Northern Cyprus Life & Services

There is high demand for investment in Northern Cyprus due to its affordable property prices, favorable tax regulations, and strong rental yields. The booming tourism industry, strategic location, and stable political environment also attract investors. Additionally, the Mediterranean climate, beautiful landscapes, and growth potential in real estate development make it an appealing investment destination.

Northern Cyprus has a Mediterranean climate with hot, dry summers and mild, rainy winters. Summer temperatures range from 30-35°C (86-95°F), perfect for beach activities. Winters are mild, averaging 10-15°C (50-59°F), with most of the rainfall. Spring and autumn are pleasant and moderate, ideal for exploring the area.

The only country that officially recognizes the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC) as an independent state is Turkey. The TRNC declared independence in 1983, following a Turkish military intervention in 1974, which was triggered by a coup d'état aimed at annexing Cyprus to Greece.

The international community, including the United Nations, does not recognize the TRNC as a sovereign state and considers the area as part of the Republic of Cyprus. TRNC currently has only direct flights coming from Turkey, and it relies on Turkey for economic, political, and military support. Access to the SWIFT system is granted by Turkish banks.

Efforts to resolve the Cyprus dispute and reach a settlement that would unify the island under a federal system have been ongoing for decades but have yet to result in a solution acceptable to both Greek Cypriots and Turkish Cypriots.

Due to its special status, the property commission safeguarding property investments, the advantages of the access to the large Turkish economy and resources Northern Cyprus has attracted a lot of property buyers over the last two decades.

In Northern Cyprus, two cellular network providers operate:
  • Kuzey Kibris Turkcell (KKTCELL)
  • Telsim Vodafone (KKTC Telsim)
  • The mobile network currently is at a 4,5 G network standard, offering fast data transfers.
Fixed internet averages for download at 83 Mbps in Northern Cyprus. You can get higher speed on individual packages. Ping and upload rates are also performant in the current mobile network system.
A permanent residence permit gives a foreigner the right to reside in the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus permanently, and enter and exit the TRNC freely.

Foreign nationals who will be working in the TRNC are required to enter the country with a “preliminary permit” and obtain a work permit after they arrive in the TRNC.

The politics of Northern Cyprus takes place in a framework of a semi-presidential representative democratic Republic, whereby the president is head of state and the prime minister is the head of government, and of a multi-party system. Executive power is exercised by the government.

Presidential Elections: The President is elected to serve a five-year term. The election process may involve a two-round system if no candidate achieves an absolute majority in the first round.

Parliamentary Elections: Members of the Cumhuriyet Meclisi (Assembly of the Republic of Northern Cyprus) are elected for a five-year term. The Assembly has 50 members who are elected by mitigated proportional representation. This system involves a multi-party landscape, with several parties usually participating and potentially forming coalition governments.

Ersin Tatar serves as the President of the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC), having taken office on October 23, 2020. He is affiliated with the National Unity Party (UBP)​ (KKTC Cumhurbaşkanlığı)​.

Based on the latest parliamentary elections held on January 23, 2022, the parliament composition is as follows:

  • National Unity Party (UBP): The UBP currently holds 24 out of 50 seats in the Assembly.
  • Republican Turkish Party (CTP): The CTP occupies 18 seats.
  • Democratic Party (DP): This party has 3 seats.
  • People's Party (HP): HP also has 3 seats.
  • Rebirth Party (YDP): The YDP has secured 2 seats in the Assembly.

There are other political parties that do not currently have representation in the Assembly. These include the Communal Democracy Party, Nationalist Democracy Party, New Cyprus Party, United Cyprus Party, Cyprus Socialist Party, Independence Path, and Freedom and Peace Party.

This multi-party system reflects a broad spectrum of political views and ideologies, contributing to the diverse political landscape of Northern Cyprus.

In the TRNC, the political structure is organized around the principles of a semi-presidential representative democratic republic. Here are the key points of their political system:

  • Semi-presidential system: This means that the government includes both a president and a prime minister, with the roles and powers distributed between these two offices. The president is the head of state, while the prime minister is the head of government.
  • Head of State: The President of Northern Cyprus is elected by the public and holds significant executive power, including roles in foreign affairs and defense, but also shares executive responsibilities with the prime minister and the cabinet.
  • Head of Government: The Prime Minister of Northern Cyprus leads the government's executive branch, including the administration of domestic policies and day-to-day governance, in collaboration with the cabinet and under the president's oversight.
  • Multi-party System: Northern Cyprus operates under a multi-party system, which means that more than two political parties have the capacity to gain control of government offices, separately or in coalition.
  • Executive Power: The executive power is vested in the government, which is responsible for implementing laws and running the day-to-day affairs of the state. This includes both the president, in their capacity as head of state and commander-in-chief, and the cabinet led by the prime minister.

The political framework is designed to balance power between the president and the parliament, with the prime minister and the cabinet members typically drawn from the majority party or coalition in the Assembly. The legislative power is vested in both the government and the Assembly of the Republic, the unicameral legislative body of Northern Cyprus.

It's important to note, however, that due to the unique international status of Northern Cyprus, recognized only by Turkey, its political and legal structures operate independently of the Republic of Cyprus and are not recognized by the international community.

The official currency in Northern Cyprus is the Turkish Lira. Interest rates, inflation and value of the currency are therefore closely tight to the policies of the Central Bank of Turkey. However, on Northern Cyprus accepted currencies are also GBP (Great British Pound), Euro, US Dollar and crypto currencies.
The official language of North Cyprus is Turkish. Although the local Cypriots have their own dialect, English is also widely spoken. Due to the large community of expats, tourists, students from Turkey and other countries and foreign nationals from all around the world you can hear a wide selection of languages in daily life.

There are three main international airports in Cyprus: Ercan Airport (Northern Cyprus, Nicosia), Larnaca Airport (South Cyprus, Larnaca), and Paphos Airport (Southern Cyprus, Paphos). For the best access to Northern Cyprus either Ercan or Larnaca are recommended. The drive from Larnaca to the northern part of the island takes about one hour by car or bus (airport shuttle).

Timondro
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