Frequently asked questions about life in Northern Cyprus
Useful information about education, tourism, and real estate
Getting a residence permit in Northern Cyprus is easy enough. For the local state, foreign capital is of considerable value, so the attitude towards foreign citizens who buy property in Northern Cyprus is quite loyal. It can also be noted that all family members have the right to obtain a residence permit.
So, to get a residence permit in Northern Cyprus, you need a number of certain documents that are provided to the immigration Department at the police station. The document processing process takes about four weeks, after which you will receive the finished documents.
Usually, the first time a residence permit is issued for a period of six months, the subsequent one depends on the amount that You show on your account. If you extend your residence permit for 5 times, you have a chance to get permanent residence.
Due to the pandemic, the process of obtaining a residence permit has become very simple. Now it can be issued directly from home, through the state website. The site has a procedure for what documents need to be prepared.
Necessary condition
Documents confirming ownership of the property;
- availability of housing suitable for living and used for its intended purpose;
— in the case of ownership of a share of real estate, a short-term residence permit for one residential object can be issued only to one shareholder;
- make a payment in the amount of at least one-third for housing purchased under the contract;
- have money in the account in the local tank. $10,000 is enough for one year.
To obtain a residence permit, you need the following documents:
- a copy of your passport
- a copy of the tourist visa that is issued upon arrival in the TRNC
- a copy of the purchase and sale agreement certified by the local registration chamber
— if you have purchased a ready-made apartment, you need to apply for a permit to purchase real estate. When you submit, you will be assigned a file number. So far, this is enough for a residence permit.
- color photo for documents
- certificate of residence in the TRNC – a kind of analogue of our registration. Issued by the local Mukhtar-headman
- results of a blood test made in a state or accredited private clinic (the referral is issued to the police when applying for a residence permit)
- a certificate from any local Bank about the availability of funds in Your account (proof of solvency)
- receipt of payment of state duty
- for spouses, you will also need a marriage certificate, for pensioners-a pension certificate (both translated into Turkish)
Is it possible to work without problems?
Everyone who wants to work can find a job here. According to official statistics, 70% of employees in the service sector are foreigners working on work visas. There are even more such workers in the construction industry.
The Cypriots themselves mainly work in the administrative sector, so there is no competition in the labor market for foreigners.
The Cypriots themselves mainly work in the administrative sector, so there is no competition in the labor market for foreigners.
As a rule, they pay more.
Is it possible to get a legal job in Northern Cyprus? What documents and what you will have to face to legalize your workplace ?
In order to legally get a job in the TRNC, you will need a work visa. It must be issued by the employer. He needs to put money on a Bank Deposit (700-1000 euros), which is used as insurance for the return ticket. After that, you can issue a job invitation. Sometimes the employer instructs the employee to get a work visa. It usually takes about two weeks to get a visa.
Relevant documents:
- Preliminary application for a work permit (Calışma on izni başvurusu);
- Certificate confirming the date and fact of entry to Northern Cyprus of the applicant with an invitation to work in the police (Aday giriş belgesi);
- Belgesi (certificate of insurance provident fund registration);
- Employment contract (Hizmet Akti'dir).
How to get a job with a Russian diploma in Northern Cyprus and what is necessary for this?
To apply for a job in Northern Cyprus with a Russian diploma, you will need to confirm your diploma at the Turkish Embassy and translate it into Turkish.
To work and live in Northern Cyprus, you do not need to get a local education and English will be enough for the first time, although knowledge of Turkish will undoubtedly be a big plus for finding a job.
Without knowledge of the language, You can find a side job in a local firm (gardener, Builder, plumber, electrician, etc.), or get a job in a Russian company for a better-paying job, if you can interest the employer in something.
With the start-up capital, you can buy or open a small ready-made business-a garden center, beauty salon, water delivery, car service, tire service, management company, Atelier, restaurant, hairdresser, shop, etc.
Businesses registered in the country as "Local companies" are subject to 25% income tax.
Businesses that are classified as foreign companies
Regardless of whether they are registered in the country or not, 25% of the income received from trade or from any other type of activity on the territory of the TRNC is also taxed.
Auxiliary grants for the establishment of an enterprise and subsequent annual ones are deducted before the company's income tax is calculated.
Economic development policy of Northern Cyprus
The country's economic development policy is aimed at attracting foreign capital. The creation of a business by foreigners is deeply welcome. Private property in Northern Cyprus is inviolable, and there is no difference whether you are a foreigner or a local.
Basically, the furniture includes a built-in kitchen and cabinets. The rest is paid extra. It is usually more profitable to buy from a developer, since they buy furniture and electronics at wholesale prices.
Additional design solutions
Also at the construction stage, you can order additional design solutions for your future apartment. You will be offered both standard solutions and custom solutions.
All conditions are prescribed in the contract of sale of real estate. This is the guarantee. The government of Northern Cyprus takes the guarantee obligations of the developer very seriously.
Violation of the developer's obligations
In case of failure to meet deadlines and quality, the developer will have problems with the authorities, and you will be paid a penalty.
