Northern Cyprus has four major towns, the capital being Lefkosa (Nicosia), which serves as the main administration and business centre. The other main towns Magosa (Famagusta), the country's principal port; Girne (Kyrenia), the main tourist centre well known for its ancient harbour, and Guzelyurt the centre of the citrus fruit industry.

The British interest in the island dates back to the 12th century and has remained until present day with many British ways being adopted by the government of the Northern Cyprus. Therefore, the British are genuinely welcomed and the transition could not be easier, as English is widely spoken and driving being on the left hand side of the road.

Climate:
The climate of the island is an eastern Mediterranean type with long, hot summers and relatively cool, short winters. There are over 320 days of sunshine a year, the sea temperature is rarely below 16°C and rises to 28-30°C during summer months, making Northern Cyprus one of the healthiest places in the world in which to live.

Language:
Turkish is the official. Language and English is the second language, and is widely used and understood in official and commercial circles. There are several first-class Turkish language teachers available, and some British residents avail themselves of their services.
Time:
Local time is two hours ahead of Greenwich Mean Time (GMT).

Shopping:
There is an extensive range of consumer goods and services available throughout the island. Many of the popular imported brand names are readily available and can be found in local supermarkets. Fresh local produce can be purchased from a wide variety of markets and small stores and there is wide range of wines and spirits at very low costs: retailing at approximately. VAT (KDV) is levied on most goods and services with rates ranging from 20% down to 2%.
Currency:
The Turkish Lira (TL), which has been in circulation since 1974, is the legal tender. The official rates for the TL are adjusted daily according to changes in international monetary markets. Generally speaking, all foreign currencies are acceptable at trading/tourist outlets.

Banking:
Northern Cyprus offers a well organised banking system, with all banking facilities catered for. Some banks operate their own branches in London and others have arrangements with major UK banks HSBC has a full service presence here. A deposit account can be opened with ease in Sterling or any other major currency and funds can be drawn in that denomination or in Turkish Lira (TL), which is the local currency.

Investments:
Foreign investment is actively encouraged, and those willing to invest in North Cyprus can be sure of a positive Government attitude.
1. Leasing of land for extended periods at favourable rates.
2. Import duty exemptions for goods concerning the project.
3. Government contribution to charter risk.
4. Contribution to brochure/advertisement expenditure up to 75%.
5. Exemption from income tax and corporation tax for a period of ten years in the case of investment in tourist accommodation units.
6. For public companies which have shareholders in excess of 50, tax exemption can be extended.
7. Annual interest and principal instalments of foreign loans enjoy a transfer guarantee.
8. Tourism establishments or hotels may deduct each year 20% of their annual foreign exchange gross earnings from taxable income.
9. Free transfer of proceeds in case of liquidity of investments.
10. Repatriation of profits without restriction or limitations.
11. Employment of foreign personnel who are not available locally.
12. Transfer of net income earned by foreign personnel is free.
13. Exemption of constriction licence fee.
14. Also deductible when calculating annual taxable profit are all travel expenses related to promotion and marketing, plus all kinds of advertisement, promotion and marketing expenses.

Investment Procedure:
With reference to the registration of a company, the legal form widely used for business undertakings in the TRNC, both by foreign investors and by local businessmen, is the private limited company. The provisions concerning the limited company are set out in the Company's Law, Cap 113, which is almost identical with the UK's Company Act of 1948.

Permission is obtained from the Council of Ministers for foreign ownership of TRNC registered companies, usually within two or three months of application. The foreign ownership can be from 49% to 100%.

A business permit is also required, which may be obtained from the Immigration Office.

Visas, Permits and Licences:
The TRNC is encouraging a policy of attracting foreigners to come and live and work in N Cyprus - in particular, to invest in businesses, especially within the tourism sector. This, of course, opens up a multitude of trades and businesses, from travel agencies, transport companies (whether land, sea or air), hotels, bars, restaurants, holiday villages, touristic related services such as water sports, recreational land sports such as tennis, golf, horse riding etc.

A foreigner coming to N. Cyprus to live and/or work must apply for the following permits; firstly, a temporary visitors permit from Nicosia, which involves the completion of a form and the supply of three or four passport size photographs. A full permanent residents permit is not usually issued until the recipient has been in residence in the TRNC for five years.

If you wish to operate a business in TRNC, the following procedure must be adhered to:
If you are to form a limited company, then you instruct an accountant to make the necessary applications on your behalf to the Council of Ministers, outlining the trading intentions of the company, share capital, directors etc. The formation of the company is obviously viewed more favourably if it has some Turkish Cypriot involvement, but it is quite possible to form a company with 100% British or foreign ownership.

A further application has to be made to the Immigration Department for an annually renewable business or employment permit, which is given once the Council of Ministers has given their approval.

You must also have a medical examination for clearance of TB and AIDS.
Finally, you register yourself and your company with Social Security for health insurance payments, the tax authorities, and the provident fund.
Once all this has been done, you may commence trading.
For retired persons, the residents permit is all that is required. Retired persons may bring into the country a full household of furniture. These are virtually tax-free - a nominal 2 - 3% tax is levied.

Education:
General education standards in the TRNC are of a very high standard and are borne out by the fact that there are four universities based in Northern Cyprus. The majority of schools offer bilingual education starting with kindergarten through secondary school and finally university.

Medical:
The cost of medical treatment in the local hospitals is lower than comparative care in the UK depending of course on the type of treatment required. Accident and emergency facilities are available at local hospitals. It is recommended that you seek a local GP, many of whom have had UK experience, for many minor ailments. Private health care is also available through a number of international medical insurance companies if required. Dental treatment is of a high standard and charges are moderate.

Traffic:
As in the UK, traffic circulation is on the left. Road signs are international. There is a large selection of car hire companies with a variety of vehicles at favourable rates, from £10 per day in the winter to £15+ in the peak season.

Employment:
There is no acute unemployment problem in the TRNC, and the number of registered unemployed has declined steadily since 1978. The official working week is 40 hours in the winter and 36 in the summer.

Churches:
The TRNC is a secular state with a predominantly Muslim population which welcomes Christian communities. The Anglican Church of St. Andrew's, Kyrenia is conveniently located near the town centre and services are held on Sundays and Thursdays. All Christian communities are welcome. The Roman Catholic Church of Terra Santa is also based in the centre of Kyrenia with mass being celebrated on the 1st and 3rd Sundays of each month. Other Christian churches are located in Famagusta and Nicosia.

Other Useful Information:

Electricity:
The supply is 220/240v AC 50HZ, with a standard UK 3-pin plug. Water: By mains supply and in some cases supplemented by wells. There has been a shortage of water in the past; however, the government has taken major steps to rectify the situation.

Telecommunication:
International telecommunication facilities are a rapidly growing sector of the economy. The company responsible for all telecommunication also provides telex, fax, telegram transmission and ISDN/e-mail facilities. When making international calls the cheap rates are from 20:00 to 08:00 hrs. Monday -Friday and all hours over the weekend. To dial from TRNC to UK dial 00 44 and omit the first 0 of the UK code. To dial from UK to TRNC dial 00 90 392 then the area code, followed by the number required.