FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS (FAQ):
1. Is it a good time to buy property in Northern Cyprus?
Yes, based on the dynamics of the property market in the area properties increase exponentially every year. Therefore, we recommend clients buy properties now and sell them at a profit later.
2. Is property investment a wise choice in Northern Cyprus?
Northern Cyprus is one of the least expensive places to live in the Mediterranean. Property is exceptionally good value when compared to housing in Europe. The low cost of electricity, water and council tax ensure that your pound, dollar, and euro go further in value.
3. Can foreigners buy property in Northern Cyprus?
Yes, foreigners can go ahead and buy property available in the region hassle-free without the concern of any special restrictions. However, it should be mentioned that foreigners are limited to only buying 5 Donums of land which may only contain one dwelling.
4. What documents do you need when buying property in the TRNC (Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus)?
You only require your passport.
5. What side of the road do cars use?
Left.
6. What language is spoken in Northern Cyprus?
The majority local language is Turkish however, English is widely spoken around the island as well as other major languages.
7. What type of schooling systems can I expect to find?
All levels of education are available from public to private schooling in multiple universities with internationally recognized diplomas.
8. Is a visa required to live in Northern Cyprus?
Yes, North Cyprus requires a visa for residence status. The UK and other major European countries automatically obtain a 30-day visa upon arrival with a valid passport. Extensions may be granted if you successfully apply for a residency permit implying you are planning to settle permanently. Please check if your country needs a visa for North Cyprus or not.
9. Time?
GMT/ UTC +2 during standard time and +3 during daylight saving time.
10. What is the climate like?
The climate of North Cyprus is typically Mediterranean with long dry summers and short, rainy winters. The average annual temperature is 19ºC (66ºF). The temperature in midsummer can soar over 40ºC (105ºF) with the warmest sea temperature in the Mediterranean, averaging 21ºC (75ºF). The winter weather is very mild and there is an average annual rainfall of 500 mm.
11. What currency is used and are international currencies accepted?
The official currency in Northern Cyprus is the Turkish Lira however international currencies like the US dollar, Euro and British Sterling pound are used.
12. Can you exchange foreign currency?
Foreign currencies are usually accepted or exchanged in banks or exchange offices. You may also use most credit cards to pay in hotels, supermarkets, etc. Bitcoin has become a more accepted digital currency for commercial and private use.
13. Crossing the border to South Cyprus (Greek side)?
There are no longer any restrictions on border crossings for EU citizens in Cyprus, as of 2003. EU citizens are free to cross and spend as much time as they wish on either side of the border at any time of the day (24 hrs). At present, there are seven crossing points where pedestrians can cross at the
Ledra Palace and Lokmaci border gates are in Lefkoşa (Nicosia), whilst those who intend to cross by vehicle can use the Metehan (Kermia) border gate in Lefkoşa, Beyarmudu (Pile) near the British Sovereign bases at Dhekelia and the Akyar border gates near Gazimağusa (Famagusta) on the Larnaca-Famagusta Road, Bostanci near Guzelyurt and Yesilirmak west of Lefke. (Shengin Agreement)
14. How do car rentals work?
Visitors to North Cyprus can drive using a valid international driving license or a valid British driving license for an initial 12-month period. Car rental is relatively inexpensive and is widely available through tour operators, hotels, or car hire companies across North Cyprus. Visitors are advised to check when booking as both left- and right-hand drive cars are available for hire. Please note driving is on the left, as in the UK, and all North Cyprus rental cars carry a distinctive red licence plate. Please note that it is not currently possible to drive a car hire in North Cyprus to the South of the island. New laws recently added that persons should be over the age of 25 years old to be eligible to rent a vehicle.
15. Electric current and plug type?
Power is supplied at 220/240 V AC; 50 Hz and wall fittings are generally the U.K. square three-pin type.
16. Emergency service phone numbers?
Ambulance 112, Fire 199, Police 155, Forest Fire 177.
17. What is the unit of measurement of land in Northern Cyprus?
Donum and Evleks. One Donum= 1338 square meters of land or one-third of an acre. Evlek= 335 square meters of land.
18. Health care system?
Excellent opportunity for people to have access to timely and quality private healthcare with an efficient healthcare system and infrastructure at competitive prices. North Cyprus has increasingly become more popular for medical tourism due to the quality and affordability of a wide spectrum of medical services.
