Summary of the 2026 TRNC Immigration Amnesty 

On 26 May 2026, amendments to immigration legislation in Northern Cyprus came into force introducing temporary procedures for certain foreign nationals who have immigration violations, entry bans, deportation orders, or outstanding overstay penalties.

Most applications under the law must be submitted within 45 days from the date the law entered into force.

 

1. Persons Currently in TRNC Without Valid Immigration Status

Foreign nationals who are currently in TRNC and who:

• overstayed their permitted stay,

• resided without authorization,

• or worked without authorization,

may apply online through the Immigration Department portal within 45 days.

Where the application is approved:

• the applicant must pay an amount equal to one current gross monthly minimum wage (60,618 TL),

• remaining accumulated penalties are waived,

• existing deportation/arrest decisions are cancelled,

• and a 60-day residence permit is issued without additional immigration fees.

During the 60-day period:

• employers may apply for a work permit on behalf of the individual,

• and applicants may benefit from exemption from standard pre-approval procedures.

 

2. Persons Outside TRNC With Entry Bans

The amendments also apply to certain foreign nationals currently outside TRNC whose entry has been restricted due to previous immigration violations.

A. Persons With First-Degree Family Members in TRNC

Applications may be submitted by persons who can prove they have a first-degree relative in TRNC, including:

• spouse,

• parent,

• or unmarried child,

where the relative is either:

• a TRNC citizen,

• or legally residing in TRNC with valid status.

Applications must be submitted through TRNC embassies or representative offices within 45 days.

If approved:

• the applicant may enter TRNC within 30 days,

• payment of one gross monthly minimum wage (60,618 TL) is required upon entry,

• and remaining penalties are waived.

Applicants receive a 60-day visa and may apply for work permits without the standard pre-approval requirement.

Children under 18 are exempt from penalties and related fees.

 

B. Property Owners

Applications may also be made by foreign nationals who:

• own immovable property in TRNC,

• or hold a registered property sales contract,

either in their own name or their spouse’s name.

The same application deadlines and payment conditions apply.

 

3. Previously Deported Persons

Foreign nationals who were previously deported from TRNC may also apply if they:

• have qualifying family connections in TRNC,

• or meet the property ownership conditions outlined above.

Applications are subject to:

• security and public order review,

• approval by the Immigration Department,

• and submission through TRNC embassies or representative offices.

Approved applicants:

• may re-enter TRNC within 30 days,

• must pay an amount equal to one gross monthly minimum wage (60,618 TL),

• and may have remaining penalties waived.

Where deportation transportation costs were previously paid by the state:

• applicants must repay 1.5 times the deportation ticket cost in order to benefit from the provisions.

Spouses and unmarried children may also benefit under certain conditions.

 

4. Temporary Residence Permission

Persons benefiting from the provisions for applicants already inside TRNC receive:

• a 60-day residence permit without additional immigration fees.

If no legal immigration status is obtained before the expiry of the 60-day period:

• the individual is required to leave the country.

 

5. Spouses and Children

Where a person successfully regularizes their status under the law:

• spouses,

• unmarried children under 25,

• and certain disabled dependent children

may also apply through the Immigration Department portal within 60 days.

If approved:

• accumulated immigration penalties may be waived,

• and a 60-day visa may be issued.

 

6. Persons Under 18 Years of Age

Individuals under 18 years of age who apply under the relevant provisions:

• are exempt from penalties,

• fees,

• and administrative charges.

 

7. Foreign Nationals Married to TRNC Citizens

Foreign nationals married to TRNC citizens who:

• are currently abroad with immigration penalties,

• are currently in TRNC without valid status,

• or were later found to have prior immigration violations,

may regularize their status by paying:

• an amount equal to one gross monthly minimum wage (60,618 TL),

• or the lower applicable penalty amount where relevant.

Applicants inside TRNC and applicants abroad are subject to different procedural requirements under the law.

 

8. University Students

The amendments also apply to certain former university students who:

• were previously enrolled at a university in TRNC,

• lost student status,

• overstayed,

• were deported,

• or received entry bans.

To qualify:

• applications must be submitted within 45 days through the student’s university,

• and the student must have completed at least 50% of the required academic credits.

Where applications are approved:

• the student may enter TRNC within 30 days,

• payment of one gross monthly minimum wage (60,618 TL) is required,

• and remaining penalties may be waived.

If deportation costs were previously paid by the state:

• repayment of 1.5 times the transportation cost is required.

 

9. Application Review Periods

Under the law:

• applications submitted by persons already inside TRNC must generally be processed within 5 days after the application period ends,

• while overseas applications must generally be processed within 30 days after the application period ends.