The law of the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC) stipulates that all non-TRC nationals must have a work permit in order to work in Northern Cyprus.

The current policy towards foreign nationals wishing to be employed in Northern Cyprus is that a work permit is only granted on a temporary basis. It is also only granted to those who are offered a specific position that cannot be filled by a qualified Northern Cyprus national. Please note that by law, foreign nationals can obtain a work permit while outside of Northern Cyprus.

How to get a work permit in Northern Cyprus?

First, you must find an employer in Northern Cyprus who will be willing to submit an application on your behalf to the Migration Officer at the Ministry of the Interior. The Ministry of Labor and Social Security will advise the migration officer on the current vacancy in the workplace for the job you are applying for and will also familiarize him with the labor law. It is your future employer who must prove that he needs your skills and only your skills. After that, the employer must obtain a preliminary entry permit to enter Northern Cyprus for the purpose of employment from the Ministry.

The next step is that the employer, who has obtained a preliminary permit on behalf of the employee, must apply to the relevant department of the Ministry (regional office of the Labor Department) to complete the work permit procedure within 15 days from the date of the employee's entry into the Northern Cyprus and must complete these procedures no later than 30 days. If the application for a work permit, as assessed by the Ministry, is found to be acceptable, the permit is issued to the foreign national. This permit is entered in the employee's passport. The process, called stamping, is carried out at the Employment Permit Center.

Can I work several jobs at the same time with my work permit?

If you work at a workplace with a work permit, you cannot work for another employer.

What is the revocation of a work permit?

Even if you have a work permit, if you do not start work on the day it is issued, or do not continue working after starting work, or if the employment contract is terminated by the employer or you, the work permit will be invalid and will be revoked by the Ministry.

How long is a work permit issued for?

A work permit is issued for a minimum period of 6 months and a maximum period of 1 year. If you continue to work for the same employer at the same workplace, in the same field of activity and in the same specialty after the expiration of the 6-month or one-year validity period of the work permit, the work permit must be renewed.

Who pays the fee for a work permit?

All costs and fees payable for obtaining a work permit are covered by the employer. Expenses and payments made by the employer for this purpose may be deducted from the employee's salary by the employer, and the employee may be required to pay.

My work permit has expired, what should I do to extend (renew) it?

In order to apply for an extension of a work permit, it is important that the permit holder did not spend more than 135 days abroad during the expired annual leave. In order to extend an expired work permit, an application must be submitted within 3 months (90 days) from the date of expiration of the work permit. 

Important information that foreign employees should know

• Keep track of whether your employer has applied for a work permit within the required time period and whether they have completed the work permit process.
• Do not continue to work if your employer does not complete the work permit procedure by the end of the timeframe specified in the law, and complain to the Ministry.
• Make sure that you have a valid entry visa or work permit stamp during your stay in North Cyprus.

Documents required to obtain a work permit for foreigners in Northern Cyprus:

- 1 Set of the prior authorization form

- Documents confirming the absence of debts to the Social Insurance Fund, the Reserve Fund and the tax office

- Bank guarantee if the resident is a citizen of a third country

- Photocopies of the foreign employee's passport

- A power of attorney in case of execution by proxy

- Approval of the Labor Office for the right to work

Visa for starting a business

Foreigners who come to the country to start a business may be issued a visa for a period of 30 days, provided they have the funds to start a business.