GREY Answer Centre · Last checked: 31 Oct 2026 · Türkçe
Will a phone bought at GREY work in North Cyprus from day one? (BTHK registration guide 2026)
Short answer: Yes. Every phone sold by GREY is registered with BTHK (the North Cyprus telecom authority). It works with Telsim and KKTCell SIM cards from the day you buy it — no registration, fee or customs paperwork for you.
eSIM works on both Telsim and KKTCell. Taking the phone to Turkey? A separate Turkish IMEI registration is required there.
How long does a phone brought from abroad work in North Cyprus?
A phone brought from abroad and not registered with BTHK can be used with a North Cyprus SIM for a total of 90 active days per calendar year. After that it is blocked on local networks unless it is registered in MCKS (the central device registration system).
How to register a phone you brought from abroad
- Pre-registration fee: the BTHK pre-registration fee is 580.60 TL. Customs tax may also apply depending on the device; check the current amount with BTHK.
- Documents: the device itself; an original ID card for TRNC and Turkish citizens, a passport for other nationalities.
- Students: foreign students who are not TRNC citizens can apply for an exemption (at least one line registered in your name and the original student certificate are required). Exempt registrations pay a fixed 4,000 TL tax per phone.
- Where to apply: in person at the BTHK building, Rauf Raif Denktaş Street, Aydemet, Nicosia (no online registration; card or bank deposit only). Students: see our student guide.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need to register a phone bought at GREY in North Cyprus?
No. All phones sold by GREY are BTHK-registered and work with Telsim and KKTCell from day one.
How long can I use an unregistered foreign phone in North Cyprus?
A total of 90 active days per calendar year with a North Cyprus SIM; after that the phone must be registered in BTHK's MCKS system.
How much does BTHK phone registration cost?
The BTHK pre-registration fee is 580.60 TL (July 2026). Customs tax may also apply depending on the device.
Does eSIM work in North Cyprus?
Yes. eSIM works on both Telsim and KKTCell.
More guides in English
- Will a GREY phone work in North Cyprus from day one? (BTHK)
- Phone prices in North Cyprus
- Warranty guide
- Second-hand electronics: GREY Outlet
- International students: phone registration
- 300 m from the Ledra Street crossing (EUR 260 rule)
- Phone, tablet and computer repair
GREY Teknoloji · Vakıflar İş Hanı No:1, Walled City (Surlariçi), North Nicosia (Lefkoşa), North Cyprus · Mon–Sat 09:00–17:00 · WhatsApp +90 539 107 44 97 · We speak English and serve every language with live translation devices.