No Need for Residency Over 60

Agobard


Joined: 20/08/2008
Posts: 271

Message Posted:
26/11/2011 13:50

So, at long last a government spokesman, Mr Nazmi Pinar, has confirmed something that I knew several years ago - you don't need residency over the age of 60! According to Cyprus Today, page 3, he says 'this is not a new practice but a very old one. We want expats to be welcome in the TRNC and we do our best to help them during their stay here. They can just enter the TRNC and stay here for as long as they like.' The BRS are trying to get the government to provide some sort of passport stamp so that residents will still be able to obtain TRNC driving licences.

martinD41


Joined: 06/09/2010
Posts: 3001

Message Posted:
26/11/2011 15:50

If in fact this is the case , How many over 60 ex-pats have recently parted with a lot of money, and not been told about this........"very old practice"...??

martinD41


Joined: 06/09/2010
Posts: 3001

Message Posted:
26/11/2011 15:51

Are Refunds on the cards.......?

LooseBoots



Joined: 08/02/2009
Posts: 1258

Message Posted:
26/11/2011 16:08

It`s not April 1st is it?

Geoff


Joined: 25/06/2008
Posts: 1370

Message Posted:
26/11/2011 16:12

Do you need to obtain a residence permit in the first instant, and then not have to renew it? Is THAT what he is saying?

Is a medical still required?

How does this all square with the "90 day" visa slip?

Somehow this doesn't add up to me!

??

Geoff

martinD41


Joined: 06/09/2010
Posts: 3001

Message Posted:
26/11/2011 16:12

No it's the TRNC... I'm wondering if Mr Pinar has "Put his foot in it " so to speak........

martinD41


Joined: 06/09/2010
Posts: 3001

Message Posted:
26/11/2011 16:15

Geoff, The best you can do is Hazard a guess, then reverse you decision and your somewhere near............

stellasstar1



Joined: 02/07/2008
Posts: 1519

Message Posted:
26/11/2011 17:06

Yes, it still doesnt sound right does it. I read it and re-read it, and until we can get out passports stamped with something that means we are legal without renewing residency I wouldn't chance it. If it was 100% ok, then why can't you get a drivers licence. Does it mean that once you have temporary residency, providing you don't leave the country you are ok. Maybe we will find out on census day, when all those that don't have residency can explain to the censors people when they come round to their houses, that they are legal, and see if they get a fine.

deputydawg


Joined: 30/03/2010
Posts: 1727

Message Posted:
26/11/2011 17:10

Perhaps the government minister means free gratis residence for those over 60 as is the case for all ages treading on coastal beaches. Free gratis by law but they regularly encourage hoteliers to rubber dick you for money if you go on them ! Incidentally, are they still charging to enter the Karpas ?

joandjelly


Joined: 24/02/2008
Posts: 2953

Message Posted:
26/11/2011 18:32

Has anyone over 60 without residency tried to get a driving licence and been refused because they don't have residency?

rowlo



Joined: 12/10/2008
Posts: 4796

Message Posted:
26/11/2011 22:08

you need to turn up , with both parents to qualify,

rolly


Joined: 12/03/2009
Posts: 107

Message Posted:
26/11/2011 22:10

both me and my wife are over 60 both have driving licences and temporary residences but return back to uk for a short period like xmas etc.where does that leave us. also we are away when the census takes place.would someone give us some sound info on this subject. thanks all.

pc4854


Joined: 23/08/2009
Posts: 243

Message Posted:
27/11/2011 08:18

There could be some truth in this case. If you stop to think that aliens over the age of 60 do not need blood tests although they were reintroduced for people under 60. Maybe this is because they know that at 60 you don't need to apply. I was speaking with a friend yesterday and he and others are going to Immigration next week in an effort to get clarification of the age 60 issue and what is actually required. Could be intersting!

blooboy


Joined: 25/09/2010
Posts: 13

Message Posted:
27/11/2011 11:19

In the end most of these 'rules' all come down to money. Nobody is going to tell you that you don't need a residency stamp over 60 if you keep turning up every one or two years and offering to pay for one.



