Why Register a Sales Contract in Northern Cyprus?

Purchasing real estate in Northern Cyprus requires mandatory registration of the sales contract with the Land Registry and the Tax Office. Signatures of the parties on the contract are not sufficient: without official registration, the buyer’s rights remain vulnerable.

What does registering a sales contract provide?

1. Legal protection for the buyer

Registration records the transaction in official registers, ensuring:

• Prevention of resale of the property to third parties
• Prohibition for the seller to sign a duplicate contract
• Recognition of the buyer’s rights by the state

2. Right to further actions with the property

Only a registered contract allows the buyer to:

• Obtain permission from the Council of Ministers
• Transfer the title to their name
• Use the property as collateral for loans
• Legally own, manage, and lease the property

3. Protection from risks

Without registration, the buyer faces risks such as:

• Potential debts and encumbrances on the property
• Claims from third parties
• Loss of ownership rights in disputed transactions

Taxes and fees for registration

• Stamp Duty: 0.5% of the contract value
• Transfer Fee: 6% for foreign citizens
• Fee to the Council of Ministers: half of the minimum wage

Different rates apply for citizens of Cyprus and Turkey. More details can be found in our article about taxes.

Registration deadlines

By law, registration must be completed within 21 days from the date of signing the contract. Missing this deadline requires court intervention or additional procedures, increasing time and costs.

Registration without personal presence

If the buyer is absent from the island, registration can be arranged via notarized power of attorney. We provide full support for the process: from document preparation to obtaining the Land Registry extract (S.S.K.).

Why consult a lawyer?

Registering a contract is a complex process that includes:

• Collecting and verifying the full set of documents
• Paying all taxes and obtaining receipts
• Ensuring correct entry of data in the cadastre

Errors or incomplete registration (e.g., paying only the stamp duty without obtaining the extract) can result in loss of rights.

Conclusion

Registration of the sales contract in Northern Cyprus is a mandatory step to protect the buyer’s rights. Only a registered contract guarantees that the property is secured under your name and allows you to obtain the title in the future.

De Jure Consulting supports clients at all stages: document preparation, tax payments, contract registration, and obtaining the Land Registry extract.

Additional information

• More about sales contract registration services
• Learn about property checks before purchase

“Only an officially registered sales contract provides full legal protection and property ownership rights.”