Personal Work Permit for Self-Employment

North Macedonia's Personal Work Permit for Self-Employment enables foreign nationals to establish and operate businesses in the country as entrepreneurs, sole proprietors, or independent professionals. The permit is jointly administered by the Employment Agency (AVRM), which issues the work permit, and the Ministry of Interior, which grants the accompanying temporary residence permit. The program targets foreigners who intend to establish or co-found a private commercial company, operate as a sole proprietorship, or perform professional activities independently. North Macedonia offers a favorable environment for entrepreneurs with a flat 10% corporate and personal income tax rate, low operating costs, and equal treatment of foreign and domestic investors.

• Must intend to establish or co-found a private commercial company, operate as a sole proprietor, or independently perform a professional activity
• Business plan with evidence of investment, expected economic benefits for the state, and the number of new jobs to be created
• Sufficient financial means to support yourself during your stay (no fixed minimum threshold, but must be demonstrated through bank statements and investment capital)
• Company or sole proprietorship registered with the Central Registry of North Macedonia
• Comprehensive health insurance covering North Macedonia for the duration of the residence permit
• Proof of accommodation (notarized lease agreement or property ownership)
• Clean criminal record certificate from the country where you resided during the last 12 months, apostille-verified
• No specific educational qualifications required, but relevant professional expertise must be demonstrated through the business plan

• Valid passport
• Completed application form (prescribed by the Ministry of Interior)
• Business plan with evidence of investment and economic benefits
• Proof of company registration with the Central Registry (if applicable)
• Proof of financial means (bank statements, evidence of investment capital)
• Criminal record certificate (apostille-verified, from country of residence during last 12 months)
• Health insurance documentation
• Proof of accommodation in North Macedonia
• Passport photographs
• All foreign documents must be translated into Macedonian by a certified court translator

The initial permit is granted for up to 1 year. After 1 year of continuous self-employment activity, a 3-year permit may be issued. Holders of permanent residence may obtain an indefinite-period personal work permit. For renewal, the applicant must submit a positive opinion from the Ministry of Economy regarding implementation of their business plan, along with the economic-financial status of the business for the previous year and an updated business plan with indicators of economic viability. The holder must have resided in North Macedonia for at least one quarter of the permit period.

Spouse, minor children, and certain other relatives may apply for temporary residence permits for family reunification after the principal applicant has been approved. Dependants must separately satisfy documentation requirements including a valid passport, health insurance, proof of accommodation, and a criminal record check. Family members of holders with indefinite-period permits may receive their own work permits.

North Macedonia applies a flat 10% personal income tax on self-employment income and a flat 10% corporate income tax. The standard VAT rate is 18%, with a reduced 5% rate for specific goods and services. Individuals present for 183 or more days are considered tax residents and are taxed on worldwide income; non-residents are taxed only on North Macedonia-sourced income. Double taxation treaties are in force with numerous countries.

The applicant must first register a company or sole proprietorship with the Central Registry of North Macedonia. The application for both the personal work permit and temporary residence permit is then submitted at a North Macedonian diplomatic or consular representation abroad. The Employment Agency reviews the work permit application and must deliver its opinion to the Ministry of Interior within 15 working days — if the Agency fails to act within this period, the opinion is deemed negative. The Ministry of Interior then decides on the temporary residence permit. Processing takes 1 to 3 months from submission of a complete application. Administrative fees range from approximately EUR 50-150 depending on processing and the applicant's nationality.

Upon approval, the applicant receives a temporary residence card with a Macedonian identification number. A long-stay visa (D visa) is generally required to enter North Macedonia for work purposes, obtained from a diplomatic or consular representation prior to arrival. Upon entry, the holder must register with local police within 48 hours.

The personal work permit grants free access to the labor market for self-employment only. Holders may not work as employees for a Macedonian employer under this permit — a separate employment permit would be required for that purpose. The permit is tied to the specific self-employment activity described in the business plan; changing activities may require a new application.

Permanent residence may be applied for after 5 years of continuous legal residence with a temporary residence permit, provided the applicant has not been absent for more than 6 months continuously or 10 months total during the qualifying period. Citizenship becomes eligible after 8 years of continuous residence.