If the authorities really thought about it they would realise that the money they make from us when we apply for temporary residency is small beans when you consider how much more they would make if they made it easier for the expats to live here. The numbers would probably start to increase again if we were given a less bureaucratic and muddled set of laws and rules with which to comply.



The contribution to the local economy by the expats is highly significant and over the last decade, when tourists have been scarce, have kept many businesses afloat. The hard work and money raised for many local charities and needy causes to benefit Turkish Cypriots is almost incalculable. So I hope that Mr Pinar has not put his foot in it but is showing some leadership and common sense

Geoff


Joined: 25/06/2008
Posts: 1370

Message Posted:
27/11/2011 11:40

We hope too Blooboy.

Geoff

japeal



Joined: 12/09/2008
Posts: 1052

Message Posted:
27/11/2011 12:39

I went to Immigration in Lefkosa with a TC he insisted I did not need residency when over 60. BT, when I asked if something could be stamped be it a card/passport anything that would allow me to renew driving licence when needed was told definately residency required unless govt changes rules.



Appears immigration are correct re residency but they admit that other departments may need to see some sort of stamp that can authorise me being here.

suntanman



Joined: 18/04/2007
Posts: 721

Message Posted:
27/11/2011 13:54

This all sounds confusing to me.

So, if you are over 60 you can stay here for as long as you like, but can't apply for a drivers licence because you haven't got the residency stamp in your passport. Unless you go through the residency procedure.

Are they going to give out bus passes?

Do they think that over 60's aren't able to drive?



TRNC

joke after joke after joke.............

tonyf


Joined: 29/03/2009
Posts: 153

Message Posted:
27/11/2011 14:07

Lets not speculate, in msg 13 a visit to immigration is proposed, perhaps when a definitive answer is available it could be posted. If it is the case you should not need a stamp in your passport your d of b is already there

stellasstar1



Joined: 02/07/2008
Posts: 1519

Message Posted:
28/11/2011 09:44

Maybe we will still have to go throught the Lefkosia process to get it stamped.....................................

fishh


Joined: 17/04/2009
Posts: 147

Message Posted:
28/11/2011 09:46

what about under 60's who have a life here too!!!

yrret


Joined: 17/08/2010
Posts: 761

Message Posted:
28/11/2011 09:57

Why should people need driving licences either, the stamp says 'visitor' you are not a resident' at all.



Does the left hand have any idea that a right hand even exists.

mamachina


Joined: 22/11/2008
Posts: 730

Message Posted:
28/11/2011 10:34

I think the answer to post 21 is "No"!!!

As you saw in Sats Cyprus today, BRS is TRYING to get clarification!! What we need is someone over 60 who is just about to renew both residency and driving licence to try and get driving licence first without current residency and see what happens!! Or is it, as often happens, dependent who is on the desk at the time, just like at the border??

Im not willing to risk it! Id rather pay up and have peace of mind until something really concrete happens - like a stamp in passport giving "permanent" residency!! (Im all right Jack for another year, as got a 2yr one this year - things may have changed again by Jan 2013!!)

ozankoys


Joined: 20/06/2008
Posts: 905

Message Posted:
28/11/2011 10:42

My friend got a Driving Licence this year without being a resident.

Tango1


Joined: 19/02/2011
Posts: 1151

Message Posted:
28/11/2011 11:52

He's saying what in reality SHOULD happen, but not what DOES happen and he's absolutely correct of course. It's just a sop to keep people quiet. The Government is bankrupt as it is, what would they do if we all started not to pay our annual dues??

stellasstar1



Joined: 02/07/2008
Posts: 1519

Message Posted:
28/11/2011 12:38

Message 21, the reason you have to get a driving licence is that you can only use a UK licence if you live here for, I think, 1 year, then you have to get a TC one. As it's not the EU, a UK licence is not valid indefinitely.

blade


Joined: 19/06/2010
Posts: 1286

Message Posted:
28/11/2011 13:06

Well said fish, we are not all of pension age!

spider


Joined: 03/01/2009
Posts: 5527

Message Posted:
28/11/2011 13:45

As always they seem to make things so very very confusing here,and then change it all again ! and again









Spider,X

Whistler


Joined: 28/07/2008
Posts: 1332

Message Posted:
28/11/2011 14:09

What is worrying is when you go to customs at the airport, especially coming back. What happens then?

