starting a business in trnc

mbtrnc


Joined: 03/01/2010
Posts: 14

Message Posted:
03/01/2010 16:08

Hi I am a new member and have visited the trnc 3 times we are retuning at the end of the month we really like it and would love to live in northern cyprus I know a bit about the difficulties of buying a property ie deeds and the Orams case etc but that does not put us off living here but I would like to work or open a business, would I need a turkish cypriot business partner? love to hear from anyone who has achieved this



ps be kind on this newbie he knows no better

harita


Joined: 14/08/2008
Posts: 1343

Message Posted:
03/01/2010 16:55

Wouldn't know how many signmakers there are here .. Must be one of the most lucrative businesses to be in .. Restaurants/bars close & reopen with new signs 2 or 3 times a year on average ..

HNComputers


Joined: 23/08/2009
Posts: 472

Message Posted:
03/01/2010 17:07

Mbtrnc,



To open a business here you would need a KKTC Kimlik Kart, an accountant and have enough to pay for taxes and other charges for opening a business.

Dixie Normus


Joined: 22/02/2008
Posts: 820

Message Posted:
03/01/2010 17:21

Save your money, the island is built on disposesing the foriegn element of thier funds and good intensions, at best you may just survive at worst you will be raped of every penny you have by the corrupt beaurocratic system that unfortunatly exits here. Good luck but be very carefull out there.



D.N

yorgozlu



Joined: 16/06/2009
Posts: 4437

Message Posted:
03/01/2010 17:42

Best go and live in Bangladesh,where you will get your monies worth!!



Like my dad used to say:The bread is in Lions mouth!!

It was no different for the likes of me when first went to uk or whereever else.If you put your head down and get on with it ,you will succeed.

Unless of course,you also want to sit and expect it to come to you,and when it doesnt ,play "pass the bug".

yorgozlu



Joined: 16/06/2009
Posts: 4437

Message Posted:
03/01/2010 17:44

msg 5;

I was given that advice few years ago in uk,when getting married.

DIDNT LISTEN.

Result when got divorced:

Your exact comments.

mbtrnc


Joined: 03/01/2010
Posts: 14

Message Posted:
03/01/2010 18:27

Hi thank you all for your range of comments and advice I will consider it all I expect to be treated like a foreigner in a foreign land and would expect little help, but I would hope to be treated fair and within the law and by nature of the people, at least if the bread is in the lions mouth not in its belly that gives me a fighting chance.

mbtrnc


Joined: 03/01/2010
Posts: 14

Message Posted:
03/01/2010 18:27

Hi how do you get a trnc id card are they given to trnc citizens only or residents

yorgozlu



Joined: 16/06/2009
Posts: 4437

Message Posted:
03/01/2010 18:32

MSG 9;

tHEY ARE GIVEN TO CITIZENS ONLY AND A FOREIGHNER WOULD NEED 6 YEARS BEFORE APPLYING.Unless you marry a citizen,like in uk.

Ballyboffin


Joined: 25/08/2007
Posts: 903

Message Posted:
03/01/2010 18:41

Most businesses only last 1 or 2 years, I'd say don't bother.

Lilli



Joined: 21/07/2008
Posts: 13081

Message Posted:
03/01/2010 18:59

would you like to buy a restaurant and limited company. Its not so easy now tp set up. email me if you want any advice. ypu need to show at least 100 thousand dollars in the bank plus 10,000 tl for tax. this is blocked for 18 months at a time whilst the company is open. The red tape is a nightmare as are the differences in ulility costs when you are not a tc. For instance we had to pay 1085TL for an electric meter plus £60 for a tiny stamp. TC charge 300 TL. its total discrimination. Im not sure now but someone will tell you if you need a tc partner now or go alone xxxxxx

yorgozlu



Joined: 16/06/2009
Posts: 4437

Message Posted:
03/01/2010 19:05

Lilli;

Why is it a discrace to charge 3 times deposit to none tc.1085 tl is not hard to use on electric,and if you leave without paying,who covers that cost?

