Work Permits
🪪All the Different Work Permits in Northern Cyprus (TRNC)
If you’re considering working in the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC), here is your complete, guide to work permits: what they are, the types, the process, key requirements, renewals and what to watch out for.
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🪪What is a Work Permit in the TRNC?
A work permit is the legal authorisation that allows a non-citizen to work for a TRNC-based employer. Without a valid work permit it is illegal to engage in paid employment.
Key things to know:
• First you may need a preliminary permit before arrival, and then the formal work permit.
• The permit is granted for a set duration (often 6-12 months initially) and tied to a specific employer or job.
• The employer has obligations (taxes, social insurance, sometimes a guarantee/bond) as part of the process.
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🪪Types / Categories of Work Permits
While TRNC does not publish a neat “category A, B, C” list publicly like some countries, you’ll typically encounter the following types of work permit scenarios:
✨Standard Employment Work Permit
This is the typical permit when a TRNC-employer wants to hire a foreign national to work for them.
• Usually applies where the employer must demonstrate that no local Turkish-Cypriot citizen can fill the role.
• Valid initially for about 6 months to 1 year.
• After completion of a year, the permit may be renewed for two-year periods.
✨ Business / Ownership Permit (for foreign-owned business)
If a foreign national is going to own/part-own or run a business in the TRNC, a “business permit” (sometimes distinguished from a plain employment permit) may apply.
✨Transfer/Change of Employer Permit
If the foreign employee wants to change employer, the work permit must be cancelled and a new one applied for, often after satisfying conditions like a minimum employment period with the first employer (for example 6 months) according to some sources.
✨Short-term / Entry Work Visa
Before the full work permit is issued, a short‐term “work permit visa” may be issued for entry into TRNC while the permit is processed. For example: “Work permit visas are given for 30 days to those who have preliminary permits” in the TRNC.
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👣The Process – Step by Step
Here’s a typical process for obtaining a work permit in the TRNC:
👉 Job Offer / Contract
o The employer issues a formal employment contract (signed/sealed) to the prospective foreign employee.
o Employer also must show compliance (social insurance payments, tax, etc) and that role cannot be filled by a local.
👉 Preliminary Permit (if required)
o For many foreign workers a preliminary permit to “enter for work” is needed before arrival.
o After arrival, the formal application is submitted.
👉 Health Checks & Documentation
o Within 20 days of arrival the employee may need to complete health checks (blood tests, x-ray, etc).
o Required documents typically include: passport, contract, employer’s “No debt” documents for social insurance, police clearance certificate.
👉 Employer submits the application
o The employer applies to the relevant Ministry (Labour & Social Security) or District Labour Office.
o From 25 Feb 2025 a new regulation requires: employer must submit a security deposit of €250 and notarized undertaking when applying for third-country nationals.
👉 Permit Issued
o Once approved the work permit is issued, tied to that employer and job. The employee may only work once the permit is valid.
👉 Residence / Registration
o After the permit, the employee may apply for residence or register at the local immigration office if staying long term.
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⏰Validity, Renewals & Restrictions
• Typically valid initially for 6 months to 1 year.
• After the first year, many permits can be renewed for 2-year periods.
• If you change employer the permit does not automatically transfer; new application is required.
• If the employee is sacked or leaves employment the permit becomes invalid and one may need to leave the country or transfer within a short period.
• Employers must pay the foreign worker’s social insurance; this is part of maintaining the permit validity.
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🔑 Key Requirements & Employer Obligations
For Employee
• Valid passport (often minimum 2 years validity if coming from certain countries)
• Employment contract with TRNC employer
• Clean criminal record / police certificate
• Health certificate / medical tests (TB, Hepatitis, HIV)
• Sometimes proof of accommodation or bank guarantee (depending on job)
For Employer
• Demonstrate local labour market has been exhausted (i.e., no qualified local candidate)
• Pay employer contributions to social insurance for the foreign worker
• From Feb 2025: lodging a €250 deposit + notarised undertaking for third-country nationals.
• Ensure worker’s permit is valid and employment conditions are maintained.
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🔝Why It Matters & Risks of No Permit
• Working without a valid permit in the TRNC is illegal – both employee and employer may face serious consequences.
• For employer: fines, prohibition on submitting new applications.
• For employee: permit invalidity, risk of deportation, re-entry bans.
• Having a valid permit also protects your right to reside legally and avoid immigration issues.
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📝Tips & Best Practice
• Start early: Secure the job/contract and have the employer begin the permit process before you relocate.
• Check local regulations: The rules (e.g., deposits) were updated as recently as 2025.
• Keep documents in order: Passport, medical test results, police clearance – delays often caused by missing paperwork.
• Tie in residence permit: If you intend to stay long-term, plan residence application alongside work permit.
• Don’t change jobs too quickly: Many permits require a minimum period (e.g., 6 months) before transfer.
• Employers: maintain social insurance compliance: Non-payment can jeopardise the permit.
