North Macedonia

Requirements

• Valid passport (at least 3 months beyond intended departure)
• Job offer from a North Macedonian employer
• Work permit / Employment Agency opinion
• No-criminal-record certificate from country of residence in last 12 months (apostilled/translated)
• Proof of accommodation/domicile in North Macedonia
• Employer notarized cost-guarantee statement (2025 requirement)

Required Documents

• Valid passport (>=3 months beyond departure) required
• Completed MoI residence application form required
• Work permit / Employment Agency opinion required
• Criminal-record certificate (country of residence, last 12 months) required
• Proof of accommodation/domicile required
• Employer notarized cost-guarantee statement required

Official fees

Process Steps

1. 1

   Obtain entry basis

   Enter on a C-visa or visa-free per nationality; D long-stay visa applied for after MoI decision if required.

2. 2

   Employer initiates work permit

   Employer applies to the Employment Agency with passport copy, criminal record, forms and notarized cost-guarantee statement.

3. 3

   Employment Agency opinion/permit

   Agency issues work permit or opinion.

4. 4

   MoI residence decision

   Submit residence file to MoI; cure any incomplete documents within 7 days. National Temporary Residence ID issued within ~25 days for work permits.

5. 5

   Register employment

   Register employment with the Employment Agency within 30 days of permit issuance.

6. 6

   Register address

   Register your address with the local police after arrival.

Official Sources

• Official Invest North Macedonia - Work, Visas and Permits · Invest North Macedonia (Government)
• Official Employment Agency - Employment of Foreign Citizens · Employment Agency of North Macedonia
• Source Temporary Residence and Employment of Foreigners - 2025 Amendments · Karanovic & Partners

Requirements

• Valid passport
• Seasonal employment contract with a registered North Macedonian employer
• Proof of accommodation in North Macedonia
• Criminal record certificate from the country of residence in the last 12 months (as of 26 September 2025)
• Health insurance
• Employer notarised statement guaranteeing costs of stay and potential removal (as of 26 September 2025)
• Application filed within the annual national quota
• ESARM (Employment Agency) opinion approving the seasonal hire

Required Documents

• Valid passport (minimum 6 months remaining validity) required
• Seasonal employment contract signed by a registered North Macedonian employer required
• Proof of accommodation (rental contract or hotel booking) required
• Criminal record certificate from the country of residence in the last 12 months required
• Health insurance policy valid in North Macedonia required
• Employer notarised statement guaranteeing costs of stay and forced removal (required from 26 September 2025) required
• Completed residence permit application form required

Official fees

Process Steps

1. 1

   Employer obtains ESARM opinion

   The North Macedonian employer submits an application to the Employment Service Agency (ESARM) for a seasonal work opinion, demonstrating the seasonal nature of the role and that the quota has not been exhausted.

2. 2

   Gather documentation

   Collect all required documents: passport, employment contract, accommodation proof, criminal record certificate from last country of residence (12 months), and health insurance.

3. 3

   Submit residence permit application

   The employer (or applicant with employer authorisation) submits the seasonal work residence permit application to the nearest Ministry of Interior office along with the ESARM opinion and all supporting documents.

4. 4

   Biometric ID card issuance

   Upon approval (typically 1–3 months), the Ministry of Interior issues a biometric temporary residence ID card valid for the approved period, up to 6 months.

5. 5

   Register employment start

   The employer must register the start of employment with ESARM within 30 days of the residence permit being issued (2025 amendment requirement).

Official Sources

• Official Employment of Foreign Citizens — Employment Service Agency of the Republic of North Macedonia · Employment Service Agency of North Macedonia (ESARM)
• Source North Macedonia Adopts New Law to Regulate Seasonal and Occasional Employment — Karanovic & Partners · Karanovic & Partners (regional commercial law firm)
• Source Temporary Residence and Employment of Foreigners in North Macedonia: Key Changes Under the 2025 Amendments — Karanovic & Partners · Karanovic & Partners (regional commercial law firm)

Requirements

• Valid passport
• Service contract between the sending foreign company and the North Macedonian receiving entity
• Proof of at least 1 year of prior employment with the sending company
• Proof of accommodation in North Macedonia
• Criminal record certificate from the country of residence in the last 12 months (as of 26 September 2025)
• Health insurance
• Employer notarised statement guaranteeing costs of stay and potential removal (as of 26 September 2025)
• For stays beyond 180 days: evidence of strategic partner status of the contracting company

Required Documents

• Valid passport required
• Service or secondment contract between sending company and North Macedonian entity required
• Proof of minimum 1 year employment with sending company required
• Proof of accommodation in North Macedonia required
• Criminal record certificate from country of residence in last 12 months required
• Health insurance valid in North Macedonia required
• Employer notarised cost-guarantee statement required
• Strategic partner status certificate (for stays exceeding 180 days)

Official fees

Process Steps

1. 1

   Prepare secondment agreement

   The sending company and North Macedonian receiving entity execute a service or secondment contract. The employee's home employment contract and payroll must remain with the sending company.

