wrote:
PoshinDevon wrote:Today’s (19 Sept 2018) Driving Licence Experience.

For those applying for the first time our understanding is that this can only be done at the offices in Lefkosa and in addition to the paperwork we have advised you will need a Muhtars letter. Plus evidence of at least one residency stamp in passport whether you are over or under 60yrs old.
We are both over 60 and didn't need a residency stamp at all just a Muhtar's letter. We do not have residency. We did the process through one of the Driving schools and had our licences back within 2 weeks.

My husband has done his through Trevor Hughes Capital bank no residency stamp just Mutlar,s letter back tomorrow he is over 60

wanderer · Post by **wanderer** » Mon 24 Sep 2018 4:14 pm

photos Saturday Girne 35tl

Muchtars letter Monday proof of residence form issued 10tl (no stamps muchter provided )

Forms from Girne then complete at home

Drive to lefkosa

Straight over last roundabout before one way system in lefkosa then take immediate left
The office is a new building at lot of glass parking not a lot of space
Go in the entrance

right at reception into office in front of you ground floor
Counter the on right just through the doors View the counter as if upside down letter" L" go to the part of the same counter just round to the right

Arrived at the office at 11:30 come back please 13:15
13:15
Hand over forms( two photos of me Passport +copy ,UK driving licence+copy ,Driving Licence application form ,muchtar letter

sit quietly for 20 minutes forms handed back and pay 365tl

Just have to go back and collect the licence showing my receipt

PoshinDevon · Post by **PoshinDevon** » Mon 24 Sep 2018 4:55 pm

wanderer wrote:photos Saturday Girne 35tl

Muchtars letter Monday proof of residence form issued 10tl (no stamps muchter provided )

Forms from Girne then complete at home

Drive to lefkosa

Straight over last roundabout before one way system in lefkosa then take immediate left
The office is a new building at lot of glass parking not a lot of space
Go in the entrance

right at reception into office in front of you ground floor
Counter the on right just through the doors View the counter as if upside down letter" L" go to the part of the same counter just round to the right

Arrived at the office at 11:30 come back please 13:15
13:15
Hand over forms( two photos of me Passport +copy ,UK driving licence+copy ,Driving Licence application form ,muchtar letter

sit quietly for 20 minutes forms handed back and pay 365tl

Just have to go back and collect the licence showing my receipt

This is for an initial licence application. For renewals this can be done at the offices in Girne if you live in this area.

AngelGirl · Post by **AngelGirl** » Thu 27 Sep 2018 8:50 am

Im under 60 (just) and own a car/property here but live permently in the UK now and visit 2-3 weeks per year. Can I drive on a UK licence as a vistor?

waddo · Post by **waddo** » Thu 27 Sep 2018 10:05 am

Don't exceed your "rolling" 90 days in one year and you should not have a problem - unless of course the police stop you and ask why you have not got a TRNC license as you own a TRNC registered car!

tomsteel · Post by **tomsteel** » Thu 27 Sep 2018 11:48 am

AngelGirl wrote:Im under 60 (just) and own a car/property here but live permently in the UK now and visit 2-3 weeks per year. Can I drive on a UK licence as a vistor?

No, in accordance with the TRNC law. If you drive a TRNC registered vehicle, you need a TRNC DL. It really is that simple. Further, check with your vehicle insurers as to the legal status of your insurance in the event of an incident or police check. I was advised your length of stay is an irrelevance with regard to this particular law.
You should also be aware the TRNC authorities monitor posts on here.

waddo · Post by **waddo** » Thu 27 Sep 2018 12:27 pm

"You should also be aware the TRNC authorities monitor posts on here."

Then it is to their undying shame that they do not take action on some of them or at the very least provide the information that everybody is trying so hard to find and to stay within the current - and ever changing - laws!

In the end it all seems to boil down to which day of the month the police stop and check, if it is close to the end of the month there is a lot more activity to make up for the coffee shop days.

tomsteel · Post by **tomsteel** » Thu 27 Sep 2018 12:34 pm

tomsteel wrote:
AngelGirl wrote:Im under 60 (just) and own a car/property here but live permently in the UK now and visit 2-3 weeks per year. Can I drive on a UK licence as a vistor?
No, in accordance with the TRNC law. If you drive a TRNC registered vehicle, you need a TRNC DL. It really is that simple. Further, check with your vehicle insurers as to the legal status of your insurance in the event of an incident or police check. I was advised your length of stay is an irrelevance with regard to this particular law.
You should also be aware the TRNC authorities monitor posts on here.

waddo, "preaching to the converted", springs to mind here buddy. However, for all of their perceived faults, the 'rozzers'" clear up rates dazzle those of the UK Police Services, not that I ever want to go back to live there I must add!

AngelGirl · Post by **AngelGirl** » Thu 27 Sep 2018 1:52 pm

Tomsteel / Waddo thanks for your comments.
If I have a TRNC car but only visit 3 weeks in any one year, how am i eligable for TRNC residency? If Im here for just one week at a time, its not even long enough to fit the paperwork in and I’m not resident any longer.
Further up the post, someone mentioned Mary Hughes at Capital Bank who organises TRNC licences and she kindly replied and said “If you are only here 3 weeks ın any one year you dont need to get a TRNC licence”
I will ask my insurance company.

wanderer · Post by **wanderer** » Thu 27 Sep 2018 2:35 pm

Angie its possible to do it in a day then collect it on the next visit and still spend the afternoon at the shops as we did on Monday

tomsteel · Post by **tomsteel** » Thu 27 Sep 2018 4:15 pm

AngelGirl wrote:Tomsteel / Waddo thanks for your comments.
If I have a TRNC car but only visit 3 weeks in any one year, how am i eligable for TRNC residency? If Im here for just one week at a time, its not even long enough to fit the paperwork in and I’m not resident any longer.
Further up the post, someone mentioned Mary Hughes at Capital Bank who organises TRNC licences and she kindly replied and said “If you are only here 3 weeks ın any one year you dont need to get a TRNC licence”
I will ask my insurance company.

I think there is some confusion here vis a vie "residency or a 'visitor' stamp in your passport" and the requirement for a TRNC DL if driving a TRNC registered vehicle. The two requirements are separate. Whilst I do not doubt advice from well-intentioned expat views, I would seriously advise you check with your insurers, legal rep and the traffic police as to the legality of driving a TRNC registered vehicle on a non-TRNC DL. Earlier this year an expat involved in an accident with a TC citizen, not her fault, was charged and fined for illegally driving her TRNC registered car using her UK DL and having no TRNC DL. She was also made to pay all costs involved. You take the chance! Please let us all know what you discover.

Heaven · Post by **Heaven** » Fri 28 Sep 2018 6:27 am

Here is a new question. My family are here on holiday, arrived June until November/December. 1 of them is Australian passport, my daughter British and Australian passports. They are on our car insurance and borrow the car a couple of times a week. Do they now need TRNC licence. They are in rented property?

Keithcaley · Post by **Keithcaley** » Fri 28 Sep 2018 6:49 am

Based on everything that has been stated before, I would say YES.

frontalman · Post by **frontalman** » Fri 28 Sep 2018 7:07 am

waddo wrote:Even if you are over 60 you still have to do your FIRST residency - do check that out for yourselves. After you have done your first residency and if you are over 60 then it is up to you to trust the handshake agreement from the Government or keep doing residency every two years - coin toss for some, £40 ish a year to be safe for others. Up to you.

Not true, this is a misconception. If you are over 60 you don't need residency full stop.

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