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Essential Tips for Moving to North Cyprus

Essential Tips for Moving to North Cyprus

Created23.01.2026, 10.42

Updated23.01.2026, 11.19

Moving abroad can be more than it initially seems, especially if you don’t know where to start. When relocating to North Cyprus, your preparations play the most important role in how seamless this transition can be. Good research and planning months before the date make all the difference.

Why many expats are moving to North Cyprus

Millions of people live as expats globally, and North Cyprus is one of the most popular destinations with its affordable Mediterranean lifestyle, welcoming community, and ease of integration. Besides the practical steps of relocation we'll go over, talking with foreigners living in North Cyprus can help you along the way. Hearing how they handled the move and what they wish they'd known provides valuable firsthand insight.

Sorting Visa and Residency Requirements in North Cyprus

Since you’re thinking of relocating, North Cyprus residency requirements are a necessary thing to research. Visas allow for short stays, which don’t extend beyond 90 days. Temporary residence permits, typically issued for 6 to 12 months, are the most common option for foreigners thinking of staying longer than a visa allows.

There are different types of permits, so finding the right one for you and checking eligibility is important. If you’re going to work or study once you’re done with the move, getting a residence permit in North Cyprus can be much easier.

If you’re going to work in North Cyprus, getting the specific permit is important since residency alone doesn’t allow you to get a job in a local company. When you’re moving for a specific job, typically the employer applies for your work permit in North Cyprus to the relevant government office. This also doubles as a residence permit valid for a year. With required documents, such as your passport and employment contract, as well as documentation from the employer, like a guarantee letter, the process moves forward smoothly.

In North Cyprus work permits are employer-driven, so getting one requires a confirmed job offer and signed contract.

If you're going to study in North Cyprus, a student residence permit is required and issued through your educational institution. This also allows limited on-campus work and can transition later to full work permits with a job offer.

Buying a property also provides a more straightforward pathway to residency. As long as the property you buy fits the requirements, you can get temporary residency and renew it.

For permanent residency in North Cyprus, you need to have lived in the country for at least 6 years as a resident, meeting the requirements.

Research North Cyprus’s Healthcare Options

Your healthcare requirements can change depending on your age and permit, since insurance is mostly mandatory when applying. Also, while public healthcare has little to no fee, many expats choose private clinics and doctors for convenience. So, researching both public and private health insurance plans for North Cyprus before your move is essential. There is no right answer when choosing between them, but just what you’re looking for and how much coverage you need. You can find both local and international companies providing health insurance in North Cyprus, as well as expat-specific plans.

Before you actually get your in-country insurance sorted, signing up for travel insurance may be a good idea, since it can take a while to set it up once you arrive.

Finances and Banking for Your Move to Cyprus

Getting your finances in order is an important step and can take time. Preparing a financial plan for the first few months is necessary so unexpected costs don’t arise. You can look up the cost of living and set aside a budget and emergency funds with possible expenses in mind.

Before your move to North Cyprus, be sure to notify your bank that you're moving abroad, especially since you will be using your cards internationally. You’ll probably need to put a travel notification on your cards so your transactions go through smoothly. Your bank can also advise on how to handle your finances abroad and inform you about international transfer fees and currency exchange rates. You may want to primarily use the bank accounts in your hometown initially, or consider a multi-currency account for international transactions.

Before moving, be sure to research banks in North Cyprus, as you’ll need an account for many transactions. Preparing and deciding which one is the right one for you before you actually try to open a bank account in North Cyprus saves time and hassle.

For expats working or buying property in North Cyprus tax regulations apply to local income and property. However, income earned abroad and not brought to TRNC is not taxed.

Preparing for Your New Life in North Cyprus

Relocation to North Cyprus requires sorting out your current living situation and planning for your new stay so that you can settle in smoothly.

If you own your current home, figuring out whether to sell or rent it to another is a key step since both require different preparations. The choice here depends on your long-term goal, but if you're thinking of renting, partnering with a professional management company can be ideal.

One of the biggest tasks of moving is sorting your belongings. Try to come up with a list of essentials and personal items. For anything you're not taking, you can secure a storage space. Additionally, don't forget to cancel your current utility services and update your address wherever necessary.

Finding a New Home in North Cyprus: Renting or Buying

Renting a temporary accommodation as you familiarize yourself with the area may be a better choice. Look for properties for rent to get to know the market and understand average prices. If you're going to buy a home, research listings, the best places, and find a trustworthy real estate company.

Here are some top locations for North Cyprus property to buy:

Girne: Popular port city with cafes and restaurants on the coast, as well as strong expat presence.
Gazimağusa: Quieter than Girne, popular with expats seeking a more relaxed pace and lower costs.
Iskele: Great for seaside living and for expats seeking a peaceful setting.

Moving to North Cyprus and building a new life is rewarding for most expats. With an established international community and welcoming locals, adapting is easy too. If you want to buy property and make North Cyprus your new home, working with experienced professionals ensures a smooth transition.

At TEKCE Real Estate, we provide expert guidance so you can find the right property and navigate the buying process abroad confidently. With TEKCE’s services in North Cyprus, including opening a bank account and setting up utilities, you can focus on settling in and building your life in your new home.