Migration amnesty comes into force in Northern Cyprus: applications will be accepted until July 9

A large-scale migration amnesty officially came into effect in Northern Cyprus, approved by the Ministry of Interior of the TRNC as part of the adoption of a special amendment to the Law on Foreigners and Immigration. The program is designed for exactly 45 days and will run from May 26 to July 9, 2026 inclusive. The main goal of this initiative is to provide a legal chance to foreign nationals who, for various reasons, have violated the rules of stay, overstayed their visas, or are now on the island in an illegal status.

The amnesty applies to several categories of people staying in the country, including those whose tourist, student, business, or work permits have expired, as well as applicants who simply did not manage to complete the document-processing procedure in time. In addition, foreign nationals against whom a deportation order has already been issued for illegal residence or employment, but which for some reason has not yet been enforced, can take advantage of this unique opportunity.

The legalization process has been fully transferred to digital format, so applications must be submitted exclusively through the official online portal of the TRNC Ministry of Interior within the established 45-day window. The Immigration Department reviews internal applications within five days, after which an approved candidate is given a ten-day period to pay the fine, the amount of which is strictly equivalent to one current gross minimum wage on the island. In return, the violator receives a temporary residence permit for 60 days, which allows their current or new employer to launch a simplified procedure for obtaining a work visa without the mandatory requirement to leave Northern Cyprus.

Lawmakers have also provided a number of important benefits for family members and minors, which significantly simplifies the process of comprehensive legalization. As soon as the main applicant receives their 60-day residence permit, the right to submit documents after them is granted to their spouse, unmarried children under the age of 25, as well as children with disabilities. At the same time, persons under the age of 18 are fully exempt from paying any fines, state duties, or fees if their application is submitted on time.

The amnesty also applies to those violators who are currently abroad and have a ban on entering the TRNC, provided that close first-degree relatives or real estate officially registered in their name remain on the island. Such citizens may submit an application through the republic's foreign missions, where it will be reviewed within 30 days, and if the decision is positive, they will be allowed to return to the island. Absolutely all submitted applications, regardless of the place of filing, undergo mandatory strict screening by the General Directorate of Police to eliminate public safety risks.

Important information for everyone who has faced the problem of visa fines in Northern Cyprus: a major migration amnesty has officially started on the island, and it will last strictly until July 9, 2026. Illegal residents, holders of expired tourist or student visas, as well as persons with unenforced deportation orders, have received a legal opportunity to nullify their violations, pay one minimum salary, and obtain legal status for 60 days for the swift renewal of documents. All key conditions, rules for submitting online applications, as well as special benefits for minors and family members are available via the link.