General questions
What is the maximum duration of my stay in the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC)?
The duration of your stay in the TRNC is dictated by the visa provided by the Immigration Officer upon your entry into the country. If you overstay beyond this allotted period without securing a visa extension, you will be subject to a penalty. This fine is determined by multiplying the current daily minimum wage by the number of days you have overstayed. Departing the TRNC without settling this fine will result in it being doubled, and re-entry will be prohibited until the outstanding amount has been paid in full.
Is Northern Cyprus considered a part of Turkey?
Contrary to common perception, Northern Cyprus, formally known as the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC), is not a part of Turkey. It functions as a separate entity, complete with its own parliament, laws, and institutions, and Turkish citizens do not automatically acquire residency in Northern Cyprus. However, the TRNC does receive significant financial support from Turkey, encompassing infrastructure development, defense expenditures, incentives, and private sector assistance. The use of Turkish language, the presence of Turkish banks, and the circulation of the Turkish lira in Northern Cyprus may give visitors the impression that it is an extension of Turkey, but this is not the case.
Is there a possibility of reunification between Southern and Northern Cyprus?
The prospect of reunifying the island of Cyprus has been the principal objective of the United Nations and the European Union. The EU firmly advocates for ongoing negotiations between the leaders of the Greek Cypriot and Turkish Cypriot communities with the goal of achieving a comprehensive settlement. This settlement is envisioned as leading to the reunification of the island in a manner that allows both communities to exercise political equality. However, in the 2004 referendum, Greek Cypriots voted against the notion of political equality, and talks have been stalled since 2017. Other potential future scenarios might include permanent division, or North Cyprus entering the EU as a distinct state or concurrently with Turkey, its main sponsor, as North Cyprus is gradually gaining more international recognition.
How safe is it to travel to Northern Cyprus?
Northern Cyprus, also known as the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC), boasts an excellent safety record, ranking it among the safest countries to visit. The region, home to Turkish Cypriots, remains largely untouched by the conflicts occurring in the broader Middle East. However, as a measure of prudence, we always recommend that travelers refer to their home country's travel advisories before planning a visit.
Other
questions
What does a Contract of Sale entail and when is it signed?
To protect your interests, our legal team will draft a Contract of Sale. In case your property is under construction, the contract will encompass all vital details like the plot number, size, pricing, payment plan, and the date of completion, including penalty clauses for any delays. All relevant blueprints and specifications will be annexed to the agreement to bind the seller to execute the construction as per these stipulations. The drafted contract will be circulated to both the buyer and the seller for their review. The signing of the contract takes place only when both parties are satisfied with its contents. Your legal representative will affix their signature on your behalf, ensuring this occurs only when you are entirely content with the agreement.
What steps are necessary before obtaining my property title deed?
Prior to having the property's title deeds registered under your name, you're required to secure the 'Permission to Purchase' (abbreviated as P2P) from the Council of Ministers in the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC). This approval is rarely denied, except in cases where the prospective owner has a criminal record in their home country. This measure serves as a safeguard, protecting other TRNC residents by excluding those with a criminal background. The P2P process currently takes approximately 6-9 months, during which your ownership rights are safeguarded by the registration of your sales contract at the land registry. This registration must be executed by your legal representative within two weeks of the contract signing. Furthermore, with an appropriate clause in the contract, it's possible to resell your property before acquiring the title - an option often exercised by many investors.
Is it necessary to establish a Power of Attorney?
Unless you're a fluent Turkish speaker and reside full-time in Northern Cyprus, having legal representation is crucial! Establishing a limited Power of Attorney (POA) with a certified legal advisor in the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC) is a swift and cost-free procedure. This POA is solely for the property acquisition process, posing no risk to you. The only required proof of identity is your passport. Many visitors choose to establish a POA during their visit, providing them the flexibility to purchase once they return to their home country. This measure is crucial as it allows your lawyer to sign documents on your behalf when you're absent from Northern Cyprus for extended periods. Granting this POA, typically free of charge, facilitates all significant property-buying procedures, from registering the contract, transferring the deeds into your name, to completing the purchase without the necessity for your presence in Cyprus.
Is it possible for investors to purchase without physically visiting the TRNC?
On rare occasions, investors who are accustomed to buying properties unseen might establish a power of attorney from afar via an Embassy or a TRNC lawyer based in the UK (with a counterpart in the TRNC). If you're unable to visit the TRNC but are still interested in making a purchase, please get in touch with us. However, we generally advise against this method if you're capable of establishing the POA during your visit, as it tends to be a more complex process.