TRNC Prime Minister announces major reforms to residence permits for foreign nationals: Extends residence permit to two years, free amnesty for students under 18

Good news to foreign students and foreigners in northern Cyprus as the authorities announces plans to extend resident permits for students from one year to two years and free amnesty for students under the age of 18.

TRNC Prime Minister Ünal Üstel in a public address on Thursday May 1 announced significant amendments to the Foreigners and Residence Permits Regulations, introducing key reforms aimed at improving the residency framework and easing bureaucratic burdens for foreign nationals in the country within the framework of social state approach.

The changes include long-term residence permits for property owners without income requirements, visa exemptions for students under the age of 18, and streamlined health insurance processes for elderly foreigners.

Üstel emphasized the government’s ongoing commitment to fulfilling promises made to all segments of society, in line with a socially inclusive governance model. “We continue to fulfill the commitments we made to our people. Addressing the needs and resolving the issues faced by those who live in our country, invest here, or contribute to our economy is not only our duty—it is a humanitarian, moral, and social responsibility,” he said.

Key Amendments Introduced Include:

-Extension of Short-Term Residence Permits: The maximum duration for initial short-term residence permits remains one year, but subsequent renewals may now be granted for up to two years.

 

-Amnesty for Underage Students: A new provision waives financial penalties for underage foreign students who overstayed their residence permits prior to this regulation.

 

-Residence Permit Exemption for Students Under 18: Foreign nationals under the age of 18 who are enrolled in recognized primary or secondary education institutions in the TRNC will no longer be required to obtain a residence permit.

 

- Visa Facilitation for Property Sale Contracts: The 90-day visa previously granted only to those presenting official title deeds will now also be available to individuals who submit a property sale agreement approved by the Revenue and Tax Department.

 

-Legal Status Requirement for Marriages to TRNC Citizens: Foreign nationals seeking exemption through marriage to a TRNC citizen must now demonstrate that the marriage occurred while they held legal status in the country.

 

-Five-Year Residence Permits for Title Deed Holders: Individuals holding title deeds to property in their own name will be granted a five-year residence permit without the need to demonstrate income, eliminating the previous minimum wage requirement.

 

-Extended Residence Periods Based on Sale Contracts: Applicants submitting valid property sale agreements will now receive two-year residence permits, up from one year previously. If purchase approval is granted by the Council of Ministers, this period extends to five years, though a minimum income equal to the monthly minimum wage remains a requirement.

 

-Health Insurance Reforms for Elderly Foreign Property Owners: Significant changes have been made to reduce the bureaucratic burden of mandatory health insurance for foreigners over 60 who own property in the TRNC. The requirement for annual renewal of health insurance has been extended to once every five years. Additionally, private hospitals and laboratories will now be authorized to perform health-related procedures previously limited to public institutions.

 

“These reforms reflect our dedication to creating a more inclusive and efficient system for all residents—citizens and foreign nationals alike,” Üstel stated. 

 

“By reducing bureaucracy and enhancing service delivery, we aim to foster a more peaceful society, a stronger economy, and a modern public administration. We remain committed to delivering on our promises with action, not words.”

The new regulations are scheduled to come into effect in May.