Is a visa required to live in North Cyprus?
Yes. North Cyprus requires a visa for resident status. Peeople coming from abroad automatically obtain a 3-month visa upon arrival. An extension of this time period can be granted, provided you successfully apply for a residency permit (implying that you plan to settle permanently). Typically, as the visa process can be long and tiresome, many people opt to hire a solicitor from their respective government office.

What is the procedure for buying property in North Cyprus?
- The price of the property is agreed.
- Purchaser pays to reserve the property
- The purchase contract is prepared by the solicitor and then signed.
- The purchaser pays the first installment uponsigning the contract
- The solicitor or appropriate appointed person will then apply for a purchase permit from the Interior Ministry. This can take up to 1-1.5 years.
- Once the Purchase Permit has been granted from the Interior Ministry and title deeds are transferred, the remaining balance is due from the purchaser.

What other costs should I anticipate when purchasing property in North Cyprus?
Solicitors fee: Including drawing up of contract, Power of Attorney, Purchase Permit application, and seeing the sale through to completion. Stamp Duty: 6% of the valuation levied by the Land Registry Office and 1% of the Stamp Duty charge is paid to the Local Council. You will have the option to be exempt from 3% of the 6% Stamp Duty on any one prurchase. You should also expect to pay 5% VAT . In addition a Contract Stamp Duty is payable within 21 days of Contract signing, this is 0.5% of the purchase price of the property.

Can I use my own solicitor from overseas?
No. You must use a solicitor based here in North Cyprus. You can use a solicitor of your choice or alternatively we have reliable independent solicitors whom we could introduce you to.

Do I need to be present in North Cyprus to purchase property?
Presence is not a requirement to purchase property. If you are interested in purchasing real estate but are not able to travel immediately, we would be happy to assist you. Simply submit an inquiry and one of our consultants will contact you and personally walk you through the process.

Do I need to make a will?
Yes you must have a Will based here in North Cyprus as any other foreign Will will not be accepted. This can be done on completion of your property.

Can I buy as much property as I want?
As a foreigner, you will be restricted to a property built maximum on 1 Donum of land. To purchase more than one property you will need to find a nominee (this person should be a friend or relative or someone you know and trust) to take title to the property and hold the property on trust for you or you will need to set up a TRNC company.

Can my spouse and I purchase one property each?
No. Current property restrictions are one property per household and husband-wife-children count as one household.

How much is a donum of land?
A donum is a third of an acre or 1,338 metres square. Land measurements are generally calculated in donums, evleks and square feet. There are 4 evleks to the donum and 3,600 square feet to an Evlek.

Who will look after our house or clean it when we are not present in North Cyprus?
Our company has a number of after-sales services, including property management. We can meet all your needs while ensuring that your house is in secure hands

North Cyprus Related Issues:

What language is spoken in North Cyprus?
The official language in North Cyprus is Turkish. However, English is widely spoken. In fact, it is common for business to be conducted in English.

What is the weather like in Cyprus?
Cyprus is known for its long, hot summers and short, light winters. The island typically sees 300 days of sunshine, providing for consistent summer temperatures up into the 30s. Perhaps equally important, the sea temperature is quite comfortable year round, with winter seasons reaching an average temperature of above 16 degrees.

Traffic and driving license?
The traffic is from the left and people with foreign licenses are permitted to drive for a period of three months, after which a local driving license must be applied for.

Can I bring my pet to Cyprus?
Your pets are most welcome here in North Cyprus! The required vaccination process includes a quarantine period and can be easily coordinated through your local vet. For further information on this issue, please contact Margaret Ray, chairperson of Kyrenia Animal Rescue on 00 90 533 863 1950.

What type of education opportunities does North Cyprus offer?
The education system in Northern Cyprus is constantly improving. It is widely known for its excellence in secondary education and its adherence to the English curriculum. Furthermore, with several local univeristies there are also opportunities for advanced education.