Northern Cyprus offers a high quality of life for all. escape the chaos of the city and get closer to some of the world’s most beautiful beaches in a place that boasts 300 days of sunshine throughout the year. Explore the island’s historical beauty or simply live a life of peace and quiet. On this page, you will find answers to various questions about living in Cyprus.
Where is North Cyprus? What are its neighbouring countries?
North Cyprus is 70km from Turkey in the north, 102km from Syria in the east, 165km from Lebanon, 233km from Israel in the southeast, 347km from Egypt in the south as well as sharing a border with the Republic of Cyprus in the south, and 835km from Greece in the northwest. Its capital is Nicosia.
What is the area and population of Cyprus?
The area of the TRNC is 3242 km² and its population is 350,000.
What is the climate like in Cyprus?
The climate of Cyprus is a Mediterranean climate. Summers are long and hot (around 40 degrees Celsius during the hottest months); winters are short, warm, and rainy. The annual average precipitation is 500 mm. Seawater temperatures are also warm throughout the year, with an average of 16 degrees Celsius in winter.
Which languages are spoken in North Cyprus?
The most common language spoken in North Cyprus is Turkish, although with slight variations in speech and structure. English as a second language is fairly common.
Which currencies are used in Cyprus?
The official currency of North Cyprus is the Turkish Lira. However, the British pound is often used in real estate transactions.
Under which timezone is Cyprus?
North Cyprus local time is 2 hours ahead of Greenwich Mean Time (GMT+2).
What are the measurement units/standards in Northern Cyprus?
Acres, evlek and square feet (ft2 or sq.ft.) measurement units are frequently used in land/property sales in the TRNC. The square meter (m2) equivalent of 1 decare differs. TRNC units of measure are as follows:
1 Acre = 4 Evlek = 14,400 ft2 = 1.338 m2
1 Evlek = 3600 ft2 = 334.5 m2
1 m2 = 10.76 ft2
How can I travel to North Cyprus?
You can travel to Northern Cyprus by air and sea. Most airlines in Turkey offer fares that can get you from Turkey to North Cyprus in about 1.5 hours. There are also ferry rides to ports in Famagusta and Kyrenia, which take around 3 hours. There are flights from Europe and England to Larnaca Airport in the south of Cyprus. If this is a more viable option, you could rent a car or arrange a transfer vehicle to get you across the border into Northern Cyprus.
How do you cross the border in Cyprus?
With the lifting of restrictions on crossing the border in 2003, European citizens are able to cross the border at any time of day and spend as much time as they want on either side. There are currently 7 crossing barricades; those that can be crossed on foot are the Ledra Palace and Lokmacı barricades in Nicosia. Barricades you can cross by car are Metehan (Kermia) in Nicosia, Beyarmudu (Pile) next to the British bases in Dikelya, Yeşilırmak west of Lefke, Akyar on the Famagusta-Larnaca road in Famagusta, and Bostancı near Güzelyurt.
Is there public transportation in North Cyprus?
Minibuses, the preferred public transport in Northern Cyprus, are available between Kyrenia-Nicosia, Kyrenia-Famagusta, and Famagusta-Nicosia. Intercity transport, which is frequent during the day, decreases after 19:00 and is less frequent on weekends. Due to the lack of public transport to the south of Cyprus, you must rent a car or take a taxi. There is no public transportation to historic sites either, so we highly recommend you rent a car.
Can I rent a car in Cyprus?
British driver’s license or international driver’s license holders can drive for the first 12 months they are in the TRNC. When landing at Larnaca Airport, it is possible to cross the border by renting a car, but you will need to pay insurance at the border. Renting a car in Cyprus is cheaper than in other countries, and tour operators, hotels, and car rental companies can help you with this. If you need to rent a car, contact us for assistance.
What are the traffic rules in North Cyprus?
Traffic flows from the left and international road signs are used. Vehicles must be insured when entering North Cyprus. Speed limits are 50 km within and 65 km outside of residential areas. Outside the city, the maximum speed limit for saloon vehicles is 100 km. Wearing a seat belt is mandatory while mobile phone usage and drinking while driving is illegal.