Ozbey


Joined: 04/03/2009
Posts: 304

Message Posted:
28/11/2011 14:20

Whistler,

What has it got to do with customs?

nicka


Joined: 06/11/2008
Posts: 76

Message Posted:
28/11/2011 15:07

With regard to the driving license...... Why not go and walk over at one of the crossings and get a 90 day visa.... and be a visitor... so you can drive on your uk license.

If you dont have a residency stamp because of being over 60, thats what you are.

After all, those that "use" the visa system to avoid going through the residency system are allready doing this if they cannot go and get a license due to not having a residency stamp.



Only a suggestion.......



And before its suggested, i have both residency and a T.R.N.C . driving license.

waddo


Joined: 29/11/2008
Posts: 1966

Message Posted:
28/11/2011 15:57

nicka,



That will work till your UK license runs out. Then, if you move from the UK permanently, you can not renew your UK license and you won't get a TRNC license either. Then what?



You can not have a RoC license because you need to live there for 6 months first, after that EU law allows you to change your UK license for a RoC license but if you don't live in the EU then when your EU license expires you can not get another one!



Just to note, I am fighting this discriminatory EU law at the moment but it will take many months to become resolved - current stage is latest question from me - Why can a TC hold an EU passport, the same as me, but be allowed to drive in the RoC for up to one year on a TRNC license. Yet I hold an EU passport and am not allowed the same deal? Still waiting for a reply!!!

Deniz1


Joined: 28/07/2009
Posts: 3829

Message Posted:
28/11/2011 16:10

I have just renewed my uk licence on line and i dont live there and havent been there for nearly nine years.

valarius


Joined: 04/11/2008
Posts: 356

Message Posted:
28/11/2011 16:17

Can I just say two things. We have been here 10 years and just this year we renewed our UK Licenses. Just filled in the form I got from the internet. and sent it or them off with new photos and back they came, no prob.



The other thing is that we went to see the Imigration officer in Lefkosa and asked them about residency permits over 60, this was about 4 years ago and we were told over 65 no resedency is needed, I asked why do we come here everty year then and pay up, they said "well we are not going to tell you that are we" I then asked if |I didn't renew in the future what would happen, he said you would not get fined, no one gets fined over 60, but paying he just smiled. I did have a joke about being fined for speeding over 60 and he said that did count. I just got a bit or vey annoyed thinking that no residency needed after 60 after paying and being within the law for 10 years. And leaving the Island next May. Makes me mad.

carian


Joined: 13/03/2009
Posts: 336

Message Posted:
28/11/2011 16:22

Anyone that has re-newed a UK driving licence must have used a UK address as we were told it is illegal to live here and have a UK driving licence.

slatnumber7


Joined: 25/08/2010
Posts: 299

Message Posted:
28/11/2011 16:38

Carian Msg 34 That is the case, you need to be a UK resident to renew your D/L on line and yes after a while as a resident or visitor here (someone will help with the time frame) your UK D/L is not valid in the TRNC so you need to get a TRNC D/L.



