Buyer's Guide

New Property Purchase Laws in North Cyprus

Dear Investors,

We would like to inform you about recent changes to the local laws concerning property taxes in North Cyprus.

If your property is completed or nearly completed and you intend to use or rent it, here are the steps we must follow:

If your contract has already been registered and the 0.5% stamp duty has been paid:

1. You will need to provide a criminal record certificate (judicial document) from your country of residence, translated into English or accompanied by an English translation.

   • A €600 fee (1/2 of minimum wage of TRNC) is required to apply for the property ownership permit through the Ministry of Interior.

   • This process may take up to 1 year.

2. Once the permit is approved, a 12% title deed fee will be paid, after which you will receive your title deed.

   • (The exact amount is calculated based on the contract price.)

If your contract has NOT been registered yet:

1. We will need to register your contract at the Land Registry and Tax Office using the original contract.

   • A 6% tax based on the contract price will be paid to the Tax Office.

   • Then, the 0.5% stamp duty will be paid.

   • This will make your contract legally valid.

   • You will also need to provide your criminal record certificate, translated or with an English attachment.

   • A €600 fee (1/2 of minimum wage of TRNC) is required to apply for the ownership permit, and the process may take up to 1 year.

2. Once the permit is ready, a 6% title deed fee will be paid, and you will receive your title deed.

   • (The exact amount is based on the contract price.)

   • The permit is valid only for a period of time, if the title deed fee is not paid within the time limit then 1* minimum wage will be paid to renew the permit. 

If you will NOT use or rent the property, you have two options:

1. Resell the property before May 2026 without having to pay the property taxes.

2. Only register the contract (pay the 0.5% stamp duty and 6% tax), and resell the property when the project is completed.

Please make your decision carefully, as the law is now in effect. Penalties will apply to those who do not register or resell their property within the required timeframe.