North Macedonia offers one of Europe's most affordable destinations for digital nomads with extremely low cost of living, a 10% flat income tax rate, and visa-free entry for 90 days for citizens of the US, UK, EU, Canada, Australia, and many other countries. While there is no dedicated digital nomad visa yet, the country provides an excellent base for exploring the Balkans with easy access to neighboring Greece, Albania, Kosovo, Serbia, and Bulgaria. Police registration is required within 48 hours of arrival for all foreigners.
6
Visa Types
94
Nationalities visa-free
🪪Your Passport:
Visa requirements vary by nationality
🎫 Available Visa Types
⭐Recommended for Digital Nomads
Tourist
Visa-Free Entry
Citizens from EU, US, UK, Canada, Australia, Japan, and many other countries can enter North Macedonia visa-free for up to 90 days within any 180-day period. Perfect for short-term stays, tourism, and exploring the Balkans.
90 days
Duration
€0
<$1 fee
+€50 additional
✅ Key Benefits
✓No visa application or fees required
✓Immediate entry at border
✓Stay up to 90 days within 180-day period
✓Multiple entries allowed
✓Freedom to explore entire country
✓Excellent base for exploring Balkans
✓Can enter with national ID card (EU/Schengen citizens only)
📋 Requirements (6)
•Valid passport (at least 90 days validity beyond intended stay, issued within last 10 years, minimum 2 blank pages)
•Proof of sufficient funds (approximately 40 USD per day)
•Return or onward ticket (may be requested)
•Proof of accommodation (hotel booking, rental agreement, or invitation letter)
•Travel medical insurance (minimum 35,000 EUR coverage required upon entry)
•Police registration within 48 hours of arrival
📝 Application Process
Embassy Required⏱ Immediate at border
1Arrive at any North Macedonian port of entry (Skopje Airport, land borders)
2Present valid passport to immigration officer
3Show proof of accommodation and sufficient funds if requested
4Present valid travel medical insurance
5Receive entry stamp (90 days within 180-day period)
6Register with local police within 48 hours (hotels do this automatically)
•Register with police immediately upon arrival if not staying at hotel
•Keep your registration document (white card) with your passport at all times
•Track your days carefully - the 90/180 rule is strictly enforced at exit
•Consider making day trips to neighboring countries while respecting overall 90-day limit
•Skopje is very affordable - budget 600-800 EUR per month comfortably
⭐Recommended for Digital Nomads
Special Program
Long-Stay Visa (Type D)
Required for stays exceeding 90 days. Must first obtain approval for temporary residence from the Ministry of Interior before applying for the D visa. Used for work, study, family reunification, or other long-term purposes.
365 days
Duration
€160
$174 fee
+€350 additional
✅ Key Benefits
✓Legal residence for up to 1 year (renewable)
✓Ability to work if work permit included
✓Access to local healthcare with registration
✓Path to permanent residence after 5 years
✓Path to citizenship after 8 years
✓Family members can apply for family reunification
✓Can open bank accounts more easily
✓Can sign long-term rental contracts
📋 Requirements (10)
•Valid passport (at least 3 months beyond intended stay)
•Approval of temporary residence from Ministry of Interior (obtained first)
•Completed visa application form
•Recent passport photos (2 pieces, 3.5x4.5 cm)
•Proof of accommodation in North Macedonia
•Proof of sufficient financial means
•Health insurance valid in North Macedonia
•Purpose-specific documents (employment contract, university acceptance, family documents)
•Criminal background check from country of residence (last 12 months)
•Proof of paid fees
📝 Application Process
Embassy Required⏱ 4-6 weeks for complete process (residence approval + visa)
1Apply for temporary residence approval from Ministry of Interior (can be done through embassy)
2Wait for Ministry of Interior decision on temporary residence
3Once approved, apply for Type D visa at nearest embassy/consulate
4Submit all required documents including residence approval
5Pay visa fee
6Wait for visa processing (typically 4-6 weeks total)
7Upon arrival, report to Ministry of Interior within 5 days
Process: Apply for extension at Ministry of Interior at least 5-90 days before current permit expires. Submit updated documents proving continued eligibility.
Renewal: Can apply for permanent residence after 5 years of continuous legal residence. Citizenship possible after 8 years of residence with Macedonian language proficiency.
