Visa & Residence Permit

Your Path to Study in TRNC

Complete guide to visa and residence permit process for studying in Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus

Online Portal Visa FAQ

10-Step Admission & Visa Process

Follow these steps from application to residence permit, exactly as required by RDU and TRNC authorities.

Step 1

Application Submission

Apply to RDU programs free of charge via apply.rdu.edu.tr.

Key point

Online application is free

Submit your application at https://apply.rdu.edu.tr/

Upload required information and documents

Track your application status

For inquiries email [email protected]

Step 2

Conditional Acceptance Letter

Successful applicants receive a Conditional Acceptance Letter via email.

Key point

Includes next steps and tuition details

Evaluated by the RDU Admissions Commission

Email outlines conditions of acceptance

Includes tuition fee and payment instructions

Read all next-step instructions carefully

Step 3

Acceptance Letter

Issued after payment of the first semester’s tuition fee.

Key point

Required for travel and entry to North Cyprus

Pay the first semester tuition as instructed

Send TT record or online payment proof to [email protected]

International Office facilitates the process

Keep the Acceptance Letter for travel

Step 4

Travelling and Visa Process

Check visa requirements and prepare original documents for travel.

Key point

Some nationalities need a transit visa via Türkiye

Consult TRNC Ministry of Foreign Affairs for up-to-date info

Syria, Nigeria, Armenia: apply in person at a TRNC mission

Contact a Turkish Embassy to schedule a visa appointment

Inform RDU ISO 48h before your appointment

Step 5

Before Flight

Send your flight itinerary to the International Office 48 hours before departure.

Key point

Ensures reception and ministry notifications

Email flight details to [email protected] (min. 48 hours prior)

RDU arranges proper reception upon arrival

Ministry of Foreign Affairs will be notified

Ministry of Education will be notified

Step 6

Ercan Airport Arrival

Follow arrival requirements to ensure smooth entry.

Key point

Carry funds, accommodation proof, and original documents

Carry at least $1,000 USD or valid bank statements

Have proof of accommodation (rental, dorm, or hotel)

Bring originals (birth certificate, diploma, transcripts)

Avoid Greek Cypriot stamps or registered numbers

Step 7

Registration

Visit the Registrar’s Office in person with your original documents.

Key point

You will receive your student number

Go to the Registrar’s Office on campus

Present original documents for verification

Complete all registration forms

Get your student number

Step 8

Language Proficiency

Demonstrate English or Turkish proficiency based on your program.

Key point

Sit the RDU exam or submit a valid certificate

Take RDU Language Proficiency Examination

Or submit a valid proficiency certificate

Exemption considered based on documentation

Await results announcement

Step 9

Course Registration

After language results, contact your department advisor.

Key point

Complete course selection and get your timetable

Contact your department advisor

Complete course registration

Obtain your course timetable

Prepare for classes to begin

Step 10

Residence Permit

Apply via the Student Permission Portal once your student portal is activated.

Key point

Use the online Student Permission Portal

Ensure your student portal is activated

Apply for Student Residence Permit

Refer to the user guide for detailed steps

Transit Visa Requirements

Citizens of certain countries require transit visas to enter TRNC via Turkey.

Afghanistan

Gambia

Namibia

Syria

Bangladesh

Ghana

Nepal

Tanzania

Benin

Guinea

Niger

Togo

Burkina Faso

Guinea Bissau

Nigeria

Tuvalu

Burundi

Ivory Coast

Pakistan

Uganda

Cambodia

Korea

Rwanda

Vietnamese

Cameroon

Laos

Sao Tome and Principe

Western Samoa

Cape Verde

Lesotho

Senegalese

Zambia

Central Africa R.

Liberia

Sierra Leone

Zimbabwe

Chad

Libya

Somalia

China

Madagascar

South Sudan

D.R of Congo (Zaire)

Malawi

Sri Lanka

Djibouti

Mali

Sudan

Eritrea

Mozambique

Surinam

Ethiopia

Myanmar

Swaziland

Special Requirements

Citizens of Syria, Nigeria, and Armenia must apply in person at TRNC Embassy, Representative Office, or Consulate General.

• Contact the nearest Embassy of Türkiye to schedule a visa appointment.
• Inform the RDU International Office at [email protected] at least 48 hours before your appointment so visa support documents can be sent to the Embassy.

Airport Arrival Guidelines

Important requirements for smooth entry at Ercan Airport.

Financial Proof Required

Students must carry minimum $1,000 USD in cash or valid bank account statements as proof of financial means.

Minimum $1,000 USD

Cash or bank statements

Required Documents

• Birth certificate (original)
• Diploma and transcripts
• Acceptance letter from RDU
• Proof of accommodation

Dress Code

Students are advised to dress in formal or smart attire, as casual clothing may not be deemed appropriate during entry procedures.

Important Restrictions

• No Greek Cypriot stamps in passport
• No Greek Cypriot phone numbers on devices
• Be ready to state university, department, and degree program

Embassy and Travel Information

Find the right mission offices and travel info.

TRNC Missions

Official TRNC representative offices worldwide.

Find TRNC missions

Turkish Embassies

In countries without TRNC representation.

Find Turkish embassies

Travel Information

• Direct flights to TRNC are only available from Turkey.
• Ercan Airport is approximately 20 minutes from Nicosia.
• Ferry connections are available from Turkey to TRNC.
• Transit via Turkey may require a transit visa depending on nationality.

Typical Timeline

Estimated durations for each phase (may vary).

Before Arrival

Receive acceptance

Initial payment

Visa application

Book travel

Visa Application

Prepare documents

Consulate visit

Await decision

Travel to TRNC

Flight

Arrival procedures

Entry stamp

University Registration

Visit office

Submit docs

Get student ID

Residence Permit Application

Portal application

Medical check

Fee payment

Verification

Permit Collection

Receive notification

Collect card

Confirm completion

Cost Breakdown

Typical costs associated with visa and residence permit.

Required Fees

Student Entry Visa

$60-$120

Paid at consulate or embassy

Residence Permit Fee

$50-$100

Paid to authorities in TRNC

Medical Tests

$40-$80

Hospital medical report and tests

Additional/Conditional Costs

Transit Visa (if via Turkey)

Conditional

$0-$50

Depends on nationality

Document Translation

Optional

$20-$100

If documents need translation to English/Turkish

Courier Service

Optional

$10-$30

Optional document delivery

Estimated Total

Typically between $150-$350 (varies)

Important Information

Key notes to ensure a smooth process.

Tuition Payment

Initial tuition payment is required before visa application.

Travel via Turkey

Most routes to TRNC require transit via Turkey.

Online Portal

Residence permit applications must be submitted online.

Medical Checkup

Health report is mandatory for residence permit.

Processing Time

Durations vary by season and nationality.

Required Documents

Prepare these documents for your visa/permit process.

Acceptance letter from RDU

Passport (valid for at least 6 months)

Tuition fee payment receipt

Passport-sized photos

Health/medical report (after arrival)

Completed online application form

Proof of accommodation (if required)

Travel itinerary/flight ticket

Financial proof (if requested)

Any additional documents requested by authorities

Residence permit fee receipt

Tips

• Keep originals and copies
• Use the same name spelling everywhere
• Keep receipts and reference numbers
• Apply early to avoid delays

Support & Assistance

Get support for visa and residence permit process

[email protected]+90 392 600 16 16

Portal:

emniyet.gov.ct.tr

Address:

İsmet İnönü Blv., Lefkoşa, TRNC