TRNC Eases Rules: Five-Year Residency Available for Property Owners Without Income Criteria
The Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC) has introduced new regulations regarding residency permits for foreigners, making the process more accessible for those investing in real estate. A recent amendment to the Law on Foreigners and Immigration updates Article 14(2) of the Principal Regulation, specifically revising subparagraphs (iv) and (v).
Under the new rules, foreigners who hold a title deed in their own name are now eligible for a five-year residency permit without the need to meet any income requirements.
Additionally, the updated regulation introduces provisions for those who have not yet obtained the title deed but have signed a sales contract for a property. In such cases, applicants may receive a two-year residency permit. If the Council of Ministers later grants official permission to purchase the property, the residency permit can be extended to five years. However, applicants under this category must demonstrate a monthly income of at least one minimum wage.
These changes aim to encourage foreign investment in the property market while offering more flexibility in the residency process. The removal of the income requirement for title deed holders, in particular, is seen as a positive step toward easing settlement for property owners in Northern Cyprus.