Work & Settle in Macedonia

About Macedonia

North Macedonia is a landlocked country in Southeast Europe, is famous for its rich history, diverse culture, delicious cuisine, and stunning natural landscapes, including mountains and vineyards. North Macedonia offers a relatively affordable cost of living and a growing economy, making it a potentially good option for work and settling in. However, the job market can be competitive, especially for foreigners. The country’s economy is developing, with sectors like IT seeing growth.
North Macedonia welcomed 1.16 million tourists, marking a 21% increase from the previous year. This included 734,000 foreign tourists and 434,000 domestic tourists.

Key Facts:

  • Official Name: Republic of North Macedonia
  • Capital: Skopje
  • Location: Situated in Southeastern Europe, North Macedonia shares borders with Bulgaria, Greece, Serbia, Kosovo, and Albania.
  • Area: Covering an area of 25,713 square kilometers, North Macedonia offers diverse landscapes and scenic vistas.
  • Official Language: The official language of North Macedonia is Macedonian, a Southern Slavic language known for its unique linguistic heritage.
  • Weather: North Macedonia experiences a continental climate, characterized by warm summers with temperatures ranging from an average of 26º to 35ºC (with occasional peaks up to 40 ºC) and cold winters with temperatures averaging between -5º to 5ºC.

North Macedonia Permanent Residency

North Macedonia’s permanent residency is granted to foreign nationals who have lived in the country legally and continuously for at least 5 years with a valid temporary residence permit. Applicants must demonstrate self-sufficiency and provide supporting documents to the Ministry of Interior.

Benefits of North Macedonia Permanent Residency

1. Right to live and work:
Permanent residents can live and work in North Macedonia without any restrictions.
2. Visa-free travel:
North Macedonian citizens can travel visa-free or with visas on arrival to over 120 destinations, including Schengen countries, Japan, and Singapore.
3. Path to citizenship:
Permanent residency is a crucial step towards obtaining North Macedonian citizenship through naturalization.
4. Favorable tax regime:
North Macedonia has a flat tax rate of 10% on all income, including work, royalties, and leases.
5. Strategic location:
North Macedonia is located in the heart of Europe and is a NATO member.

Eligibility Criteria to Become a Permanent Resident of North Macedonia

1. Continuous Residence:
A minimum of five years of continuous residence in North Macedonia with a valid temporary residence permit is required.
2. Stable and Regular Means of Living:
Applicants must demonstrate that they have a stable and regular source of income to support themselves and their family.
3. Accommodation:
Applicants must provide proof of secured accommodation in North Macedonia.
4. Clean Criminal Record:
Applicants must have a clean criminal record, meaning no previous convictions for serious crimes.
5. Language Proficiency:
Applicants may need to demonstrate proficiency in the Macedonian language.

Documents Required for North Macedonia Permanent Residency

General Requirements:

  • Valid Passport
  • Proof of Sufficient Funds
  • Clean Criminal Record
  • Health Insurance
  • Proof of Accommodation

Specific Residency Requirements

  • Legal Residence for 8 Years:
    If you are applying for citizenship through naturalization, you’ll typically need to have been a legal resident of North Macedonia for at least 8 years.
  • For Citizenship by Investment:
    If you are investing in North Macedonia to obtain citizenship, you will need to meet the investment requirements outlined by the government, such as investing a certain amount of money in a qualifying business or fund. You may also need to provide additional documents related to your business, such as a business plan and financial statements.

How to Get a North Macedonian Permanent Residency

Here are the simplest steps a foreign national can take to become a permanent resident of North Macedonia.

  1. Put together all required documents
  2. Arrange a visa appointment with a Macedonian embassy or consulate
  3. Apply for a North Macedonian visa
  4. Submit required documents to an embassy or consulate
  5. Expect the diplomatic mission’s decision on your visa application
  6. Travel to North Macedonia and obtain your temporary residency permit
  7. Apply for permanent residency three years afterward
Step 1: Put together all required documents

To obtain North Macedonia’s permanent residency, you must first assemble all the documents required by the diplomatic mission (embassy or consulate) to determine your admissibility.

Step 2: Arrange a visa appointment with a Macedonian embassy or consulate

The second step toward becoming a North Macedonia permanent resident is to set an appointment with a North Macedonian embassy or consulate. The diplomatic mission has to be in a close location to you.

Step 3: Apply for a North Macedonian visa

Next, you must apply for a visa to the Republic of North Macedonia. Undoubtedly, the visa is the document that will grant you legal entry into the country before you can obtain a residence permit.

