A Foreigner’s Guide to Living in North Cyprus: Cities & Tips

Living in North Cyprus is a unique experience. With its coastal charm, lush greenery, rooted history, and vibrant culture, the northern part of Cyprus offers a comfortable and enjoyable lifestyle. If you have plans to move to North Cyprus, Here is everything you need to know, including top cities, daily life, housing options, and legality.

Daily Life in North Cyprus

If living on a Mediterranean island seems charming, you will enjoy the lifestyle in North Cyprus. Filled with golden sandy beaches, beautiful bays, and modern amenities, North Cyprus caters to all lifestyle expectations.

Home to over 35 thousand expats, mostly from the USA and EU countries, North Cyprus boasts a cosmopolitan and welcoming society, low crime rates, and vibrant entertainment options. Therefore, expat life in North Cyprus is enjoyable, convenient, and familiar, regardless of where you are from.

North Cyprus stands out with a family-friendly atmosphere, safe streets, and low crime rates. The entertainment options are wide, offering cinemas, cafes, restaurants, and bars. The most popular things to do in North Cyprus include beach and water sports activities, visiting historical sites, and enjoying a night at the club or casino.

North Cyprus offers a healthy lifestyle with its clean air and organic goods available in every local bazaar. The climate is excellent for enjoying outdoor activities year-round. Thanks to its sunny climate with over 300 sunny days annually, outdoor activities continue year-round. You can swim from May to November in the Mediterranean Sea. Some of the best beaches in North Cyprus include:

• Glapsides Beach (Gazimağusa)
• Palm Beach (Gazimağusa)
• Escape Beach (Girne)
• Alagadi Beach (Girne)
• Long Beach (İskele)
• Mackenzie Beach (İskele)

Public Services in Northern Cyprus

There are all types of public services in North Cyprus that help to create a safe, convenient, and modern lifestyle. Healthcare in North Cyprus, for example, is highly developed and attracts medical tourists from all over the world. The best hospitals in North Cyprus are:

• Gazimağusa State Hospital
• Kolan British Hospital (Lefkoşa)
• Near East University Hospital (Lefkoşa)
• Medical Port Hospital (Girne)
• Dr. Suat Günsel University of Kyrenia Hospital (Girne)

Just like health services, education in North Cypus is also advanced, offering a comprehensive curriculum and American-British accreditations. From primary to graduate education, you will find top schools, colleges, and universities. Top schools in North Cyprus include:

• English School of Kyrenia
• American International School (Lefkoşa)
• Doğa International Schools
• Near East College
• Necat British College
• Eastern Mediterranean College

Transportation in North Cyprus is also very comfortable. Public transportation options include the bus, minibus, and car and bicycle rentals. Intercity travel is also easy with frequent bus rides.

Where to Live in North Cyprus?

From coastal towns to inner cities, North Cyprus is home to marvelous destinations that create a beautiful living environment. Here are the best places to live in North Cyprus:

Girne: Located on the northwest coast of Cyprus Island, Girne is a beautiful city with modern amenities, beautiful beaches, and historical marvels. This port city has a vibrant nightlife and attracts a high number of tourists every year, offering attractive returns with holiday investments.

Gazimağusa: Bridging the North and Easy Cyprus, Gazimağusa offers a unique blend of culture, serenity, and vibrancy. Living in Gazimağusa is a cheerful experience with its colorful nightlife. Home to Eastern Mediterranean College and Cyprus West University, Gazimağusa is most popular among students.

İskele: Located on the northeastern tip of the island, İskele is one of the most lively destinations in North Cyprus. İskele is in constant development, offering unique investment opportunities.

Güzelyurt: Located on the western coast of North Cyprus, Güelyurt is one of the tranquil holiday destinations of the island. The city stands out with its natural beauty, cultural landmarks, and a variety of beachfront housing options.

Lefke: If you are looking for a city with historical richness, Lefke is an ideal place for you. The city is home to numerous landmarks as well as long sandy beaches, educational institutions, and great spots for hiking.

Lefkoşa: As the capital city of Northern Cyprus, Lefkoşa blends its dynamic ambiance with traditional homes, cultural richness, and natural beauty. From beach clubs to cafes, restaurants, supermarkets, and shopping zones, all daily essentials are available in Lefkoşa.

Housing Options

The options for housing in North Cyprus are wide, comprising detached houses and long-rise apartment buildings. While buying a property in North Cyprus, consider your budget and lifestyle expectations.

• Apartments: North Cyprus offers numerous beachfront apartment options with beautiful sea views. These flats in North Cyprus are often situated on exclusive complexes with swimming pools, parking lots, fitness centers, saunas, Turkish baths, and shuttle service to the beach.
• Villas: If you prefer elevated comfort and privacy, getting a detached house with a sea view in North Cyprus is a great option for you. Some of the homes in North Cyprus are located within residential complexes, offering enhanced security and comfort.

Financial Benefits

Living in North Cyprus is affordable compared to South Cyprus and other European destinations.

• An Affordable Real Estate Investment: While the properties in Northern Cyprus are very affordable, investments here rapidly bring high profits. If you are planning a seasonal stay in North Cyprus, you can consider renting your property short-term. This way, you can maximize your ROI and obtain a continuous cash flow.
• Low Cost of Living: The cost of living in North Cyprus stands out with low prices, particularly compared to South Cyprus and other European destinations.
• Business Opportunities: Job opportunities in North Cyprus are also wide, mostly in the tourism sector. Owning a business in North Cyprus is very beneficial, offering the perfect opportunity for running a hotel, cafe, shop, or restaurant. This way, you can have solid benefits, particularly during the summer months.
• Retirement Benefits: If you are curious about retirement life in North Cyprus, you will be glad to know that your pension in foreign exchange will make daily life highly affordable. Therefore, North Cyprus is among the most popular destinations for retirees, particularly from Europe and the USA.

Visa Requirements

Foreigners can stay up to 90 days in North Cyprus without a residence permit. If you will have a longer stay, you can choose one of the following visa types:

• Family Visa: Valid for 2 years for spouses and dependents of TRNC citizens
• Student Visa: Valid for 2 years for enrolled students.
• Retirees Visa (+60): Valid for up to 3 years.
• Short-Term Visa: Valid for up to 1 year and can be renewed indefinitely as long as application criteria are met.

If you don’t meet the requirements of the other visa types, you can consider getting a permanent residence by real estate purchase. Note that while there is no minimum threshold for real estate investment, the property must be residential in nature. If you are applying for a visa with property ownership, here are the documents and visa requirements for North Cyprus:

• Address, financial stability, and health must be documented.
• The title deed and sales contract of the property must be submitted.
• A valid passport and a clean criminal record must be available.

Ready to Enjoy Your Mediterranean Dream?

A lush green nature, long sandy beaches, historical landmarks, and modern amenities — living in North Cyprus has an undeniable charm. If you are ready to step into your dream life, take a look at the North Cyprus homes for sale.

If you have any questions about legalities, daily life, and other aspects of North Cyprus, feel free to contact our team of professionals. With experience rooting back to 2003, we are dedicated to guiding you through your unique property-buying journey. Call us today and enjoy a smooth property-buying experience!

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