Possibly moving North

[mutleypete]

Hi

I have been living in the South of Cyprus for a few years, but for some time I have been considering the possibility of moving over to the Northern side. I would be looking for work in the Girne/Lapta areas [although it doesn't HAVE to be here].

I am in my 40s and have been managing an internet cafe over on the South [Greek] side for the past 6 years. Before that I was in Customer service [Royal Mail] and retail [B&Q] in the UK for the previous 20 odd years.

That said, I'm not afraid to put my hand to any-thing, from manual to administrative work. I don't currently have any Turkish but that is an obstacle I would like to put right as quickly as possible!

I'd be grateful if any members could give me any pointers. I'm coming over for a break at Christmas and I'd be perfectly happy not to go back!

I'd also be glad of any advice on how to go about work/residents' permits in the North as I will of course only have 90 days on my slip when I first arrive.

Thanks

[carrierbag]

I am not an expert but I do know it's hard to get a job this side as you need a permit and they are like hen's teeth.

This might help but cannot guarantee it is 100% up to date.

http://www.essentialcyprus.com/work-per ... th-cyprus/

[Marions]

If yu have a residency visa (which you can get onapplicaiton after your 90 daysruns out, or before) then you may not work. If you get a job you need a work visa. Jobs, as Carrier Bag has said are VERY difficult to come by and even if you do get one, it may well be for the minimum wage of 1600 tl a month, out of which insurance has to be paid. Techniclaly your employer gets that, but........
Or you can start up your own business and for that you need money and more often than not a Turkish Cypriot partner.

When yu come over you will be able to ascertain for yourself just how things are and can ask around. Several of us, I am sure, would be happy to meet you and discuss your options as we see them, but do be warned. It is far more difficult than the south which is E.U.

I used to work in the south some 20 years ago before the EU, and was in the same position as people now in the North -0 I needed a work permit, but I was fortunate that I had other monies to live on. Trying to live on income alone here is VERY tough.
Don't want to put you off, but make sure you thoroughly investigate your position. If you wanted to rent a flat, the cheapest would be about £250 sterling, which is currently 800tl a month, so you see you would have very little left to live on.

As I say, don't want tobe negative, but it is challenging!!!! Good luck.