There's some useful information here...



http://www.direct.gov.uk/en/Motoring/DriverLicensing/NeedANewOrUpdatedLicence/DG_078070?CID=Motoring&PLA=url_mon&CRE=renew_my_photo



I hope this helps!

augustal


Joined: 11/08/2011
Posts: 236

Message Posted:
28/11/2011 16:43

If it`s over 60, I would say that 90% of us brits are resident then........ you do mean 60 years ,,, not 60 stone?,,,,, becasue after looking at myself in trunks in the summer I think I would quakify also... He! He!

waddo


Joined: 29/11/2008
Posts: 1966

Message Posted:
28/11/2011 17:47

Sorry people, I have it direct from the EU Advisory service: 1. If your address on your EU driving license is not correct then your EU driving license is not valid. 2. If you do not reside within an EU country then you can not have an EU driving license. That is the law!



So if anyone has applied for renewal of an EU license and they do not reside on a permanent basis in an EU country they have an invalid license. The only way you can do this is to lie on your application! Say it anyway you like but that is the bottom line. Lie and get a license or tell the truth and not be able to get or renew one!



I then asked as a British (EU) citizen would I be able to renew my passport as I no longer lived in an EU country - anyone one who wants a copy of the answer just email me because it is too long to post on here - like everything you get back from the EU Advisory Service! Short answer was yes as there is currently no law to take my passport away - yet!

yrret


Joined: 17/08/2010
Posts: 761

Message Posted:
28/11/2011 18:27

I changed my UK licence (address) Mick, I returned to the UK as a resident, for a day, and sent off my appilcation.

The following day I changed my mind and decided to be non-res again.



The trouble is the system is a little confusing and contradictory.

I have an email from DVLA which I keep in case ever needed, that states they will not change your address if you are not UK resident, even if you keep a house there, and sell one and buy another. Trouble is, the police do not accept an incorrect address, and it is an offence to have an incorrect one on your licance, hence I keep the email, but did change an address.



The thing is, you do not 'loose you licence' you just cannit update it or renew it, you can still have one back once you reyurn to the EU.

Cyprus (N & S) as we know is 'all' in the EU, just the accord is suspended in the N, at least it is when it suites.

smwredd


Joined: 07/10/2009
Posts: 260

Message Posted:
29/11/2011 11:51

What happens if you need to hire a car in the UK whilst back on a visit. Hire firms need to see your driving license and I am sure will not accept a TRNC one as it is not a recognised country.

NCMan



Joined: 19/09/2009
Posts: 670

Message Posted:
29/11/2011 12:01

You can drive in the UK on a TRNC Licence but i am not sure for how long , as i rented a car in the UK on mine.

colinbrs


Joined: 15/09/2011
Posts: 9

Message Posted:
29/11/2011 12:23

The BRS knows this-

If you are over 60 and have completed your first application for temporary residence, you don't have to apply for a residence permit.

However, we advise Brits to think carefully about it because -



a)The law says you must have a permit whatever your age. This is only an "administrative concession", which is why the Ministry of Interior won't put it in writing, although the BRS is pushing for it. Legally, if you don't have a permit, you are an overstayer and liable penalties



b) Without a permit you can't get a driving licence and may have problems with some property transactions (consult HBPG)



c) You have no evidence of your legal status here as a resident, so can't prove it. You might need it for UK tax purposes or to prove to immigration officers elsewhere that you have a right to return here.



d) There is absolutely no guarantee that the next TRNC government would continue with the concession. So, you could be treated as an overstayer.

stellasstar1



Joined: 02/07/2008
Posts: 1519

Message Posted:
29/11/2011 12:42

At last, some information from BRS. I think that is what most of us thought anyway, but it's nice to have it confirmed. As with most things here, if you ask someone working at immigaration or a policeman, it depends who you ask as to the answer, therefore until the government actually announces that those of us over 60 don't need temporary residency, I think it is better to be safe than sorry. All those that don't, are taking a big risk which could turn out to be very expensive.

waddo


Joined: 29/11/2008
Posts: 1966

Message Posted:
29/11/2011 15:20

yrret, good one, never thought of that but wonder if I can do it by post rather than have to go back to UK at all? I would just change my mind as soon as I dropped the application in the mail box!