2. 2

   Gather documentation

   Collect passport, secondment contract, proof of prior 1-year employment, accommodation proof, criminal record certificate (last 12 months' country of residence), and health insurance.

3. 3

   Submit residence permit application

   Submit the application to the Ministry of Interior along with the notarised employer cost-guarantee statement and all supporting documents.

4. 4

   Residence ID card issuance

   Upon approval, a biometric temporary residence card is issued for up to 180 days (standard) or up to 1 year (strategic partner companies).

5. 5

   Extension for strategic partners

   If the project is ongoing and the employer holds strategic partner status, the permit may be extended beyond 1 year by filing an extension application before the 5-day pre-expiry deadline.

Official Sources

• Official Employment of Foreign Citizens — Employment Service Agency of the Republic of North Macedonia · Employment Service Agency of North Macedonia (ESARM)
• Source Temporary Residence and Employment of Foreigners in North Macedonia: Key Changes Under the 2025 Amendments — Karanovic & Partners · Karanovic & Partners (regional commercial law firm, analysis of enacted law)

Requirements

• Enrollment letter or host/program agreement
• Standard residence file (passport, domicile, funds, health insurance, clean record)

Required Documents

• Enrollment letter / program or host agreement required
• Valid passport (>=3 months beyond departure) required
• Proof of accommodation/domicile required
• Proof of sufficient funds required
• Health insurance required
• Criminal-record certificate (country of residence, last 12 months) required

Official fees

Process Steps

1. 1

   Obtain admission/enrollment

   Secure enrollment or a program/host agreement.

2. 2

   Obtain entry basis

   Enter on a C-visa or visa-free; D visa after MoI decision if required.

3. 3

   Submit to MoI

   File residence application at the Ministry of Internal Affairs; cure incomplete documents within 7 days.

4. 4

   Collect card and register address

   Collect residence card and register address with local police.

Official Sources

• Official Invest North Macedonia - Work, Visas and Permits · Invest North Macedonia (Government)
• Official Law on Foreigners 2018 (Refworld) · UNHCR Refworld

Requirements

• Training/host program agreement
• Standard residence file (passport, domicile, funds, health insurance, clean record)

Required Documents

• Training / host program agreement required
• Valid passport (>=3 months beyond departure) required
• Proof of accommodation/domicile required
• Health insurance required
• Criminal-record certificate (country of residence, last 12 months) required

Official fees

Process Steps

1. 1

   Secure training placement

   Obtain a training/host program agreement.

2. 2

   Obtain entry basis

   Enter on a C-visa or visa-free; D visa after MoI decision if required.

3. 3

   Submit to MoI

   File residence application at the Ministry of Internal Affairs; cure incomplete documents within 7 days.

4. 4

   Collect card and register address

   Collect residence card and register address with local police.

Official Sources

• Official Invest North Macedonia - Work, Visas and Permits · Invest North Macedonia (Government)
• Official Law on Foreigners 2018 (Refworld) · UNHCR Refworld

Requirements

• Incorporated/co-owned company (DOO) in the Central Registry
• Business plan
• Proof of investment and economic benefit (jobs created)
• Sufficient funds
• Clean criminal record
• Health insurance

Required Documents

• Central Registry company registration documents required
• Business plan required
• Proof of investment / economic benefit required
• Bank statements proving sufficient funds required
• Criminal-record certificate required
• Health insurance required

Official fees

Process Steps

1. 1

   Incorporate company

   Register a DOO in the Central Registry.

2. 2

   Apply for personal work permit

   Apply to the Employment Agency with business plan and investment proof.

3. 3

   MoI residence decision

   Submit residence file to MoI; cure incomplete documents within 7 days.

4. 4

   Collect residence card and register address

   Collect the residence card and register your address with local police.

