by Sales North Cyprus Residency & Real Estate Update – May 2025
In 2024, North Cyprus Property Market faced a major market downturn. Due to poor policy decisions—particularly around expat residency and the firing of foreign investors—the property sector saw a dramatic 80% decline in buyer activity. Trust was shaken. Many investors pulled out. Expats began looking elsewhere.
But now, the government is trying to make things right.
Realizing the economic and social impact, North Cyprus has launched new regulations aimed at protecting both property buyers and foreign residents. These smoother policies are designed to bring confidence back to the market, making it easier and safer for investors to settle in the country.
🏡 Guide to North Cyprus Residency – May 2025 Highlights
Effective from 1st May 2025, North Cyprus has rolled out a 5-year residency visa for all overseas property buyers — a major game-changer.
✅ Key Changes:
- Buyers of any age can now apply for a 5-year residency visa, no income proof required, as long as the title deed is in their name.
- Previously, only those over 60 could benefit from extended visas under special exemptions.
- Buyers under 60 had to prove income and were only given 1–2 year permits. That barrier is now removed.
👨👩👧👦 Family Residency Benefits:
- Property owners can now sponsor spouses and partners for the same 5-year term.
- Children under 18 no longer need to apply separately or provide income documentation if they’re enrolled in a North Cyprus school.
🧾 Residency Visa Types by Property Stage:
| Purchase Stage | Visa Type | Duration | Income Requirement |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sales Contract Only | Visitor Visa | Up to 90 days | None |
| Sales Contract Only (Residency) | Residency Visa | 2 years | Income proof required |
| Sales Contract + Permission to Purchase (P2) | Residency Visa | 5 years | Income proof required |
| Title Deed in Buyer’s Name | Residency Visa | 5 years | No income proof required |
⚠️ Note: The full property purchase process can take up to 18 months — from signing to receiving the final title deed.
📌 Important Notes for Buyers & Expats:
- Owning property does NOT automatically grant residency — you must still apply for the correct visa.
- Long-term renters may apply for residency, but with stricter financial and nationality requirements.
- Visitor visas can be extended up to 90 days, but cannot be renewed more than twice per year.
🗣️ Official Statement from TRNC Prime Minister Ünal Üstel:
“We are committed to policies that support all residents — locals and expats alike — who invest, work, and contribute to our country. These new regulations lay the foundation for a stronger, fairer, and more modern society.”
🧑⚖️ Need Help? Speak to a Legal Expert
For residency advice, contact Özyar Turgut, an experienced Kyrenia-based conveyancer and law graduate. She specializes in helping both local and foreign clients with:
- Residency applications
Contact : ozyarturgut.com
🔗 Read the full residency update here:
👉 North Cyprus Residency Guide – May 2025 Update
