What types of visas are there in Northern Cyprus?
All foreign visitors planning to visit Northern Cyprus must obtain a visa regardless of the purpose of their visit. Whether you are coming for leisure, work or study, all visitors must comply with this requirement. The initial visa is valid for 30 days, and if you wish to stay in the country longer, you must extend it according to the rules. However, the rules for obtaining a visa, its validity period, and the conditions for extension may vary depending on the purpose of your trip.
Tourist visa
A tourist visa is a popular and easy way to obtain a visa. It is valid for 7-90 days and is recorded in the passport (a special insert can be used for this). Tourists who plan to stay in a hotel, rented apartments, or a villa during their stay in Northern Cyprus can obtain a visa for 30 days upon arrival. There is an option to extend the visa for 90 days if there are documents confirming payment for accommodation. Tourists who come to visit relatives and will stay with them can obtain a visa for 60 days upon arrival with the option to extend it for up to 90 days.
Work visa
For foreigners who have come to the TRNC for employment, a visa is issued for 30 days. It can be obtained in the country of residence if there is a Northern Cyprus embassy there. If not, the visa can be obtained upon arrival in the TRNC. An important requirement for obtaining a work visa is that the passport must be valid for at least 2 years. The employer handles all the formalities for obtaining a work visa. They must prove that the foreigner will occupy a position that cannot be filled by residents of Northern Cyprus. All details should be clarified with the Ministry of Labour and Social Insurance. The employer is also responsible for extending the visa. If the foreigner has lived continuously in the TRNC on a work visa for 10 years, they may be eligible to obtain TRNC citizenship.
Business visa
To open a business in Northern Cyprus, foreigners must obtain a business visa. A business visa can be issued for up to 2 years, depending on the type of visa and the number of years of employment.
Then, it is necessary to:
- Register the business with the Department of Commercial Companies and obtain a registration certificate.
- Register the income with the Tax Department.
Apply to the Immigration Department with all the necessary documents. The extension of the business visa is only possible with documents of company registration and tax payments.
Student visa
Foreign students coming to the TRNC for education receive a student visa for 30 days, which is obtained through the educational institution by providing a medical report and paying a tax of no more than 200 TL. The educational institution is responsible for extending the visa. Students coming under an exchange program may obtain a visa for up to 90 days upon presenting documents confirming the need for a longer stay.