Lilli



Joined: 21/07/2008
Posts: 13081

Message Posted:
03/01/2010 19:11

yorg that was only the meter, will we get it back if we leave. You would want to pay the same costs as a brit in the uk not an inflated amount. There should only be the same for everybody, things like this do put johnny forigner think twice about opening any activity sadly. Hence no forthcoming investments. Maybe britian should do the same, but it wouldnt matter now as most forginers claim ds and get it paid. perhaps the trnc are right xxxx

mbtrnc


Joined: 03/01/2010
Posts: 14

Message Posted:
03/01/2010 19:23

Thanks for the advice sorry I dont want to buy a restaurant as I am not sure people would like lancashire hotpot or pie and chips in the trnc but I think as time goes on things may get easier ref opening up businesses

yorgozlu



Joined: 16/06/2009
Posts: 4437

Message Posted:
03/01/2010 19:26

Lilli;

Yes you would get it back,when you leave,you go to kibtek with your invoice of deposit and present meter reading and they do the rest.



And you are wright,they should do the same in uk.

Lilli



Joined: 21/07/2008
Posts: 13081

Message Posted:
03/01/2010 19:30

thanks yorg. mbtrnc i would kill for lanc hotpot or irish stew or any stew. good luck whatever you decide. You are wrong you know most expats would love that food, real meat pie and chips my idea of heaven xxxxxxx

mbtrnc


Joined: 03/01/2010
Posts: 14

Message Posted:
03/01/2010 19:37

Thanks Lilli maybe you can put lancashire hotpot on the menu at your restaurant or a manchester kebab meat pie ,sausage roll and a pasty on a bamcake

all the best

cyprusishome


Joined: 31/03/2007
Posts: 2381

Message Posted:
03/01/2010 19:43

msg 8



I am sorry to say you will not be treated fairly if you try to start a business. Also the regulations change so often it does not matter what info you are given now be sure it will not be the same next month.



Unless you are one of the lucky few who come up with a new idea and you have an endless supply of cash then forget it, as said above you will do better in Bangla Desh.



The only safe way to live here is to be retired like oursleves and have some sort of income.



I am sure you will receive very few, if any comments in favour of investing in a business here.



One last comment to put into perspective, we have been here 4 years and most of above I know have been here several years to so it is not just short term knowledge.

Lilli



Joined: 21/07/2008
Posts: 13081

Message Posted:
03/01/2010 19:44

oh my god a bamcake, things like this make me realise what i miss about british cuisine. dont know the manchester kebab meat pie but will look it up. We do put traditional dishes on the specials. Now you have wheted my appitite this week will certainly include hot pot. I meant what I said if you need any advice email me xxxxxx

WotNoDeeds!


Joined: 26/08/2009
Posts: 687

Message Posted:
03/01/2010 19:56

mbtrnc you must be insane if your still thinking of investing your hard earned money here, think, think and think again before parting with anything especially money, you'll just be another "cash cow" coming to the slaughter.

mbtrnc


Joined: 03/01/2010
Posts: 14

Message Posted:
03/01/2010 20:00

Will do Lilli we will be coming over at the end of the month may come to your restaurant for lancashire hotpot with red cabbage and pickleed onion ps is there a way of emailing you not on the forum?

Lilli



Joined: 21/07/2008
Posts: 13081

Message Posted:
03/01/2010 20:09

sorry mbtrnc you cant see the email address its guodoandliz@yahoo.co.uk . you may have to bring the real pickled onions though. Would love to see you and If we can help you in anyway we are here xxxxx now you have my mouth watering again xxx

No1Doyen


Joined: 04/07/2008
Posts: 16617

Message Posted:
03/01/2010 20:22

It must be really difficult to open a business here.

yorgozlu



Joined: 16/06/2009
Posts: 4437

Message Posted:
03/01/2010 20:29

Difficulty is not in opening up a bussiness here Bill but in finding THE BUSSINESS MINDED PEOPLE.



Anyone with money in their pocket can open a bussiness,anywhere.But,running it and making a success of it is another story.



Unfortunatly too many ex pats with few pounds came to TRNC,started up bussiness without a clue of running it and when it didnt work they took the easy option and blamed it on someone or something else.



And no,not everyone is same.

Teresa


Joined: 21/11/2007
Posts: 1018

Message Posted:
03/01/2010 21:33

Yorg i agree with you, yes it is a minefield, yes the red tape does get you down but so long as you are determined enough and you have the right busness then there is no reason why it cant work.

Running a business anywhere in the world is hard work. Good luck with whatever you decide to do.

