Residence Permit 2026
CHANGES TO RESIDENCE PERMITS FOR PROPERTY OWNERS IN NORTHERN CYPRUS
Following amendments to the Regulation on Residence Permits and Visas published in the Official Gazette on 2 October 2026 and 5 October 2026, significant changes have been introduced concerning the duration of residence permits and the financial requirements applicable to foreign property purchasers in Northern Cyprus.
The amendments introduce the possibility of obtaining residence permits valid for 5 or 10 years, depending on the property’s value and the applicant’s ownership status.
1. Property Owners Holding Title Deeds
Under the amendments published on 2 October 2026, foreign nationals whose immovable property is registered in their name may benefit from the following provisions:
Property valued at £300,000 or above:
A residence permit valid for 10 years may be obtained without the requirement to demonstrate regular income.
Property valued below £300,000:
A residence permit valid for 5 years may be obtained without the requirement to demonstrate regular income.
The same permit durations also apply to family residence permits where the sponsoring family member qualifies under the above provisions.
2. Property Purchasers Awaiting Permission to Purchase (PTP)
Further amendments published in the Official Gazette on 5 October 2026 extend the provisions to foreign nationals who have purchased immovable property but have not yet obtained the title deed in their name.
The following conditions apply where an application for Permission to Purchase (PTP) has been submitted to the relevant Ministry:
Property valued at £300,000 or above
Where the purchase price stated in the contract of sale, duly stamped and approved by the Tax Office, is £300,000 or more, or its equivalent in another currency, the purchaser may obtain a 5-year residence permit without demonstrating regular income.
Property valued below £300,000
Where the purchase price is below £300,000, a 5-year residence permit may be granted, provided that the applicant demonstrates regular monthly income equivalent to at least one minimum wage.
The required income may be evidenced by:
An apostilled document issued by the applicant’s home country confirming regular monthly income; orDocumentation issued by a bank in Türkiye or abroad confirming sufficient income to meet the applicable requirement.
3. Residence Permit Exemptions
Importantly, the existing provisions concerning exemptions from residence permits have not been removed from the relevant regulation.
Based on our current interpretation of the amendments, qualifying property owners may also be eligible for a 10-year residence permit exemption.
However, clarification from the relevant authorities is required regarding the practical application of this provision.
4. Property Valuation and Implementation
Although the amendments establish the £300,000 threshold, the procedure for determining the value of properties already registered in the owner’s name has not yet been clarified.
Further guidance is expected from the relevant authorities concerning the applicable valuation method.
It should also be noted that existing residence permits and exemptions will not be extended automatically. Applicants must continue to follow the prescribed renewal procedures.
The amendments came into force on their respective publication dates.
Nevertheless, some time may be required for the relevant authorities to implement the new provisions in practice.
Further clarification is expected regarding property valuations and the practical implementation of the new rules.
For further information or assistance with residence permit applications and renewals, please contact Erginel Law Office.
Disclaimer: This announcement is based on the amendments published on 2 and 5 October 2026 and their current interpretation. The practical application of certain provisions remains subject to clarification by the relevant authorities.