Official Sources

• Official Invest North Macedonia - Work, Visas and Permits · Invest North Macedonia (Government)
• Official Employment Agency - Employment of Foreign Citizens · Employment Agency of North Macedonia

Requirements

• EU or OECD nationality
• Ownership of an apartment, building or house in North Macedonia
• Standard temporary residence file (passport, domicile, funds, health insurance, clean record)

Required Documents

• Property title deed required
• Valid passport (>=3 months beyond departure) required
• Proof of domicile in North Macedonia required
• Bank statements proving sufficient funds required
• Health insurance required
• Criminal-record certificate (country of residence, last 12 months) required

Official fees

Process Steps

1. 1

   Acquire property

   Purchase and register ownership of an apartment, building or house.

2. 2

   Assemble residence file

   Collect title deed plus standard residence documents.

3. 3

   Submit to MoI

   File at the Ministry of Internal Affairs; cure incomplete documents within 7 days.

4. 4

   Collect card and register address

   Collect residence card and register address with local police.

Official Sources

• Official Invest North Macedonia - Work, Visas and Permits · Invest North Macedonia (Government)
• Official Law on Foreigners 2018 (Refworld) · UNHCR Refworld

Requirements

• Registered North Macedonian company (DOO, DOOEL, or PDOO) with applicant as shareholder or managing director
• Minimum share capital of EUR 5,000 for a DOO (or EUR 1 for a PDOO/simplified LLC)
• Valid passport
• Proof of sufficient financial means (bank statements)
• Proof of accommodation in North Macedonia
• Criminal record certificate from the country of residence in the last 12 months
• Health insurance valid in North Macedonia
• Company registration extract from Central Registry (CRRM)

Required Documents

• Valid passport required
• Company registration extract from the Central Registry of North Macedonia (CRRM) required
• Proof of shareholder or director status (articles of association, share register) required
• Bank statements demonstrating sufficient financial means required
• Proof of accommodation in North Macedonia (rental agreement or property ownership) required
• Criminal record certificate from country of residence in last 12 months required
• Health insurance policy valid in North Macedonia required
• Completed residence permit application form required

Official fees

Process Steps

1. 1

   Register the company

   Register a DOO, DOOEL, or PDOO with the Central Registry of North Macedonia (CRRM). This can be done remotely; physical presence in North Macedonia is not required for company formation. Minimum capital for DOO is EUR 5,000.

2. 2

   Obtain company documentation

   Obtain the official company registration extract, articles of association, and proof of your role as shareholder or managing director.

3. 3

   Gather residence permit documents

   Collect passport, bank statements, accommodation proof, criminal record certificate from your country of residence in the last 12 months, and health insurance.

4. 4

   Submit residence permit application

   Submit the temporary residence permit application at the local Ministry of Interior office (sector for administrative affairs) together with all documents. Pay the applicable state fee.

5. 5

   Receive biometric residence ID card

   Upon approval (typically 2 weeks to 3 months), collect the biometric temporary residence ID card valid for 1 year.

6. 6

   Annual renewal

   Renew the permit annually before expiry. File the renewal application no earlier than 90 days and no later than 5 days before the current permit expires (2025 amendment). Continue accumulating qualifying residence toward permanent residence after 5 years.

Official Sources

• Official Registering a Company — Invest North Macedonia (Official Government Investment Portal) · Invest North Macedonia (official government investment promotion agency)
• Source Work and Residence Permits in North Macedonia — Boshnjakovski Law Office · Boshnjakovski Law Office (North Macedonian law firm)
• Source Set up a DOO — Updated Guide 2026 — Company Formation Macedonia · Company Formation Macedonia

Requirements

• Family relationship to a resident foreigner or NM citizen
• Marriage and/or birth certificates (apostilled/translated)
• Standard residence file (passport, domicile, clean record)

Required Documents

• Marriage certificate and/or birth certificate required
• Valid passport (>=3 months beyond departure) required
• Proof of accommodation/domicile required
• Criminal-record certificate (country of residence, last 12 months) required

Official fees

Process Steps

1. 1

   Obtain entry basis

   Enter on a C-visa or visa-free; D visa after MoI decision if required.

2. 2

   Assemble family-relationship documents

   Collect marriage/birth certificates plus standard residence file.

3. 3

   Submit to MoI

   File at the Ministry of Internal Affairs; cure incomplete documents within 7 days.

4. 4

   Collect card and register address

   Collect residence card and register address with local police.

