Procedure for the Expungement of Criminal Records in the TRNC
The Criminal Records Expungement Law (Law No. 50/2025) entered into force on 10 November 2025 and has since formed part of the legal framework of the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (“TRNC”). The Law aims to facilitate the reintegration of individuals with criminal records into society by allowing, under specific conditions, the removal of certain convictions from their official records.
What Is the Second Chance Principle?
The Second Chance principle is a rehabilitation-focused approach aimed at supporting individuals with criminal records in their reintegration into society and participation in the workforce.
In jurisdictions adopting the Common Law system, this principle is applied in certain circumstances to ensure that offenders are given the opportunity to rebuild their lives. Law No. 50/2025 incorporates this principle into the TRNC legal system, granting eligible individuals the possibility of obtaining a fresh start under defined conditions.
Who Is Eligible to Benefit from This Principle Under Law No. 50/2025?
Individuals who may apply to the Court for the expungement of their criminal record under this Law include:
- Persons who are citizens of the TRNC, and/or
- Persons who have legally resided in the TRNC for at least six (6) years with a valid residence permit.
General Conditions for Applications for Criminal Record Expungement
- Being a citizen of the TRNC; and/or
- Having legally resided in the TRNC for at least six (6) years with a valid residence permit.
Specific Requirements for TRNC Citizens
- The sentence imposed by the Court must be no more than two (2) years of imprisonment, or may alternatively be a non-custodial sentence, or a conviction recorded without an accompanying sentence.
- For offences where no custodial sentence was imposed: A minimum of three (3) years must have elapsed since the date of conviction.
- For convictions involving one (1) year of imprisonment: A minimum of five (5) years must have elapsed.
- For convictions involving two (2) years of imprisonment: A minimum of eight (8) years must have elapsed.
Requirements for Individuals Legally Residing in the TRNC for at Least Six Years
- For offences not within the jurisdiction of the Assize Court, where no custodial sentence was imposed or where a conviction was recorded without a sentence: A minimum of five (5) years must have elapsed.
- Note: If you have resided in the TRNC for more than twelve (12) years, you should inform your lawyer accordingly.
- Where the individual has received a custodial sentence and/or where a fine was converted into imprisonment due to non-payment: The sentence must have been fully served.
- The applicant must not have committed any further offences from the date of the last conviction to the date of the application.
- The applicant must not have previously obtained an expungement under this Law.
Special Categories
- For applications by individuals aged 18–21, detailed guidance should be obtained from your lawyer.
- For applications concerning minors, separate legal procedures apply, and professional legal advice is required.