Step 4: Submit required documents to an embassy or consulate

The fourth step in becoming a permanent resident of North Macedonia requires you to give in all required documents at the embassy or consulate.

Step 5: Expect the diplomatic mission’s decision on your visa application

The next step to take involves waiting for the Macedonian embassy to decide on your visa application. It often takes up to a week to receive a decision from a Macedonian diplomatic mission.

Step 6: Travel to North Macedonia and obtain your temporary residency permit

Once approved by the Macedonian embassy, you can proceed to pay for your flight ticket to the Republic of Macedonia.

You must get your temporary residence permit from the country’s Ministry of Internal Affairs upon arrival.

Step 7: Apply for permanent residency three years afterward

To eventually become a permanent resident of North Macedonia, you must live within the country for up to three years. This automatically qualifies you for a Macedonian permanent residency permit.

North Macedonian Investment Residency Program

The North Macedonia Residence by Investment Program (MRIP) allows foreign investors to obtain residency by investing in the country’s economy
Investment Options:

  • Donation: A €200,000 donation to a private, government-approved development fund.
  • Direct Investment: A €400,000 direct investment in a new business that creates at least ten new jobs.

Job vacancies in Macedonia

  • IT
  • Business development
  • Finance
  • Human Resources
  • Medical and pharmaceutical

In St. Petersburg, there is a shortage of:

  • Sales professionals
  • Drivers
  • Engineers
  • Technical specialists

Professional job in Macedonia

The term professional refers to anyone who earns their living from performing an activity that requires a certain level of education, skill, or training. There is typically a required standard of competency, knowledge, or education that must be demonstrated (often in the form of an exam or credential), as well as adhering to codes of conduct and ethical standards.

Unskilled Labor

Unskilled labor refers to workers who possess no particular skills and likely have no formal education. This type of work usually involves simple duties that don’t require judgment. In some cases, unskilled labor requires physical strength and exertion. Unfortunately, unskilled labor jobs are dwindling due to technological advancements leaving fewer and fewer jobs for these types of workers. A few examples of these types of jobs still around include grocery clerks, maids, fast food workers, janitors, and parking lot attendants. Due to the increased demand for skills, workers in these industries are going to need to advance their skill set.

Semi-Skilled Labor

Semi-Skilled labor does not require advanced training or specialized skills, but it does require more skills than an unskilled labor job. People who perform semi-skilled labor usually have more than a high-school diploma, but less than a college degree. The types of skills necessary for this are not complex but usually include the ability to monitor and perform repetitive tasks. These types of skills are more likely to be transferable and useful in other jobs. A few examples of these types of jobs include truck drivers, retail salespersons, bartenders, flight attendants, taxi drivers, waiters, and security guards.

Skilled Labor

Skilled labor refers to workers who have specialized training or skills. These laborers are capable of exercising judgment and have knowledge of the particular trade or industry they work. People who perform skilled labor will most likely have a college degree. A few examples of these types of jobs include law enforcement officers, financial technicians, nurses, sales representative, and electricians. The demand for skilled labor jobs continues to grow as the need for specialized skills becomes more and more necessary. Individuals who possess an even higher degree of skills, such as doctors, would be put into a separate category of professionals.

Construction worker job in Macedonia

See below for an extensive list of construction-related job titles and occupations. Use this list to help power your job search.

Carpenter

  • Apprentice
  • Carpenter
  • Framing Carpenter
  • Dry Wall Finisher
  • Dry Wall Installer
  • Plasterer
  • Joiner

Construction Laborers and Helpers

  • Laborer
  • General Laborer
  • Painter
  • Construction Worker
  • Ceiling Tile Installer

Electrician

  • Apprentice
  • Electrician
  • Journeyman Electrician
  • Master Electrician

Elevator Mechanic

  • Elevator Installer
  • Elevator Repairer

Engineer

  • Assistant Project Manager
  • Building Inspector
  • Civil Engineer
  • Superintendent
  • Surveyor
  • Field Engineer
  • Inspector
  • Planner
  • Construction Engineer

Equipment Operator

  • Crane Operator
  • Signal Worker
  • Equipment Operator
  • Heavy Equipment Operator

Exterior Installation

  • Roofer
  • Insulation Specialist
  • Siding Contractor
  • Solar Photovoltaic Installer

Masonry Worker

  • Concrete Laborers
  • Mason

Plumber

  • Master Plumber
  • Plumber
  • Boilermaker
  • Pipe Fitter

Site Management

  • Purchasing Coordinator
  • Project Assistant
  • Project Manager
  • Safety Director
  • Safety Manager
  • Scheduler
  • Site Manager
  • Construction Assistant
  • Construction Coordinator
  • Construction Foreman
  • Construction Manager
  • Construction Superintendent
  • Construction Supervisor
  • Contract Administrator
  • Contract Manager
  • Estimator