Official Sources

• Official Invest North Macedonia - Work, Visas and Permits · Invest North Macedonia (Government)
• Official Law on Foreigners 2018 (Refworld) · UNHCR Refworld

Requirements

• Research/host institution agreement
• Standard residence file (passport, domicile, funds, health insurance, clean record)

Required Documents

• Research / host institution agreement required
• Valid passport (>=3 months beyond departure) required
• Proof of accommodation/domicile required
• Health insurance required
• Criminal-record certificate (country of residence, last 12 months) required

Official fees

Process Steps

1. 1

   Secure host agreement

   Obtain a research/host institution agreement.

2. 2

   Obtain entry basis

   Enter on a C-visa or visa-free; D visa after MoI decision if required.

3. 3

   Submit to MoI

   File residence application at the Ministry of Internal Affairs; cure incomplete documents within 7 days.

4. 4

   Collect card and register address

   Collect residence card and register address with local police.

Official Sources

• Official Invest North Macedonia - Work, Visas and Permits · Invest North Macedonia (Government)
• Official Law on Foreigners 2018 (Refworld) · UNHCR Refworld

Requirements

• No dedicated statutory route; rely on C/D visa plus a standard temporary-residence ground

Required Documents

• Standard visa/residence documents for the chosen ground required

Process Steps

1. 1

   Choose an existing route

   Use a C/D visa plus a standard temporary-residence ground, as no digital-nomad permit exists.

Official Sources

• Official Invest North Macedonia - Work, Visas and Permits · Invest North Macedonia (Government)

Requirements

• Evidence of North Macedonian origin/descent
• Macedonian language knowledge (for privileged naturalization)
• Standard residence file for the residence ground

Required Documents

• Documentary evidence of North Macedonian origin/descent required
• Valid passport required
• Criminal-record certificate required

Process Steps

1. 1

   Gather proof of origin

   Collect documents establishing North Macedonian origin/descent.

2. 2

   Apply for residence or citizenship

   File a temporary-residence application with MoI, or a citizenship application with the Ministry of Interior.

3. 3

   Demonstrate Macedonian language

   For privileged naturalization, demonstrate knowledge of Macedonian.

Official Sources

• Official Law on Citizenship 2022 (consolidated, Refworld) · UNHCR Refworld
• Official Law on Foreigners 2018 (Refworld) · UNHCR Refworld

Requirements

• 5 years continuous legal temporary residence (statutory)
• Stable/sufficient means
• Adequate accommodation
• Valid health insurance
• Basic Macedonian language
• No offense punishable by >=1 year in the last 5 years

Required Documents

• Current residence permit required
• Valid passport required
• Proof of domicile required
• Proof of financial means required
• Health insurance required
• Clean criminal record required

Process Steps

1. 1

   Accrue qualifying residence

   Hold 5 years continuous legal temporary residence without disqualifying absences.

2. 2

   Demonstrate language and means

   Prove basic Macedonian language, stable means, accommodation and health insurance.

3. 3

   Submit application to MoI

   File the permanent residence application with the Ministry of Internal Affairs.

4. 4

   Decision

   MoI decides within 4 months.

Official Sources

• Official Law on Foreigners 2018 (Refworld) · UNHCR Refworld
• Official Ministry of Internal Affairs · Ministry of Internal Affairs of North Macedonia

Requirements

• Age 18+
• Continuous lawful residence (8 years codified / 7 years reported 2026; or 3 years marriage + 1 year residence)
• Stable residence + permanent income
• No >=1-year imprisonment and no pending proceedings
• Macedonian language proficiency (general route)
• Release from / commitment to release prior citizenship
• Oath of loyalty

Required Documents

• Criminal-record / good-conduct certificate required
• Proof of qualifying residence required
• Evidence of Macedonian language (general route) required
• Marriage certificate (marriage route)

Process Steps

1. 1

   Confirm eligible basis

   Determine route: ordinary residence, marriage, origin/descent, or discretionary special-interest.

2. 2

   Assemble evidence

   Collect criminal-record, residence and language evidence (and marriage certificate if applicable).

3. 3

   Submit application

   File the citizenship application with the Ministry of Interior.

4. 4

   Decision and oath

   Await decision (~2-5 months practitioner-reported) and take the oath of loyalty.

Official Sources

• Official Law on Citizenship 2022 (consolidated, Refworld) · UNHCR Refworld
• Official Ministry of Internal Affairs · Ministry of Internal Affairs of North Macedonia
• Source Macedonian Citizenship Through Marriage · LB Law (practitioner)