Buying at the construction stage is very profitable for several reasons
- Primarily because of the price. This is much cheaper than in a finished object
- Secondly, You have more choice of the location of the apartment in the house (number of floors, view from the window)
- Third, you can order the finishing of the apartment according to your own design.
We only work with reliable developers with an excellent reputation
You need to collect as much information about the developer on the Internet: how many years on the market, its reputation. You can also trust us in this matter.
Basic utility payments
The monthly fee is approximately 40 pounds per month. For this money, you can use all the infrastructure located in your yard. These are swimming pools, gyms, baths, children's playgrounds. The rest depends on how much water and electricity you wind up on the meter.
Property tax — how much is it?
All owners of apartments and other properties in Northern Cyprus pay property tax, which is calculated at the rate of 1 Turkish Lira per 1 square meter of the area of the apartment or house. The tax is paid once a year. Other taxes, such as property purchase tax (6 % of the cost), VAT (5%) and stamp duty are paid once after the transaction is completed.
Can I pay by Bank transfer or only in cash?
You can pay for an apartment or house in any convenient way. Sellers accept both cash and payment from Bank cards, money transfers, etc. If you want, you can open a set in one of the local banks.
The main factors affecting the cost of housing
- proximity to the sea
- developer's reputation
— quality of construction
- choosing a real estate Agency.
Our company can get a discount for You. You will get housing cheaper with us than without us.
Can I rent out my property?
It makes sense to rent out your property, because the rest of the time you can successfully rent out an apartment, Villa or Bungalow, which will cover not only utility costs, but also provide a solid income. At the same time, you do not need to personally monitor the condition of the apartment, track rent payments, etc. It is enough to sign a corresponding contract with a specialized Agency, whose employees will do everything for you for a moderate percentage. Given the year-round warm climate and tourist season, there is no shortage of tenants.
With or without finishing, do they give up?
What work is to be done there to bring it to residential condition?
Real estate in Cyprus is put into operation in a "turnkey" state — with fully finished finishes and design design. Often complete with housing are items of furniture and appliances, air conditioners – their availability should be specified in the contract.
Get a certificate of the address of your place of residence
Mukhtar is the headman of a locality, from whom you can get a certificate about the address of the place of residence. As a rule, Mukhtar is located in or near the city administration. Sometimes his workplace is located in stores. For example, household appliances.
Officially, it is the Turkish Lira. But you can also pay with another currency without any problems. In the course of dollars, British pounds and euros.
Is there any entertainment in Northern Cyprus?
It offers residents and guests hundreds of restaurants, cafes, bars, discos, clubs, casinos, entertainment complexes and shopping centers. In addition, Northern Cyprus is literally dotted with historical attractions, museums, beaches, beautiful urban and natural areas, so there is simply no time to get bored here.
Should you trust your health to the medicine of Northern Cyprus
Health care in the country is represented by public and private medical clinics. All hospitals are at a fairly high level of development, treatment and diagnostics are carried out using advanced techniques and modern equipment. Naturally, in private clinics, patients will find greater comfort, lack of queues and other amenities, but in public institutions, services are much cheaper. All hospitals and clinics employ specialists who have been trained in Europe, the CIS and the USA.
If I move to live, will I find a job on the island?
Today, the sphere of trade is actively developing – stores and shopping centers are opening. Also relevant are restaurants, cafes, hotel business and everything that is at least indirectly related to the infrastructure of tourism and leisure. Tour desks, fitness centers, and SPAS are also available. A ready – made business is becoming more and more widespread-when a ready-made registered company with a business plan and initial developments is sold. The business of desalination and sale of sea water, which is always in demand, also promises large revenues.
Everything related to tourism and leisure. These are trade, bars, cafes, restaurants, travel agencies, and services.
What is the business registration process?
To open your own company, you need: the company's Charter, the authorized capital in the amount of at least 100 thousand us dollars and a Bank account in the amount of at least 10,000 dollars as a guarantee of payment of taxes and other obligations. After collecting the documents, you need to submit documents to the state authorities and register the company. To simplify the procedure, it is better to take a Cypriot partner, who will own 49 % of the company's shares.
Crimes are very rare in Cyprus
Northern Cyprus is considered one of the safest countries to live in. There are no bars on the Windows of houses. Cars are usually not closed. Very unusual, isn't it?
I heard there's a limit on square meters
According to the laws of the UK, each foreigner has the right to acquire ownership of no more than three real estate objects. The area of purchased items must not exceed 1338.7 square meters. To purchase more items, you will need to register a commercial company.
Advantages of education in Northern Cyprus
There are many articles on the Internet about teaching children abroad, but as always, you want to rely on reliable sources, as the future and fate of Your child is being decided. We will describe everything we know here, based on our own experience.