Welder

  • Welder
  • Ironworker

North Macedonia Visa Types

  • Airport transit (A) visa
  • Short-stay (C) visa.
  • Long-stay (D) visa.
  1. Airport Transit (A) Visa:
    This visa allows for brief stays within the airport transit area, not longer than 5 days.
  2. Short-Stay (C) Visa:
    This visa is for visits to North Macedonia for tourism, business, or other short-term purposes, with a maximum stay of 90 days.
  3. Long-Stay (D) Visa:
    This visa is required for longer stays in North Macedonia, such as for employment, study, medical treatment, scientific research, humanitarian work, or family reunification.

North Macedonia Visa Requirements

Detailed Requirements:
1. Passport: A valid passport with at least 6 months of remaining validity.
2. Passport photos: Two recent, passport-sized photos.
3. Visa application form: A completed and signed visa application form.
4. Purpose of visit: Proof of your trip’s purpose, such as a letter of invitation (for business or other purposes), or a travel itinerary (for tourism).
5. Financial resources: Evidence of sufficient funds to cover your stay, such as bank statements or proof of employment.
6. Travel insurance: Proof of travel insurance that covers medical expenses.


Additional Information:
1. Schengen visa:
If you have a valid Schengen visa, you may be able to enter North Macedonia without a separate visa for a limited time, according to some sources.
2. Long-stay visas (D visa):
May require additional documentation, such as a letter of guarantee from a resident of North Macedonia or an invitation from a legal entity in the country.
3. Visa fees:
Visa fees vary depending on the type of visa and the applicant’s nationality.

How to Obtain a Residence Permit for North Macedonia?

You can apply for a temporary residence permit at one of the consulates or embassies of North Macedonia in your home country if you are applying for these specific reasons.

  • For work.
  • For studies.
  • For specialization.
  • For medical treatment.
  • For scientific research.

How do I obtain a residence permit in Macedonia?

A residence permit is required for those wishing to stay more than 3 months in Macedonia. Let’s review the conditions for obtaining this important document:
 
  • Evidence of accommodation in Macedonia.
  • A valid passport.
  • Bank statements.
  • Health insurance.
Work and residence permits can be issued at the same time. We mention that the applicants must prove educational degrees, employment contracts, and criminal records.

Retire to Macedonia

Retiring in North Macedonia can be appealing due to its affordability and cultural charm, but requires careful consideration of various factors. While Skopje is a popular choice, other areas like Bitola and Ohrid offer unique experiences. Cost of living is generally low, and the healthcare system has both public and private options. However, language barriers and the need to adapt to a different culture are potential challenges.

 work in Macedonia

Working in North Macedonia can be a positive experience, offering a good quality of life with a relatively lower cost of living compared to many Western European countries. While the average salary may be lower than in some other regions, the lower cost of living can make it more affordable to live comfortably. Additionally, North Macedonia’s diverse culture and welcoming environment can contribute to a fulfilling work-life balance.

 job  in Macedonia

Job prospects in North Macedonia are generally good, particularly in the IT sector, The job market in North Macedonia is considered to be generally good, but with some specific challenges and opportunities. The country has a relatively high unemployment rate, especially among youth, but is also experiencing economic growth and attracting foreign investment. There are opportunities for those with skills in fields like IT, manufacturing, and textiles.
Challenges:
1. High Unemployment:
North Macedonia’s unemployment rate, especially among youth, remains a significant concern.
2. Mismatch in Skills:
There’s a mismatch between the skills available in the workforce and the needs of employers, particularly in STEM fields.
3. Low Labor Force Participation:
The labor force participation rate is below international benchmarks, indicating a need to improve job opportunities.

salary in Macedonia

1. Average Monthly Salary: In January 2025, the average monthly net salary was 43,050 MKD.
2. Gross Salary: The average gross salary in September 2024 was reported as 62,573 MKD, 1,016.92 Euros, or 1,074.00 USD.
3. Salary Range: A salary range of 23,898 MKD (low salaries) to 70,255 MKD (high salaries) is common, but salaries can vary significantly based on the specific position.
4. Minimum Wage: The minimum wage in North Macedonia is 22,567 MKD per month.

Is dual citizenship allowed in Macedonia?

Yes, dual citizenship is allowed in North Macedonia. Individuals can become citizens of North Macedonia without renouncing their existing nationality.
 

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