No1Doyen


Joined: 04/07/2008
Posts: 16617

Message Posted:
03/01/2010 21:36

What percentage of people starting a business here actually succeed?

Lilli



Joined: 21/07/2008
Posts: 13081

Message Posted:
03/01/2010 21:40

BILL TCS or ex pats. What ever buisness plan you have needs adjusting xxxx

Hector


Joined: 26/08/2008
Posts: 2352

Message Posted:
04/01/2010 00:36

"...I would hope to be treated fair and within the law"



Unfortunately that doesn't seem to apply to non TC's (i.e. British expats) and not always to TC's either.

Jeannie


Joined: 04/08/2009
Posts: 3283

Message Posted:
04/01/2010 01:36

Hector - you're right. Have known good people running a business in TRNC for many, many years, TC chap and British lady. To be honest, they never knew, from one week to another, whether they were (as my old Mum used to say) on foot or horseback.



J

kaiserphil


Joined: 14/12/2008
Posts: 1096

Message Posted:
04/01/2010 03:23

Yorgozlu - I have been reading your various posts for some time, and now feel obliged to say something. You are either:



Private Pike or:



A complete w*ank*r.



You clearly know nothing about the problems that face Brits (sorry, whinging ex-pats) who come to the TRNC or try to get a business going there.



The normal way of things is this:



1. Get a Brit or preferably British couple to come into business with you.



2. Let them get the business up-and-running.



3. Find a way to get rid of them (no problem).



4. Run the business.



5. Go out of business because you haven't the least idea how to get customers to come back and to recommend other potential customers to visit you.



6. Bugger off and take their initial capital investment with you.



Don't tell me that is rubbish (you will), because we have all seen it happen to our friends!

yorgozlu



Joined: 16/06/2009
Posts: 4437

Message Posted:
04/01/2010 05:43

msg 31;

Your friends must be complete suckers to get sucked in to that.



Everyone has mind of their own,and no one is forced to do anything.



AND;

Going by my above comments;



Who are the w*ank*r s now.



Unless of course,you also like "them",not eccepting no responsibility!!



We have "feet" for walking and "brein" for thinking.



Use them in that order and you will all be fine.



And,thats a conclusion from my own expiriences.





There are alot of Brits live around where I am,

when I'm asked,what I do for living,by third party?

my answer is always,"I con Brits."



GET IT?????

HNComputers


Joined: 23/08/2009
Posts: 472

Message Posted:
04/01/2010 12:40

I wouldn't think it is a waste of time opening a businss here...of course in mbtrnc's situation you will need an id card, but you could get a trusted friend to open it under their name providing they have an id card??



It does take a long time to succeed, however if you have the patience it will work.



Me and my partner moved here over a year ago, we've opened up a business...and yes it was tough at first, but patience was all it took. We do have to pay for alot of taxes and national insurance and bills and.....but it's worth a try if you have the strength to fight, never give up! Im sure this applies to almost every country.



If you need any help getting around etc and still are considering opening up a business, you are more than welcome to email me for details.



Good luck

Serkan


Joined: 12/05/2009
Posts: 75

Message Posted:
04/01/2010 13:59

mbtrnc



cyprus full of business opportunities,not many people can see these opportunities. If you want to talk, ask any question or email me happy to help. I live in UK and have a business in cyprus.



Good luck

honestie


Joined: 22/02/2009
Posts: 468

Message Posted:
04/01/2010 15:51

If you want any further help or information re opening a business email me jramscar@hotmail.com

Have done 2 business's myself using a turkish cypriot and also 1 using someones company.

Theres lots to learn and lots of mistakes can be made but do understand the legaliteis of it all now until they change something again. You need patience, a good accountant and a good solicitor which can be difficult but I have found them. good luck and you can make a business work but you unless you are lucky it wont make you rich!



If you email me I will give you all the necessary legal requirements

nostradamus


Joined: 15/04/2008
Posts: 557

Message Posted:
04/01/2010 17:04

You don't need a TC partner unless you are in property sales/development/land purchase. However (and I speak from experience) nobody in their right mind would want to start a business here. The rules and regulations (ever changing) that apply to foreigners are beyond imagination. The authorities here do not want foreigners competing for the extremely small returns that are likely. If you want to start a business, go to another EU country which at least will have a level playing field.

honestie


Joined: 22/02/2009
Posts: 468

Message Posted:
04/01/2010 17:28

just checking Ive had two business's here and not in property sales development etct As a foreigner I had to have turkish cypriot partner in order to get the working permissions or be under umbrella of someone elses company or set up my own company so interested to read your comment above

Stonehousepub


Joined: 21/05/2009
Posts: 755

Message Posted:
05/01/2010 00:28

2 choices you either have to have a 51% turkish cypriot business partner or you set up a limited company..



