A residence permit in Northern Cyprus can be obtained by an adult citizen of any country. One of the grounds for obtaining a residence permit is the purchase of real estate.

It is very important to note that in the TRNC, to obtain a residence permit, there is no restriction on the value of real estate: it is enough to purchase the cheapest one.

There are many advantages though:
• no need to establish a business or a company
• no restrictions on the period of stay in the country
• a fairly simple procedure for obtaining a residence permit
• no need to pass any exams to obtain a residence permit

Current terms for applying for a residence permit for foreigners owning real estate are the following:

• availability of residential real estate fit for habitation
• if the title deed (a legal document stating and proving someone's right to own a property) is divided into shares, the residence permit is issued for only one of the shareholders/owners
• a family residence permit can be issued for all family members of the property owner
• if the cost of real estate is paid in full in order to obtain a residence permit, you provide a bank statement proving that you have 1 minimum monthly wage, multiplied by 12 months for each family member. This is about 10 thousand US dollars up to date
• if real estate payments are not completed (there is an instalment plan/a loan under the sale and purchase contract in effect), you must fulfil the following conditions:
 payment of the first installment no less than 30% of the property value
 provide a bank statement proving that you have 1 minimum monthly wage multiplied by 12 months, as well as the amount of the monthly contribution specified in the contract.

• a copy of the appeal to the Council of Ministers for the transfer of the Title to one's given name
• it is necessary to pass medical tests (to state the absence of certain infectious diseases)
• to take out an insurance policy (upon obtaining a residence permit)
• in the case of applying for a family residence permit, additional documents must be submitted on the confirmation of relationship (marriage certificate and / or birth certificate for children under 18 years old).