You can hire a car in UK on your TRNC license and it is valid in the UK for up to one year. That is part of the EU rules and deal!

slatnumber7


Joined: 25/08/2010
Posts: 299

Message Posted:
29/11/2011 15:50

waddo Msg 43 Have a look at the link on my Msg 35 which ever way you decide on it, it's all about 'mens rea' (Guilty knowledge.)

stellasstar1



Joined: 02/07/2008
Posts: 1519

Message Posted:
30/11/2011 12:03

Back to the original thread, has anyone been to Immigration this week to check it out? as it was talked about earlier.

Texas


Joined: 22/09/2009
Posts: 634

Message Posted:
17/01/2012 08:16

Any news?



What is the situation (FACTS PLEASE) regarding residency for the over 60's?



Has anyone who is over the age of 60, who decided not to re-apply for residency had any issues?



I ask on behalf of another, as I am much too young.

milliesmum49


Joined: 22/10/2010
Posts: 36

Message Posted:
17/01/2012 10:55

When l renewed my residency in November, l collected it from the immigration office and asked the question, do



you have to renew your residency when you are 60 & over. The lady there said no you did not have to. When l



asked if there were any problems if you don't, l got the usual shrug of shoulders. Needless to say l paid my money



but it makes you wonder what would happen if you don't.

stellasstar1



Joined: 02/07/2008
Posts: 1519

Message Posted:
17/01/2012 12:34

Mine is comng up for renewal in April, and I would really like to know what the real situation is. Ok you don't renew, you have a licence for 3 years so that's ok, but what happens if you go out of the country. I changed banks recently, and they wanted my passport and asked if I had temporary residency, which they wanted to see, and my pink book. Will you be fined if you leave, or if you come back in again? Mabe you can get away with it if yu do not need to do anything official or leave the country. Why won't anyone give us a straight answer?

Panchocat


Joined: 29/11/2009
Posts: 1333

Message Posted:
17/01/2012 12:36

Sylvia, message 39.

I always use my TC licence when I go back to the UK.

None of the car hire companies have ever had a problem with it or made a comment about it.

the butler


Joined: 22/06/2007
Posts: 1958

Message Posted:
17/01/2012 12:41

My renewal is also due in April and I would like to find out for definite if I need to pay the money and go through the procedure. Surely there is someone who can give us over 60's the correct answer.







The butlers wife

Texas


Joined: 22/09/2009
Posts: 634

Message Posted:
17/01/2012 13:33

Check out what the BRS has to say.



One paragraph states the following:



"If you have to leave TRNC in an emergency and your permit has expired/is being processed/is about to expire, contact Immigration at the Ministry of Interior. Don't try to get a letter or advice from the Police: they are not authorised to give advice or issue such letters."



Then at the end the following is stated:



"At a recent visit to the immigration police in Girne (10th January 2012) the BRS was informed by the new head of police, for clarification on the over 60's ruling. He again confirmed that it is not necessary for over 60's to apply for residency, subject to the restrictions outlined in a-c above. He has agreed to let us have a letter to that effect."



Anyway, they are two different things.



http://www.brstrnc.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=98&Itemid=138

harita


Joined: 14/08/2008
Posts: 1343

Message Posted:
17/01/2012 13:43

Deniz1 .. Message 32 .. & valarius .. Message 33



What are the addresses on your UK licences .. UK or Cyprus ?

jock1



Joined: 06/01/2008
Posts: 3786

Message Posted:
17/01/2012 13:52

A bit of a cop out as normal !!!!