I suggest that you do not rush give yourself atleast one year to get to know the island & its procedures e.t.c.



Business is hard everywhere in the world, red tape & regulations exsist everywhere, the only thing I will say is that it is a very small island with a very small population making the achievment of a solid regular customer base very difficult...

mbtrnc


Joined: 03/01/2010
Posts: 14

Message Posted:
05/01/2010 00:38

Hi everyone thanks for all the responses sorry i have not posted sooner been at work running my business in the uk, I think running a business in the uk isnt easy either taxes on the up government corrupt and incompetent. sounds like its the same everywhere.

thanks to all of you I will be wary as as on this site some people are just good human beings and some are not.

TheSaints



Joined: 28/01/2009
Posts: 1369

Message Posted:
05/01/2010 00:52

We looked into it for a year and decided not to go ahead.......

AnthonySmith


Joined: 14/05/2009
Posts: 455

Message Posted:
05/01/2010 15:03

Yorguzlu, message 24



Difficulty is not in opening up a bussiness here Bill but in finding THE BUSSINESS MINDED PEOPLE.



Is this why so many Turkish Cypriot businesses fail?



Unfortunatly too many ex pats with few pounds came to TRNC,started up bussiness without a clue of running it and when it didnt work they took the easy option and blamed it on someone or something else.



Likewise Turkish Cypriots





And no,not everyone is same. Absolutely, because the cards are stacked against foreigners here except as a cow to milk. You don't get that in the UK despite what you say.



There are some great expats living in North Cyprus, who don't try to take over but just live here and try and fit in. There are some great Turkish Cypriots here, too. But your wailings appear short-sighted. Try and think fairly. I know Turkish Cypriots who went to the UK, got jobs and also state handouts, sometimes in different names in different London boroughs. What help do expats get here?

yorgozlu



Joined: 16/06/2009
Posts: 4437

Message Posted:
05/01/2010 16:16

msg 40;

In reply to your above comments:



The issue is not about Turkish Cypriots but with ex pats opening a bussiness in TRNC.



Turkish Cypriots are at HOME,YOU are NOT.

It was no different for me when I first went to UK,despite the fact that its an EU country.





However:



When it comes to Turkish Cypriots claiming benefits in UK,regardless the fact that,you as Brits cant in TRNC,WE are not entitled to those as Turkish Cypriots but as British Citizens.

negativenick


Joined: 10/11/2008
Posts: 6023

Message Posted:
05/01/2010 16:26

i think mess 35 about hits it on the head....



By all means come to the TRNC, but make sure you can live comfortably from un-earn't income....

AnthonySmith


Joined: 14/05/2009
Posts: 455

Message Posted:
05/01/2010 17:15

yorgozlu, the issue is about expats opening a business, but your derogatory comments can equally be aimed closer to home.

There are a number of expats here with great business nous and record who struggle because of the bureaucracy here.

Turkish Cypriot businesses free from these type of fees and encumbrances still fail, too.

But those Turkish Cypriots who choose to go to the UK - and there are more in London than in North Cyprus - do not find those same barriers. For a race that keeps banging on about equality and fair treatment, it would be nice to see it from the other side of the fence.

yorgozlu



Joined: 16/06/2009
Posts: 4437

Message Posted:
05/01/2010 18:04

msg 43;

Your comments are understood and your point is also taken.#



However,you dont seem to understand what I'm saying.



If you as an ex pat or an eu citizen wanted those fair treatments:You should have either stayed in uk or moved to another eu country.



One also should bear in mind ,the cost of buying a property and the cost of living in another eu country,ie.south.



I know too many Brits that moved over to live here with less than £100k in their pocket,depending on its interest.But with rates going down to less than half of what it was last year,they are all now too busy slugging off the island or its people.Its still the same place and people are also same.



But above all that:

Do you personaly beleive Brits are (not all)treating locals fairly?

OR

Brits treating Brits fairly in TRNC?

