Working in Northern Cyprus (Businesses, Visas, Permits and Licences in Northern Cyprus)

Employment in Northern Cyprus
There is no acute unemployment problem in Northern Cyprus, and the number of registered unemployed has declined steadily since 1978. The official working week is 40 hours in the winter and 36 hours in the summer.

The Northern Cyprus government encourages foreigners to come and live and work in Northern Cyprus - in particular, to invest in businesses, especially within the tourism sector. This, of course, opens up a multitude of trade and business opportunities such as, travel agencies, transport companies (land, sea or air), hotels, bars, restaurants, holiday villages, paragliding, touristic related services such as water sports, recreational and sports such as tennis, golf, horse riding etc.

The British Residents Society is based in Central Kyrenia, Northern Cyprus and is open on Saturday mornings. Members of the committee are there every Saturday to give help, information and advice.

For retired persons, Northern Cyprus residents permit is all that is required. Retired persons are allowed to bring into Northern Cyprus a full household of furniture. These are virtually tax free – only a nominal 2 - 3% tax is levied.

Most applications for licences, visas, permits etc., do require a great amount of patience in North Cyprus, but the endearing charm of the North Cypriot people make each and every excursion into Lefkosa or Girne a most interesting and pleasant diversion, albeit retrospectively. You can however, engage the services of a local intermediary who for as little as £50 will help with all the running around and translation.