Living in North Cyprus

WORKING AND BUSINESS IN THE TRNC

Working, businesses, permits, licences and visas

The North Cyprus (TRNC) government openly encourages foreigners not only to invest in Northern Cyprus, but live and work as well. The government particularly helps foreigners venturing into local business, especially within tourism. This obviously opens a wide range of opportunities including restaurants, bars, hotels, holiday villages, transport companies, recreational & sports activities etc.

For retired people, a residence permit is all that is required. The British Residents’ Society is based in Girne town centre and offer information on all aspects of relocating, paper work and procedures. Applications for licences, permits and visas etc and subsequent visits to numerous public offices do require a great deal of patience.

Starting your own business

For any foreigner who wishes to open a business in the TRNC (Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus), the following procedures apply:

In order to form a limited company, you must instruct a local accountant to make the appropriate applications on your behalf to the North Cyprus Council of Ministers with a company outline. This must show the aim of the company, its intentions, owners, share capital, directors, etc. Companies with even a small Turkish Cypriot involvement are viewed upon more favourably, but it is not essential.

A second application has to be made to the TRNC Immigration Department for an annual employment permit, which is issued when the Ministry of Interior has given its final approval.

All persons applying for a business permit have to have a basic health inspection including X-Ray and blood tests for TB and AIDS.

After all the documentation has been approved, you then register your new company with Social Security, the tax authority and Provident Fund. After all this has been achieved, you are legally allowed to begin trading.