According to the new rules in Northern Cyprus, registration of a rental agreement has become a mandatory condition for applying for a residence permit (RP). Simply providing a lease agreement without first registering it is no longer sufficient.
Lease agreement registration process
After concluding a lease agreement, you need to contact the tax office at the location of the leased property. This must be done during tax office business hours. Registration of an agreement is a mandatory procedure and requires compliance with all formalities.
Required documents for registration:
1. Original lease agreement in triplicate. One copy remains with the tax service, the rest are returned to the tenant and landlord.
2. Copies of passports of both parties - the landlord and the tenant.
3. A copy of the layout of the rental property (apartment or house).
4. A copy of the certificate of ownership of the leased property.
For registration of a lease agreement, a fee of 0.5% of the total amount of the agreement . For example, if the monthly rent is 20,000 liras and the contract term is one year, the calculation is made in the amount of 240,000 liras. Accordingly, the registration amount will be 1200 liras. Payment is made directly to the tax office.
Where to register the contract?
The choice of tax office depends on the area where the rental property is located. There are six tax districts in Northern Cyprus:
1. Nicosia (Lefkoşa):
• Opening hours: 08:00–15:00 (break: 12:30–13:00)
• Address: 4B Kızılay, Lefkoşa
• Telephone: +903922288143
2. Famagusta (Mağusa):
• Opening hours: 08:00–15:00 (break: 12:30–13:00)
• Address: Bülent Ecevit Bulvarı, Mağusa
• Telephone: +903923665764
3. Girne:
• Opening hours: 08:00–15:00 (break: 12:30–13:00)
• Address: Mustafa Çağatay Caddesi, İhtiyat Sandığı Binası, Yukarı Girne
• Telephone: +903928152159
4. Guzelyurt:
• Opening hours: 08:00–15:00 (break: 12:30–13:00)
• Address: Ankara Cd, Güzelyurt 99700
• Telephone: +903927142132
5. Iskele:
• Opening hours: 08:00–15:00 (break: 12:30–13:00)
• Address: 20 Temmuz Caddesi, İskele
• Telephone: +903923712257
6. Lefke:
• Opening hours: 08:00–15:00 (break: 12:30–13:00)
• Address: Ahmet Pasha Sokak, Lefke
• Telephone: +903927287540
Conclusion
Registration of a rental agreement is a simple but mandatory process for everyone who plans to obtain a residence permit in Northern Cyprus. By following the instructions above and providing the necessary documents, you can avoid delays in obtaining your status.