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Summary Table
Standard employment permit - 6 mths - 1 year - Contract, health/medical tests, employer proof of vacancy
Business/ownership permit - Variable (often 1+ years) - Proof of business ownership/interest, additional investment documents
Short-term/work-entry permit ~30 days initially - Preliminary permit, visa for entry then apply for full permit
Renewal permit - After first year - Submission 2 months before expiry, same employer, clean compliance
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🌸 Final Thoughts
If you’re planning to work in North Cyprus, understanding the work permit system is crucial. Whether you’re a foreign employee, an employer, or relocating from abroad, the process requires careful planning, documentation and compliance. With the right information and timings, you’ll be well-positioned to secure legal employment, minimise delays and avoid risks.
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✅ Step-by-Step Guide to Getting a Work Permit in North Cyprus
Working legally in the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC) requires a work permit issued by the Ministry of Labour and Social Security. The process is employer-driven — meaning your future employer must apply on your behalf. Below is a step-by-step breakdown of how to obtain, activate, and renew a work permit in North Cyprus.
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🔹 Step 1: Get a Job Offer
Before applying for a work permit, you must first have a confirmed job offer from a registered business in North Cyprus.
What’s required:
• Signed employment contract stating job title, salary, and duration.
• Employer’s business registration and social insurance number must be valid.
• The employer must prove that the position cannot easily be filled by a local Turkish-Cypriot citizen.
🕒 Timeframe: 1–2 weeks.
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🔹 Step 2: Employer Applies for a Preliminary Work Permit
Your employer begins the process by applying online via the TRNC Ministry of Labour system for a preliminary work permit (ön izin).
This grants permission for you to enter North Cyprus specifically for employment.
Employer provides:
• Your passport copy
• Employment contract
• Business registration certificate
• Proof of tax and social insurance compliance
• New (2025 rule): €250 security deposit + notarised undertaking for third-country nationals
🕒 Timeframe: 3–7 working days.
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🔹 Step 3: Receive Entry Visa (Work Permit Visa)
Once the preliminary permit is approved, you’ll receive a 30-day work permit entry visa at the port or airport.
This visa allows you to enter the TRNC and start the formal work permit procedure.
Important:
Do not enter as a tourist if your employer has already initiated a work permit application — always ensure the entry visa matches your permit type.
🕒 Validity: 30 days.
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🔹 Step 4: Medical Checks (Mandatory)
Within 20 days of arrival, you must complete the official health screening required by the Ministry of Health.
You’ll undergo:
• Chest X-ray
• Blood tests (HIV, Hepatitis B/C, Syphilis, etc.)
• Stool test (for food service roles)
Documents needed:
• Passport copy
• Work permit reference number
• Passport-size photo
• Payment receipt (usually paid at a local clinic or hospital)
🕒 Timeframe: 3–5 days for results.
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🔹 Step 5: Submit Full Work Permit Application
Your employer now submits your complete work permit application to the Ministry of Labour & Social Security or relevant District Labour Office.
Documents required:
• Employer’s letter of application
• Your signed employment contract
• Medical test results
• Passport copy and entry stamp
• 2–4 biometric photos
• Police clearance (if requested)
• Proof of accommodation (some sectors require this)
🕒 Processing time: 10–20 working days.
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🔹 Step 6: Work Permit Approval
If approved, you’ll receive your work permit card or digital certificate.
Your permit will:
• Be valid for 6 months to 1 year (renewable)
• List your employer name, job title, and duration
• Automatically register you with Social Insurance and Tax
You may now start working legally.
🕒 Processing time: Typically 2–3 weeks after submission.
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🔹 Step 7: Register for Residence Permit (if staying long-term)
While your work permit allows you to live and work in North Cyprus, you must also apply for a temporary residence permit if you plan to stay longer than 90 days.
Apply via the TRNC Online Residence System (icisleri.gov.ct.tr).
Your employer can assist with this step.
🕒 Timeframe: 1–2 weeks.
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🔹 Step 8: Renewal of Work Permit
Before your current permit expires, your employer must renew it at least 30 days before expiry.
What’s required for renewal:
• Updated contract or continuation letter
• Proof of ongoing employment
• Updated medical report (if required)
• No outstanding tax or insurance debts
Renewals are often granted for 1–2 years.
🕒 Processing time: 2–3 weeks.
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🚫 Step 9: Changing Employer (Transfer)
If you want to change jobs:
• Your current permit must be cancelled by your existing employer.
• A new employer must start the process from Step 1.
• In most cases, you must have worked at least 6 months before transferring.
🕒 Transfer process: 3–4 weeks.
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📋 Quick Summary Table
1 Job Offer - Employee + Employer - 1–2 weeks
2 Preliminary Permit - Employer - 3–7 days
3 Entry Visa - Immigration - 30 days validity
4 Medical Tests - Employee - 3–5 days
5 Full Application - Employer - 2–3 weeks
6 Approval - Ministry of Labour - 2–3 weeks
7 Residence Permit - Employee - 1–2 weeks
8 Renewal - Employer - 2–3 weeks
9 Job Transfer - Both - 3–4 weeks
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⚠️ Common Mistakes to Avoid
• Entering as a tourist instead of under a preliminary work permit.
• Missing the 20-day medical test deadline.
• Employer with unpaid social insurance or tax — this delays approval.
• Not renewing the permit in time (causes immediate invalidation).
• Changing job before 6 months of employment.