Living in Northern Cyprus

You can enjoy a typical Eastern Mediterranean climate in Northern Cyprus. With unspoilt, natural beauty and the warmth and generosity of the Turkish Cypriot people, this island has much to offer those who wish to stay here. There is virtually no crime and living costs are low , making it a perfect place to enjoy retirement or make a second home for yourself.

Climate
Northern Cyprus offers long hot summers and short dry winters. With approximately 340 days of sunshine annually, the island is one of the healthiest places to live in the world. even the sea temperature rearly drops below 63 degrees F.

Major Towns
The capital of the TRNC is Lefkosa which is shared with the south of Cyprus (Nicosia). Other major towns are Gazi Magosa (Famagusta), Girne (Kyrenia) and Guzelyurt (Morphou).

Traffic 
Same as the UK traffic circulation is on the left. All road signs are international. For your car hire needs, we recommend Abant cars, which we would be happy to contact on your behalf.

Time
Local Time is two hours ahead of Greenwich Mean Time (GMT)

Currency
All foreign currencies are acceptable at trading/tourist outlets. however the Turkish Lira is the legal tender. Travelers cheques are accepted in banks, however Sterling and Dollars can be used in bars, restaurant, even buying your shopping from the corner shop!

Living Costs 
Northern Cyprus is much cheaper than Britain and most of Europe. there is no community tax or rates system. the usual costs are water (£5 monthly), electricity (approx £40 monthly) and an annual council tax of £50. Most cookers are run on gas bottles, however electric ones are available such as Whirlpool.

Main services
Mains power - volts Ac 50hz
water mains supply and some properties have a well 
International telephone system plus facsimile and internet

Transport
Ercan airport is the main airport in Northern Cyprus. Gecitkale is a back-up airport. There are flights from Europe and mainland Turkey. there are no direct flights from Europe to the TRNC you have to land in turkey with a 45 minute stop-over before completing your journey. There are also daily car and passenger ferries from turkey and Israel to the island. Many people enjoy taking the ferry from Girne to Tasucu in Turkey to make cheap shopping.

Pets 
To bring your pet from Europe to the island can be completed with very few problems. All you need is a certificate from an European vet stating that the animal is free from any major disease. At the kennels in Lefkosa, quarantine is usually four weeks. however care for the animal must be taken by you for feeding everyday. This services is not provided.

Banking system
The continually diversifying needs of the business community are catered for as all types of banking services are available. There are braches in many of the importing trading centers in the world.

Visas, Permits and Licenses
Northern Cyprus is encouraging a policy of attracting foreigners to come and live and work. however there is great encouragement to invest in businesses, especially within the tourism sector. This includes many trades and businesses such as travel agencies, transport companies- hotels, bars and restaurants. All foreigners coming to live and/or work in the TRNC must apply for certain permits.
Temporary residency permits: are issued from the local police station. this is a simple procedure involving a completion of a form and to supply four passport sized photographs. This permit is renewed annually. A full residency permit will not be issued until the person has lived in northern Cyprus for five years.
If you are thinking of opening a limited company: you must instruct an accountant to make applications on your behalf to the council of ministers. The application must involver the trading intentions of the company, directors etc.
Once the council of ministers have given permissions, you must apply to Immigration for an annually renewable business permit. TB and AIDS medical examination must be made. When clearances of the medical examination are approved, you register the company with social security and the tax authorities.
For retired persons: you can import a full household of furniture which is virtually tax free normally between 2-3%. Retired peoples only need a residency permit to reside on the island.
For further information on the legal system, we would be pleased to recommend English speaking first class lawyers.

A Buyers Guide

The process of buying a property or land in Northern Cyprus depends entirely on what the title deed is.

As you might or might not be aware is there are four different types of deeds.

TRNC Title 
- previously Greek owned prior to 1974 
Turkish Title 
-Turkish prior to 1974 
Foreign Title 
-British ,German, American etc. 
Leasehold
-Owned bye the government who will grant long term leases of 49 years. 
Buying a freehold property of land:

Find what you want and agree a price
Make a contract with a lawyer setting terms of sale
Vendor and purchaser sign contact
The purchaser provides the vendor with a 10% deposit
Lawyer applies to Council of Ministers for a buying permit which can take 5 to 6 months to complete
Once permit is obtained, balance is due to the vendor
Vendor signs over the deed to purchaser
Sale is completed

Buying from a Foreigner:

Find what you want and agree a price 
Make a contract with a lawyer setting terms of sale 
Vendor and purchaser sign contract
Purchaser pays full amount due
Title deed is then transferred to purchaser's name
Sale is completed

The reason why buying from a Foreigner is faster is because all checks have been carried out previously.

Costs

Buying permit application = £600 - £1000 
Stamp Duty = 6% of valuation levied by land registry office
Lawyers Fee = anything between £300 - £1000