Remember,these people (locals) were very innocent people before you started exploring the island,like myself when first went to uk.

AnthonySmith


Joined: 14/05/2009
Posts: 455

Message Posted:
05/01/2010 18:11

Yorgozlu you raise some good points. We have seen Brits take advantage of Brits, too. Gary Robb anyone? And he's not the only one.

I'm just not in favour of your one brush fits all comments.

There are good and bad apples in every society. Fools and brilliant minds. Not every Brit here is whinging, although reading the pages of Kibris I see on a regular basis some section of the Turkish Cypriot community whinging and asking for more handouts. That doesn't mean every Turkish Cypriot is a whinger either.

I've more Cypriot friends here than Brits. I like it here. But I do feel unfairly treated at times. And there aren't the protective measures here that we Brits or Europeans are used to.

I'm in North Cyprus and I want to live by the rules here, not "my idea" of rules implanted from Britain. It doesn't stop me thinking some are very unfair. I've just paid 88TL out of my wages to Lefkosa Turkish Municipality - I don't know why. I live in Girne

Hector


Joined: 26/08/2008
Posts: 2352

Message Posted:
05/01/2010 19:42

"If you as an ex pat or an eu citizen wanted those fair treatments:You should have either stayed in uk or moved to another eu country."



What a sad indictment of TC attitude and thinking.



I'm sure those same TC's (who are 'British citizens' when in UK) wouldn't put up with similar treatment in the UK though (and I quote..)

"When it comes to Turkish Cypriots claiming benefits in UK,regardless the fact that,you as Brits cant in TRNC,WE are not entitled to those as Turkish Cypriots but as British Citizens."

yorgozlu



Joined: 16/06/2009
Posts: 4437

Message Posted:
05/01/2010 21:08

re msg 46;



Thats the beauty of being and living in an eu country.



But,what you must also bear in mind (providing you are British) is that,YOU as British Citizen DEMANDED for those WRIGHTS.



Had you got those wrights as ENGLISH , things might have been different.

Most of my family ,though born in Cyprus,were born as British Citizens.



One must know ones past before going any further,my dad used to tell us.

I know my past but you wont let me go any further,because you want it all for yourselves,hurdles here,hurdles there.....everywhere.....



And you are asking for a FAIR TREATMENT



NOW,thats SAD.





I wander WHY?



Think before start typing,what Cyprus has got to do with uk?...........think again,only this time go back few centuries!!



NOW!!Can you tell me why UK doesnt recognise TRNC?Never mind the rest of the world.

Stonehousepub


Joined: 21/05/2009
Posts: 755

Message Posted:
05/01/2010 23:25

Comparing the U.K with Northern Cyprus is an absoulute joke.. Turkish Cypriots have never had the chance to determine their own future, the only country in the world that recognises the TRNC is Turkey and when Turkey says jump we jump...



Cheap property prices, lower cost of living, better quality of life and great weather is what at the time attracted most ex-pats to Northern Cyprus, the TRNC is not a land full of opportunities.



With its false enconomy and uncertain future the TRNC has still managed to develop itself & has come a long way since 1974.



I do not think it is fair to blame the TRNC or the TC people for any bad experiences some ex-pats have been through over here.



Infact I think it would be fairer to blame the nasty pre 74 regimes againt Turkish Cypriots and the U.K for the situation Northern Cyprus is in today..

HNComputers


Joined: 23/08/2009
Posts: 472

Message Posted:
06/01/2010 16:37

Dear all,



Although TRNC does not have many opportunities for anyone, including the graduates....I think that development is on its way.



As for anyone who wishes to try their luck in running a business here, all i can say is give it a try. As long as you know what you're doing, and stick to the rules and forever changing regulations, you'll be fine.



There is always a way to improve and develop. We shouldn't be too negative towards things, and just remember everything happens for a reason!

Stubs


Joined: 01/07/2008
Posts: 641

Message Posted:
06/01/2010 19:10

Mark



If you are considering going over to the TRNC and opening a business be very prepared. There are not that many business people over there who have went on to have a successful business outwith property sales and building.



For a country which craves development and investment it is unbelievable of how difficult it is to for new investors to open a new business.



No doubt there is a some discrimination going as some people who have now left will agree.



Just be aware that you will need a permit in order to apply for the various permits you will no doubt need