North Cyprus Foreign Work Permits Guide
This guide summarises the duties of employers who wish to employ foreign nationals in the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus under the Foreigners Work Permits Law (63/2006): the pre permit, application deadlines, the nature of the permit and penalties. The information is compiled from public official sources.
The pre permit requirement
Before a foreign employee comes to North Cyprus to work, a pre permit must already have been obtained. Entering the country without a pre permit invalidates any later work permit application. Employing a foreign worker without a permit is prohibited.
Application and deadlines
- After the employee enters the country, the employer must apply to the Department of Labour regional offices within 15 days.
- Permit processing must be completed within 30 days of entry.
- When the employment relationship ends, the employer must notify the relevant authority within 15 days.
The nature of the permit
- A work permit is generally issued for a period of 6 months to 1 year.
- It is tied to a specific employer and a specific role and cannot be transferred to another party.
- People under 18 are not eligible for a work permit.
- Working for more than one employer at the same time is prohibited.
Costs
The fees and expenses of the permit process are borne by the employer and cannot be deducted from the employee’s wage. Because fees are updated by periodic tariff, we recommend confirming current amounts from the Ministry of Labour and Social Security online services.
Penalties for unpermitted employment
Employing a foreign worker without a permit is subject to graduated fines: roughly one month of the minimum wage for a first breach, double for a second, and triple for further breaches. The law may also provide for a fine of up to ten times the monthly minimum wage and up to six months of imprisonment for each unpermitted person employed.
Summary for employers
- Obtain the pre permit before bringing the employee into the country.
- Apply within 15 days of entry and complete the process within 30 days.
- Bear the permit costs as the employer; do not deduct them from wages.
- Meet social insurance and Provident Fund duties for permitted foreign staff too.
- Follow the rules on the written employment contract and employer obligations.
Frequently asked questions
Can a work permit be transferred to another employer?
No. The permit is tied to a specific employer and role and cannot be transferred. A new application is needed for a new employer.
Can I deduct the permit cost from the employee?
No. Fees and expenses belong to the employer and cannot be deducted from the employee’s wage.
Sources
- North Cyprus Department of Labour, foreign work permits
- Ministry of Labour and Social Security online services
This article is for general information only and fees and rules may change with legislation. Contact us to work through your foreign employment process.