The TRNC Council of Ministers Approves Amendments to Residence Permit and Visa Regulations: What You Need to Know

On January 21, 2025, the Council of Ministers of the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC) approved significant amendments to the Regulation on Residence Permits and Visas. These changes will have a substantial impact on the process of obtaining and renewing residence permits for foreigners residing in Northern Cyprus.

Objectives of the Amendments

The main goals of the amendments are to:

• Register foreign nationals residing in the TRNC;
• Prevent illegal residence and combat unlawful migration;
• Identify illegal immigrants, refugees, and asylum seekers;
• Enhance measures for crime detection and prevention.

Biometric Data as a Key Element

The TRNC Immigration Department has been granted authority to collect biometric data from applicants, including:

• Fingerprints;
• Palm scans;
• Photographs.

The collected data will be securely stored in a protected database accessible to the Judiciary, the Attorney General’s Office, the Police Department, and the Immigration Department for lawful purposes only.

Mandatory Requirements for Applicants

All foreign nationals seeking to obtain or renew a residence permit must consent to the collection of their biometric data. Refusal to comply with this requirement will result in the denial of the residence permit.

Border Control Measures

Visitors entering or exiting the TRNC should also be prepared for the possibility of biometric data collection at border checkpoints.

These measures aim to enhance security and improve immigration control in the country.