Deniz1


Joined: 28/07/2009
Posts: 3829

Message Posted:
17/01/2012 14:47

Uk licence has a uk address

stellasstar1



Joined: 02/07/2008
Posts: 1519

Message Posted:
17/01/2012 16:18

The BRS announcement is confusing, because in one part is says do not take advice or get a letter from the police, only Immigration at the Ministry of Interior, then later on it says the Immigration Police at Girne say you don't need it. Surely they are both totally different, the Police at Girne don't make the rules and are not employed by the same authority. Why does it also go on to give details needed for the over 60's for their residency, if they don't need it. Also rather worrying as the advice was given by the new Head of Police. We need information given by the Head of Immigration. If only..................................

stellasstar1



Joined: 02/07/2008
Posts: 1519

Message Posted:
19/01/2012 12:13

Hasn't anyone over 60 been to the Immigration in Lefkosia recently and asked the question?

tomsteel


Joined: 22/06/2009
Posts: 482

Message Posted:
19/01/2012 20:16

msg 56 - have you managed to visit?

cyprusairsoft



Joined: 22/06/2009
Posts: 2066

Message Posted:
15/02/2012 13:14

please keep at the top as this is ongoing and effects us all



my mom is 84 always done residency with us for 6 years surley she doesnt have to as she doesnt drive doesnt own a house just lives with us who support her?

she needs to go uk just before permit renewell is she going to get arrested when she comes bacl a few weeks later?

R.C.T.Man.



Joined: 27/03/2009
Posts: 746

Message Posted:
15/02/2012 14:48

As i understand it , as long as she goes to LefKosia & informs them she will be leaving the country , she will be ok.

cyprusairsoft



Joined: 22/06/2009
Posts: 2066

Message Posted:
16/02/2012 11:24

thanks for that

Geoff


Joined: 25/06/2008
Posts: 1370

Message Posted:
16/02/2012 12:27

Does BRS only look after its members, or is it also concerned for ALL Brits??

If they did more to sort this out they would surely soon get more members.

Their present attitude only ensures that I, for one, will not join BRS.

Geoff

tomsteel


Joined: 22/06/2009
Posts: 482

Message Posted:
16/02/2012 13:19

Well Geoff, that is your choice. Let me pose a question a for you on 'membership', as a paid up member of the BRS. If you were a paying member of a golf club, would you expect me, as a non-paying member, to share the same rights, priviledges and service provision? I suspect you might not. Why not join the BRS and use the rights as a member to air your views to the committee? There is a British High Commission here to look after the interests of ALL Brits.

Geejay


Joined: 18/04/2009
Posts: 475

Message Posted:
16/02/2012 14:40

Geoff.....The BRS acts for the well being of all ex-pats in northern Cyprus. In fact, whether British or not.

Your negativity makes it fairly clear that you have not had to 'negotiate' or indeed co-ordinate with Turkish Cypriot authorities.

The BRS committee members are all volunteers who attempt to deal with local officials under very difficult circumstances.

If you feel that you may be able to do better, I suggest you join the organisation and offer your expertise and talents to the committee ! I'm sure they would welcome your assistance.

Tango1


Joined: 19/02/2011
Posts: 1151

Message Posted:
16/02/2012 14:54

I know someone who asked a member of the Cabinet who he meets on a fairly regular basis "do over 60's need to renew their Residencies" "No" "Are you prepared to officially publish this information and put your name to it" With a smile "No". So until something is made official by the Government, we just have to grin and and get on with it, don't we?

stellasstar1



Joined: 02/07/2008
Posts: 1519

Message Posted:
16/02/2012 18:28

Re-message 59, does that mean if we don't renew, everytime we go South or any other country, we have to go to Immigration to tell them? It would be easier just to renew residency.

R.C.T.Man.



Joined: 27/03/2009
Posts: 746

Message Posted:
17/02/2012 07:51

Hope not stellasstar1, i am hoping (if this comes off ) they will include this annomaly into the factor.

Geoff


Joined: 25/06/2008
Posts: 1370

Message Posted:
17/02/2012 09:54

Re Msg 62: Yes, I always use them, very helpful.

Re Msg 63: Wrong.

Geoff

Giles


Joined: 16/08/2011
Posts: 256

Message Posted:
17/02/2012 09:59

Geoff, when did YOU last apply for residency (in the North that is)?

Deniz1


Joined: 28/07/2009
Posts: 3829

Message Posted:
18/02/2012 15:29

So where is the announcement in the newspaper that was promised? I cannot find it.