TRNC New White Card Information Update 26.02.2016

By Chris Elliott and Trevor Hughes…….

Having attended a number of meetings at the Interior Ministry to ask questions and gain information  about the new TRNC White Card, we published  and shared an article in many social media pages and websites so that the maximum number of expatriates of whatever nationality residing or visiting the TRNC could be made aware of the facts rather than hearsay.

Russian friends of cyprusscene were planning the translation of information into Russian so that many more expatriates would understand the facts.

The article was firstly published on http://www.cyprusscene.com which received an incredible amount of readings. Many questions were sent as messages or comments and these were all answered directly and added to the foot of the article to further assist other readers wanting information. Please click here to view.

A number of recurring questions have been asked and we have consulted with the Interior Ministry and can confirm the following:

1. The cost of the White Card is now 1000TL reduced from the initial cost of 2000 T L, as reported in our article. Click here 

2. As previously reported, over 60‘s must have three continuous yearly temporary residency permit stamps prior to the application, or applications will not be considered.

3. As reported, the under 60’s must have five continuous yearly temporary residency permit stamps prior to the application, or applications will not be considered

Note. If you have missed a year or two in renewing your Temporary Residency, you must start all over again and apply for temporary permits for three or five years before your application can be considered

4. You must have current and active Health Insurance, which will be checked every two years, ensuring that your health insurance has not lapsed. We are waiting to have a meeting with the Health Ministry to obtain details of their scheme to run in conjunction with the White Card scheme.

5. Applications made now and meeting the White Card criteria will result in white cards being issued in a few months time, when final details and issues has been agreed and arrangements made.

6. As previously reported, property owners with properties to the value of no less than Euros 125,000 in value can apply. This is the value declared by you at the Tapu Office when paying your Property Tax. This value will be checked by the Immigration Department when the Permanent Residence (White Card) application is being processed.

7. Persons who do not own a property cannot apply for a Permanent Residence (White Card)

Present White Card Holders

If you held a white card before 2008, you have no need to do anything as this Permanent Residency is valid and granted under previous Law.

For those holding Permanent Residency permits issued after 2008, there will be a need to have the permit updated and holders will be contacted by the Interior Ministry requesting them to apply for a new permit.