Can I work remotely in North Macedonia on a tourist visa?

Technically, working on a tourist visa is not permitted. However, North Macedonia has introduced a digital nomad visa specifically for remote workers. It costs just $50 and requires proof of €1,500 monthly income. For stays under 90 days, enforcement is minimal, but for legal certainty the digital nomad visa is recommended.

How long does it take to get permanent residency in North Macedonia?

Permanent residency requires 5 consecutive years of legal temporary residence. You must demonstrate continuous residence, financial self-sufficiency, health insurance, and basic knowledge of Macedonian language. The application is submitted to the Ministry of Internal Affairs.

Can I bring my family on a digital nomad visa?

Yes, family members can apply for dependent temporary residence permits tied to the primary visa holder. Spouse and minor children are eligible. Each family member needs their own health insurance and the primary holder must demonstrate sufficient income to support the family.

Is North Macedonia in the EU or Schengen zone?

No. North Macedonia is an EU candidate country (since 2005) but is not yet an EU or Schengen member. This means time spent in North Macedonia does not count against your 90/180-day Schengen allowance, which is a significant advantage for expats splitting time between the Balkans and the EU.

Do I need to register with police when I arrive?

Yes, all foreign nationals must register with the local police within 24 hours of arrival. Hotels and Airbnbs typically handle this automatically. If staying in a private residence, you must visit the nearest police station with your passport and proof of address. Failure to register can result in fines.

Expat Topics

D7, digital nomad, golden visa & more

💰

Cost of Living

Monthly budgets from €1,200 to €4,000+

🏥

Healthcare

Public, private & expat health insurance

🏠

Housing

Rent prices, best areas & lease tips

💼

Work & Business

Permits, remote work & freelancing rules

✈️

Moving Guide

Step-by-step relocation checklist

📚

Education

International schools & universities

🌆

Daily Life

Transport, food & expat communities

🌅

Lifestyle

Climate, culture & quality of living

📈

Investing

Property, stocks, tax & wealth building

View all resources →

Rankings Compare Blog

🛂

🇲🇰 North Macedonia

Visa & Residency

1 year

Digital Nomad Visa

Renewable; $50 application fee

€1,500/mo

Income Requirement

Proof of remote employment or freelance income

90 days

Visa-Free Stay

Within 180-day period for EU/EEA and many others

1 year

Temporary Residence

Renewable annually; leads to permanent after 5 years

Required

Work Permit

Employer-sponsored; processing ~30 days

Last updated: March 2026

Overview🏛️Skopje 🏖️Ohrid

🛂Visa 🏥Healthcare 💰Finance 🏠Housing 💼Working 🌆Daily Life ✈️Moving 📚Education 🌅Lifestyle 📈Investing

Overview

North Macedonia offers several visa pathways for expats, including a digital nomad visa introduced to attract remote workers. EU/EEA citizens can enter visa-free for 90 days within a 180-day period, while non-EU nationals from many countries also enjoy visa-free short stays. For longer-term residence, temporary residence permits, work permits, and the digital nomad visa provide clear legal frameworks.

Key Takeaways

Application fee is just $50 — one of the cheapest digital nomad visas in Europe
Available for employment, family reunification, study, humanitarian reasons, or property ownership
Employer must prove the position cannot be filled by a local candidate (labour market test)
90-day visa-free stay within any 180-day period for most Western nationalities

Digital Nomad Visa

North Macedonia's digital nomad visa allows remote workers to live and work legally in the country for up to one year, with the option to renew.

Application fee is just $50 — one of the cheapest digital nomad visas in Europe
Must demonstrate minimum €1,500 monthly income from remote work or freelancing
Valid passport with at least 3 months remaining beyond intended stay
Proof of health insurance valid in North Macedonia required
Clean criminal record certificate from country of residence
Proof of accommodation arrangements (rental contract or hotel booking)
Processing time typically 2–4 weeks through nearest embassy or consulate

Temporary Residence Permit

For expats planning a longer stay, the temporary residence permit provides a renewable one-year legal status with a path to permanent residency after five years.

Available for employment, family reunification, study, humanitarian reasons, or property ownership
Application submitted to the Ministry of Internal Affairs in Skopje
Required documents include passport, proof of funds, health insurance, and accommodation proof
Processing typically takes 30–60 days
Must register address with local police within 24 hours of arrival
Renewable annually; after 5 consecutive years, eligible for permanent residence
Holders can open local bank accounts and sign rental contracts

Work Permits

Foreign nationals who wish to work for a Macedonian employer need a work permit, typically sponsored by the employer.

Employer must prove the position cannot be filled by a local candidate (labour market test)
Work permit is tied to a specific employer and position
Processing time approximately 30 days through the Employment Service Agency
Valid for 1 year, renewable
EU/EEA citizens have simplified access under bilateral agreements
Self-employment permits available for entrepreneurs registering a Macedonian company
Company registration costs approximately €200–500 with a minimum capital of €5,000

Visa-Free Access

Citizens of the EU, US, UK, Canada, Australia, and many other countries can enter North Macedonia without a visa for short stays.

90-day visa-free stay within any 180-day period for most Western nationalities
Must register with local police within 24 hours (hotels do this automatically)
No right to work during visa-free stay — employment requires a separate work permit
Overstaying can result in fines of €200–500 and potential entry bans
Passport must be valid for at least 3 months beyond planned departure date
Can be combined with stays in other non-Schengen Balkan countries (Serbia, Albania, Kosovo)

FAQs