How are phone calls made in North Cyprus?
To call landlines in North Cyprus from abroad, first, dial the international code +90 followed by 392 and the seven-digit local phone number. To call mobile phones, start with the code 0090 or +90 followed by the 10-digit mobile number. Mobile numbers usually start with 533, 542, or 548. Calling cards or sim cards can be bought from phone booths and telecommunication offices.
What is there to eat in Cyprus?
There’s quite a variety of dining opportunities in North Cyprus, from hotels offering a range of distinguished international menus to traditional Cypriot restaurants, family restaurants, à la carte restaurants serving fine food and wine, fast food joints, cafes, kiosks, and many more.
Where can I stay in North Cyprus?
When it comes to accommodation in North Cyprus, you will be spoilt for choice. From boutique hotels to holiday villages, from facilities close to the beach to luxury hotels, there is a variety of affordable, luxurious, and comfortable accommodation options to choose from.
What are the voltage and electric outlet type in Cyprus?
The power in the electricity grid in Cyprus is 220/240 V AC, 50 Hz, and the power sockets are usually square three-pin like the ones in England.
What is education like in Cyprus?
There is a higher level of quality in education in Cyprus and Turkey when compared to other European countries. For those wanting to move to Cyprus with their families, there are many schooling options providing quality education at international standards. Currently, the number of universities in the TRNC is 27 and the number of students in the TRNC is around 120,000, a number that increases around 10-12% every year.
Is it expensive to live in Cyprus?
Living in Cyprus is much cheaper than in many European and Mediterranean countries.
Can I bring my vehicle to Northern Cyprus?
It is legal to bring right-hand steering vehicles to North Cyprus that are up to 5 years old. Customs costs are calculated by evaluating the engine power, age, and weight of your vehicle. Before importing your vehicle, you might want to inquire about the details of the vehicle from the authorized agency.
What are the public holidays in Northern Cyprus?
Public holidays in North Cyprus, or National Holidays, are as follows. Dates of religious holidays vary every year:
New Year: January 1
Children and Youth Day: April 23
Labor Day: May 1
Youth and Sports Day: 19 May
Peace and Freedom Day: 20 July
Victory Day: August 30
Turkish Independence Day: October 29
TRNC Independence Day: 15 November
What are the emergency phone numbers in North Cyprus?
Ambulance: 112
Police: 155
Fire Department: 199
Forest Fires: 177
How are goods transported to the TRNC?
You can ship second-hand (used) goods from many countries to North Cyprus by ship, which takes about 3-6 weeks to arrive. All kinds of household goods can be transported with a one-off tax exemption. Tax must be paid to the customs office for brand new goods.
Will I need a visa for North Cyprus?
Citizens of the UK and European Union do not need a visa to visit Northern Cyprus and a valid passport would suffice. Those who do not want their passports stamped upon arrival can request an entry paper to be stamped instead. If you wish to live in Northern Cyprus, you will need a visa. Citizens of Great Britain and major EU countries receive a standard 3-month visa upon entry. You can extend this period in the event that you wish to live in Cyprus permanently and apply for a residence permit. We advise that you work with a lawyer for your visa application to ensure you take the necessary steps in the correct order.
How do I qualify for residence and citizenship in the TRNC?
To live in Northern Cyprus, you need to apply for a permit. When coming to the island, you will automatically be issued a 3-month tourist visa. If you have the option to continue your vacation or buy a property after the expiry date of your visa, you can apply for a temporary residence permit in the TRNC from the Immigration Office. To obtain citizenship in the TRNC, you need to have lived in Cyprus for 5 or more consecutive years.
How do I get a residence permit in North Cyprus?
You are allowed to stay in the TRNC for up to 3 months, without any special permit, upon request or at the discretion of local authorities. If you wish to buy property, a TRNC residence permit can be obtained upon application. Foreign nationals are required to obtain a “Real Estate Purchase Permit” to buy real estate in Northern Cyprus. You can start permit procedures in North Cyprus upon acquiring a certificate of purchase for property, which takes anywhere between 3 to 6 months to complete.