1- What is the time difference?
The island is two hours ahead of British GMT.

2- Is it safe?
Northern Cyprus is extremely safe with nearly no crime rate.

3- Is it easy to buy things? Are they expensive?
It is extremely easy to buy things. Larger supermarkets now sell leading British branded products. Although these can be slightly more expensive, Turkish produced items are much cheaper with fresh fruit and vegetables in abundance. Alcohol and tobacco is also extremely cheap. Eating out is also very good value with a huge number of restaurants cafes and bars to choose from. An average restaurant bill with drinks is £10-15 per person.

4- Are there any foreign exchange controls?
No, foreign exchange currency can be brought into the country and taken out through the banks without any restriction or control.

5- Are there any international banks? What is the banking system like?
The banking system is very straight forward and many international banks have branches on the island. HSBC International in particular has opened branches in both Kyrenia and Nicosia . We recommend you use these rather than the numerous local and Turkish banks. Although the Turkish Lira is the principle currency, sterling, euro, Cyprus pounds, and the dollar can be used everywhere. Traveler's cheques can easily be exchanged at any local bank, currency exchange kiosk, and hotels.

6- Do I need a visa? How long can I stay?
A valid passport is required and on arrival you will automatically be given a three month visa. If you decide to stay longer, you will need to get a visa extension or alternatively apply for residency. becoming a resident is a very simple process. Certain documentation is required which is then stamped enabling you to stay on the island as long as you like unrestricted.

7- What document are required when purchasing property ?
You will just need your passport when purchasing a property.

8- How much land can I purchase as a foreigner ?
The maximum a foreigner can purchase is 1 Donum 1 Evlek

9- What are the measurement units for Lands used in North Cyprus ?
1 Donum = 1380 m² = 14400 ft² = 4 Evlek
1 Evlek = 345 m² = 3600 ft²

10- Who will do all the paperwork for our sale ?
We advise all our customers to appoint a solicitor to deal with the paperwork for your permission to purchase.

11- Can I buy a property in North Cyprus from overseas?
We have many overseas buyers who due to their busy programme are unable to visit in the first instance but do not want to miss out. If you do want to buy remotely this is a very easy process and we will be happy to guide you through this every step of the way.

12- Can we use a solicitor from the UK?
No. You must use a solicitor based or registered in North Cyprus. Your solicitor will draw up a sales contract, deal will all work related to a Power of Attorney and make an application to the Ministry of Interior on your behalf for a Permit to Purchase.

13- Should we make a will in North Cyprus?
Yes. A will drawn up in the UK will not be accepted in the TRNC; a local Will must be drawn up to secure your property in unforeseen circumstances. We advise our clients that a Will should be drawn up on completion of the property. A local solicitor can draw up the document for a small fee.


14- What would the property running costs be - would they be expensive?
The cost of living is cheap in Northern Cyprus and utility bills in particular are exceptionally good value. For an average apartment you can expect to pay £200 a year for electricity and water. Communal maintenance fees are also payable depending on what facilities you share (sewage, pool, landscaping, etc)

15- Are pets allowed in?
Pets are welcome in Northern Cyprus so long as you obtain correct documentation from your vet in your country of origin. There is however a 4 week quarantine period on the island for all animals brought into the country.

16- Is it easy to drive and do I need a license?
You can drive with your British license for three months, after that you will need a TRNC license. Once you have been issued with your residency permit, a local license can be obtained within days. Driving in Northern Cyprus is on the left hand side, as in the U.K. Road surfaces between major towns and villages are reasonably good, but some mountain and village roads are still unmade. In wet weather roads can be treacherous due to the build up of oil on the surface during the dry summer months. Visitors to Northern Cyprus can drive using a valid international driving license or a valid driving license from their country of origin and car hire is readily available. Parking is available in all major parts of the town.

17- How can I rent a car?
In North Cyprus the minimum car rental age is 25 and a valid driving license or an international permit is required. Don't forget, only the approved person(s) at the time of rental can drive the car.

18- Do I need health insurance?
There are several insurance companies who provide private health insurance - The British Residents Society are the best people to contact. Local medical care is good and extremely reasonable. The majority of local expects use local doctor's surgeries and treatment centers.

19- Where are the best beaches?
North Cyprus has plenty of sandy beaches. The best beaches are in Karpas - the worldwide famous Golden Beach (7 km. long) is here. The Malibu Beach is also another lovely beach of the Karpas area.

After Karpas comes the beaches of East Kyrenia - the best of these is the Alagadi Beach (also known as the turtle beach), then Acapulco Beach , Lara Beach and the beautiful Esentepe Beach .

The Escape Beach in Alsançak is one of the safest beaches close to the west of Kyrenia. There are many hotels with private bays which permit non-residents to use them for a small fee - the best one is the Acapulco Beach .

20- Where is the London Representative Office?
Office of the London Representative, Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus , 29 Bedford Square, London WC1B 3EG , United Kingdom .
Tel: (00 44) 171-631 19 20 (3 Line) 171-631 19 30 (2 Line)
Tourism Fax: (00 44) 171-631 19 48 / 171-631 18 73
E-mail: webmaster@trnclondon.demon.co.uk 

21- What is the prosedures od starting my own business in TRNC?
To form a limited company you must instruct an accountant to make the necessary applications on your behalf to the Council of Ministers outlining the trading intentions of the company, share capital, directors etc. The formation of the company is obviously viewed more favorably if it has some Turkish Cypriot involvement, but it is quite possible to form a company with 100% British or foreign ownership. A further application has to be made to the TRNC Immigration Department for an annually renewable business or employment permit, which is given once the Council of Ministers has given their approval. You must also have a medical examination for clearance of TB and AIDS. Finally, you register yourself and your company with Social Security for health insurance payments, the tax authorities, and the provident fund. Once all this has been done, you may commence trading.

22- What is the range of taxes?
Purchaser only pays %3 stamp duty and 5% VAT. VAT is payable at time of transfer of title. No Capital gains tax
 

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