Key Takeaways

  • Foreign nationals require a Dozvola za Rabota (Work Permit) and a Temporary Residence Permit from the Ministry of Internal Affairs before commencing employment in North Macedonia.
  • North Macedonia is an EU candidate country and NATO member; its immigration framework is being progressively aligned with EU standards, making it a predictable and transparent market.
  • EU and EEA nationals are exempt from work permit requirements but must register their temporary residence if staying more than three months.

North Macedonia is a landlocked Balkan nation bordered by Kosovo, Serbia, Bulgaria, Greece, and Albania. Skopje is the capital and largest city. North Macedonia became a NATO member in 2020 and an EU candidate country in 2022, following the Prespa Agreement that resolved its long-standing naming dispute with Greece. The economy is driven by manufacturing (textiles, automotive components), services, agriculture, and a growing IT sector supported by significant tech outsourcing activity. Work permits are administered by the State Labour Inspectorate and the Ministry of Internal Affairs.

When Is a Work Visa Needed in North Macedonia?

Under Macedonian immigration law, non-EU/EEA foreign nationals intending to engage in paid employment must obtain a Dozvola za Rabota and a Temporary Residence Permit before starting work. The requirement applies to:

  • Non-EU/EEA employees of North Macedonia-registered companies, including subsidiaries
  • Intra-company transferees from outside the EU/EEA
  • Technical specialists and consultants on assignments exceeding 90 days
  • Foreign directors and key executives of North Macedonia-registered entities
  • IT sector workers and technology professionals in the growing outsourcing sector

Types of North Macedonia Work Visas and Permits

Dozvola za Rabota (Work Permit)

The Dozvola za Rabota is the primary employment authorisation for non-EU/EEA nationals. It is issued by the State Labour Inspectorate and is employer-tied. Initial permits are issued for one year and are renewable. The employer must demonstrate that the role cannot be filled by a Macedonian national or an EU/EEA citizen with right of work.

Temporary Residence Permit for Employment

Non-EU/EEA foreign nationals holding a Dozvola za Rabota must also obtain a Temporary Residence Permit for Employment from the Ministry of Internal Affairs. This is applied for simultaneously with or immediately after the Dozvola za Rabota. The permit allows lawful residence for the duration of the work permit.

EU/EEA Nationals

EU and EEA nationals are exempt from the Dozvola za Rabota requirement. They may work freely in North Macedonia and must register their temporary residence with the Ministry of Internal Affairs if staying for more than three months.

Business Visa

Short-term business activities — meetings, training, inspections — may be conducted on a Business Visa for stays of up to 90 days. North Macedonia applies a Schengen-equivalent visa policy, and nationals exempt from Schengen visas are also generally exempt from Macedonian visas for short stays.

How to Apply for a Work Visa in North Macedonia

1

Employer Applies for the Dozvola za Rabota

The employer submits the work permit application to the State Labour Inspectorate in Skopje. Required documents: signed employment contract; company registration certificate; tax identification certificate; justification for hiring a foreign national; and the applicant’s certified qualifications and CV.

2

Apply for the Temporary Residence Permit

Simultaneously or immediately after the Dozvola za Rabota is approved, the foreign national applies for a Temporary Residence Permit at the Ministry of Internal Affairs. Documents required: passport; Dozvola za Rabota; employment contract; police clearance; medical certificate; and proof of accommodation.

3

Foreign National Obtains Entry Visa (if required)

Non-EU nationals from countries not exempt from visas must obtain a visa from a Macedonian diplomatic mission before travelling. The approved Dozvola za Rabota is the primary supporting document for the visa application.

4

Enter North Macedonia and Register

On arrival in North Macedonia, the foreign worker presents the Temporary Residence Permit and passport to immigration officials. The worker must register their residential address with the local police within 24 hours of arrival (hotels do this automatically for guests).

5

Register with the Pension and Disability Insurance Fund (PIOM)

The employer must register the foreign worker with the Pension and Disability Insurance Fund (PIOM) and the Health Insurance Fund (HIF) before the first day of employment. Contributions are mandatory for all employees, including foreign nationals.

6

Annual Renewal

Both the Dozvola za Rabota and the Temporary Residence Permit must be renewed annually. Applications should be submitted at least 30 days before expiry. The State Labour Inspectorate and the Ministry of Internal Affairs handle renewals separately.

North Macedonia Work Permit Costs and Fees

Immigration fees in North Macedonia are denominated in Macedonian Denar (MKD) and Euros (EUR) for some consular fees:

Fee Type
Amount
Dozvola za Rabota
MKD 2,000–5,000 (approximately EUR 30–80)
Temporary Residence Permit
MKD 2,000–4,000 per year
Business Visa (where required)
EUR 35–60
Annual Renewals
Similar to initial fees

Professional service fees add EUR 400–1,200. Total first-year employer costs typically range from EUR 600 to EUR 1,800.

North Macedonia Work Visa Sponsorship

North Macedonia’s Dozvola za Rabota is employer-tied. Changes of employer or significant role changes require a new permit. Employers must notify the State Labour Inspectorate within 15 days if employment ends before the permit expires.

Employers must comply with the Labour Code of North Macedonia, including minimum wage obligations (MKD 18,000/month), leave entitlements, and mandatory PIOM and HIF contribution requirements.

For international companies without a North Macedonia entity, an EOR registered in North Macedonia can act as the sponsoring employer, manage the Dozvola za Rabota, payroll in MKD, and full Labour Code compliance.

Work in North Macedonia with Confidence

North Macedonia’s EU accession process and NATO membership make it a stable and increasingly predictable market for international employers. The streamlined processing times and the growing IT and outsourcing sector make it particularly attractive for technology companies.

RemotePeople’s Balkans team provides end-to-end work permit management in North Macedonia.

Frequently Asked Questions

EU nationals are already exempt from work permit requirements in North Macedonia, reflecting the country's close alignment with EU standards. Full EU membership would formalise this under EU treaty law, but practically the current position is already highly favourable for EU national employees.

Yes. North Macedonia has developed a notable IT outsourcing sector, benefiting from a well-educated, English-speaking tech workforce, competitive salary costs, favourable time zones for European clients, and a government supportive of foreign investment in the sector. Skopje is the main hub for technology and BPO operations.

The national minimum wage is MKD 18,000 per month gross (approximately EUR 290). All employment contracts must meet or exceed this threshold. Skilled and specialist roles typically command considerably higher market-rate salaries.

Yes. Spouses and dependent children may obtain a Family Reunification Temporary Residence Permit from the Ministry of Internal Affairs. Dependants wishing to work must obtain their own Dozvola za Rabota.

Yes. A licensed EOR registered in North Macedonia can act as the sponsoring employer, manage the Dozvola za Rabota and Temporary Residence Permit applications, payroll in MKD, PIOM and HIF contributions, and full Labour Code compliance on behalf of an international company without a local entity.

Relocate to North Macedonia

RemotePeople provides EOR services in North Macedonia and across the Balkans. We manage Dozvola za Rabota applications, Temporary Residence Permit coordination, PIOM and HIF registration, payroll in MKD, and full Labour Code compliance.

Contact RemotePeople to start hiring in North Macedonia today.

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