So, as for the summer language programs in Northern Cyprus during the holidays. There are a number of advantages:
- low crime rate
- an island with a warm Mediterranean climate
- sparsely populated area
- friendly attitude to foreigners (almost every third person in the country is a student)
As for the programs themselves, there is a great opportunity to get:
- the recovery of the child
- the study and practice of the English language
- making new friends from different countries
- opportunity to learn a new country and culture
- enjoy entertainment programs
- the possibility of making a decision about studying at universities in Northern Cyprus
For parents who want their child to become a University student or College student, it is necessary to take a more careful approach to this issue. Today it is considered prestigious to get an education abroad and this is true, but be prepared for a complete change in your child's life and adaptation to other conditions. Very often children are faced with the problem of not knowing the language in a new country, so try to learn the language in advance (in Northern Cyprus, the main language is Turkish, but all universities and private colleges teach in English). If your child is sociable and easily establishes contact among their peers, then there will be no problems, and it will take 4 to 6 months to learn English, because they are among native speakers. At first, prepare for a change of mood, so communicate more often and maintain your child's morale. As a rule, it takes a year to adapt.
Colleges in Northern Cyprus have their own rules: school uniforms, discipline, mobile phone is forbidden to use. Classes start at 8: 00 and last until 15: 30. American or English education system. One-time meals are provided. After school, children can choose additional sections (dancing, gymnastics, drawing, football, tennis, basketball, and others). Children take tests every semester. Holidays 2 times a year: in winter and in summer.
The universities of Northern Cyprus offer various bachelor's, master's and postgraduate programs. Training is conducted in English. A student can go to summer language courses and see how to study abroad, and at the same time get acquainted with Cyprus. We also offer a study tour of universities for parents and students. Experience has shown that such a tour is an effective help in making a decision about getting an education abroad. Parents should make sure that their child learns in a safe and relaxed environment.
Studying abroad always brings a lot of impressions: the experience of studying according to other standards, learning a new language, new friends from different countries of the world. The student becomes independent, makes responsible decisions for their actions.
For our part, we are constantly located in Cyprus, which makes it possible to provide timely assistance and support in many issues. This approach, as experience shows, is very convenient for parents and students who continue to keep in touch with us and know that their child will not be left without proper timely support if they need it.
Our company offers most of all to pay attention to four universities that are very popular among students from abroad, have many accreditations, and a powerful educational base for training students of various specialties.
Learn more about each of the universities
Real employment opportunities during training
In almost all countries, students in long-term academic programs are allowed to work (usually 20-24 hours a week during their studies and full-time during the holidays). In some countries, a program is considered "long-term" if it lasts more than 12 weeks, in some-more than six months. In addition to this part-time job, you can also work full-time, but not everyone has this opportunity… Please note when choosing an academic program that an increasing number of Universities include semesters and even an entire academic year of paid practice in their educational courses. This not only helps to reduce training costs, but also gives a real boost to further employment.
But you can't legally work on short-term language programs.
Defining the children's education program
- It is necessary to identify the ability to subjects and approximately determine the future specialty.
- Decide on the language you would prefer to study in.
- The financial side is also important.
If you have any doubts, our experts will answer all your questions and help you choose the best course for You (optimal in time and money). If you are sure exactly which program and which educational institution you need, we will book this program for You and help you get a student visa.
Each educational institution sets its own prices. You can specify the cost of training either on the website of this educational institution, or by making a request to our consultants.
Duration of study in Northern Cyprus
This depends on the training program and the country of study. The duration of a bachelor's program is usually from 3 to 4 years.
The duration of the master's degree is from one to two years.
But some universities, in addition to programs leading to the awarding of Bachelor's and Master's degrees, offer certificate and diploma programs. The duration of training in these programs, of course, is also individual, but on average, students study for 1 year before receiving a Certificate, and 2 years before receiving a Diploma.
Please contact our consultants, please describe your educational goals, we are more accurately able to answer this question.
Accommodation while studying in Northern Cyprus
It depends on Your wishes and the options that the educational institution provides. Adult students are most often offered a choice: accommodation in a student residence (Dorm), in apartments (an apartment rented by the school, where several students live in separate rooms), in families, in hotels. Some programs do not provide a choice: either family or student residence.
Applying for a study visa in Northern Cyprus
A student visa is issued not in advance,but on arrival in Northern Cyprus directly at the University. For registration, you need to collect a number of documents, pass a medical examination, and pay tax. With a package of ready-made documents, you must contact the service at the University, which is engaged in issuing visas. As a rule, the entire procedure does not take more than a week.
British education system in Northern Cyprus
The education system in Northern Cyprus is based on the British system, which consists of 4 stages:
- Stage 1-pre-School education. The format of preschool education is similar to the CIS countries: preschoolers attend kindergartens, where they are grouped by age, starting from 1.5-2 and ending with 5-6 years. Gardens in Northern Cyprus are paid, and learning English is a mandatory part of the educational program.
- Stage 2 - Primary school. Primary school education begins at the age of 5-6 and lasts for 5 years. Training can be conducted in both private (paid) and public (free) schools.
- Stage 3-Secondary school. Secondary school education is held from 5th to 11th grade. Education in public schools - 6-day working week, in private schools-5-day working week. Private schools are usually assigned to certain colleges and universities, and students of such schools are focused on continuing their education in those higher education institutions where they attend secondary school.
- Stage 4-Higher school (colleges, universities). Higher education institutions are widely spread in Northern Cyprus and are represented not only by local universities, but also by branches of well-known world universities. The quality of education received at universities in Northern Cyprus meets the high educational standards of European countries.
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