Arriving in North Cyprus
When you first arrive in North Cyprus, you are issued with a three-month tourist visa. Should you wish to stay longer, or have bought a North Cyprus property during that time, you need to apply for a temporary residence permit.
Applying for a North Cyprus Residence Permit
Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus law states that residence permits can be applied for once you have bought your North Cyprus Home. When you arrive in North Cyprus, you are issued with a 1 month tourist visa. After that you must apply for a residence permit.
Next, you should approach your local councilor or 'Muhtar' in he district you live in, to get a Resident's Certificate. The Muhtar will need to see:
What happens next with your Northern Cyprus Residence Permit
The Muhtar will issue you with a Resident's Certificate. Next, you will need to undergo a medical examination at a designated clinic in Nicosia, which includes a blood test for HIV and a chest x-ray. The results of these tests usually arrive within a couple of days- you will need to collect them in person, but do NOT open the envelope they are sealed in.
Once you have the Resident's Certificate, and are waiting for the medical test results, you can apply for your permit at the Immigration Office:
Issuing of a North Cyprus Residence Permit
You must make yourself known to your local Immigration Office by taking your passport. Local Immigration Offices are found at the Police station.
Permits are issued by the Department of Immigration in Lefkosa, The office can be found in a building at the back of the bus station on the 3rd floor.
There are agencies that will help you get residence permits, by guiding you through the application process, and doing some of the tedious legwork for you. These agencies can also help with work permits, driving licenses and the issues of importing personal effects into North Cyprus. You can only apply for a Permanent Residence Permit once you have had three consecutive temporary permits, (i.e. have stayed for at least three years previously) and you are retired from work