💡 Pro Tips
•Start the process early - allow 2-3 months for complete application
•Ensure all foreign documents are properly apostilled or legalized
•Criminal record certificate should be recent (within 12 months)
•Maintain good records - you will need to prove continued eligibility for renewals
•Consider hiring a local lawyer for complex cases
⭐Recommended for Digital Nomads
Special Program
Personal Work Permit (Self-Employment)
For digital nomads and freelancers who want to legally establish themselves in North Macedonia. Allows self-employment, running a business, or freelance work. Requires registration in the Central Trade Register and proof of financial means.
365 days
Duration
€380
$412 fee
+€370 additional
💰 Income Requirement
Minimum $1,000/per_month
Alternative: Bank statement showing sufficient savings to support yourself, business plan demonstrating income potential
✅ Key Benefits
✓Legal self-employment in North Macedonia
✓Ability to invoice Macedonian and international clients
✓Very low 10% flat income tax rate
✓No controlled foreign company (CFC) rules
✓Can retain profits from foreign companies tax-free
✓Path to permanent residence and citizenship
✓Family reunification possible
✓Access to banking and financial services
✓Central location for serving EU/Balkan clients
📋 Requirements (9)
•Valid passport (at least 6 months validity)
•Detailed business plan
•Proof of substantial financial means
•Trade license registration or business registration in Central Trade Register
•Health insurance valid in North Macedonia
•Proof of accommodation
•Criminal background check
•Recent passport photos
•Evidence of professional qualifications if applicable
📝 Application Process
Embassy Required⏱ 6-8 weeks for complete process
1Develop detailed business plan for Macedonian authorities
2Prepare proof of financial means (bank statements, income proof)
3Register business in North Macedonia Central Trade Register (can be done through agent)
4Apply for temporary residence at Ministry of Interior
5Apply for personal work permit at Employment Agency
6Apply for Type D visa at embassy (if required)
7Travel to North Macedonia and report to Ministry of Interior
Process: Apply for renewal before expiry. Must show business activity and acceptable income level. Must have resided in Macedonia for at least a quarter of the permit period.
Renewal: Can lead to permanent residence after 5 years. Can eventually apply for citizenship after 8 years with language proficiency.
💡 Pro Tips
•Consider hiring a local company formation agent to help with registration
•North Macedonia has very favorable tax rates - 10% flat income tax
•The country has not signed CRS - banking privacy is better than most EU countries
•Digital banking options like Wise and Revolut can supplement local accounts
•Join local business communities and coworking spaces for networking
Short-Stay Visa (Type C)
TouristPopular
Required for citizens of countries not eligible for visa-free entry. Allows stays of up to 90 days within a 180-day period for tourism, business meetings, family visits, or transit purposes.
90d
Duration
€95
$103 fee
+€80 additional
📍Apply: Embassy
⏱7-15 working days typical processing
🔄No extension
View full details
💰 Cost Breakdown
EURUSD
Required
Visa application fee (adults)Non-refundable government fee as per LAF Tariff No. 135
€60$65
Visa application fee (children 6-12)Reduced fee for children aged 6-12 years
Document translation/notarizationIf documents not in Macedonian or English
€30$33
Required Total
€95$103
+ Additional (estimated)
€80$87
Estimated Total
€175$190
💱1 USD = 0.92 EUR•Updated Nov 28, 2025
💡 Costs may vary. Additional costs are estimates and may not all apply to your situation. Always verify current fees with official sources.
📋 Requirements
•Valid passport (at least 3 months beyond visa validity, issued within 10 years, minimum 2 blank pages)
•Completed visa application form
•Recent passport photo (3.5x4.5 cm, color, white background)
•Travel medical insurance (minimum 35,000 EUR coverage)
•Proof of accommodation in North Macedonia
•Round-trip flight reservation or travel itinerary
•Proof of sufficient funds (40 USD per day or bank statement)
•Notarized invitation letter from Macedonian host (if visiting family/friends)
•Employment verification or student status
•Proof of paid visa fee
📝 Application Steps
1Locate nearest North Macedonian embassy or consulate
2Book appointment (submit application 15 days to 6 months before travel)
3Complete visa application form
4Gather all required documents
5Attend appointment and submit documents in person
6Pay visa fee (60 EUR adults, 35 EUR children 6-12)
7Wait for processing (typically 7-15 working days)
8Collect passport with visa or receive by mail
⚠️ Restrictions
•Cannot work or be employed locally
•Maximum 90 days in 180-day period
•Must apply before travel at embassy/consulate
•Processing may take 2-3 weeks
•Rejection possible - no guarantee of approval
•Must register with police within 48 hours of arrival
💡 Tips
•Apply well in advance - at least 3-4 weeks before planned travel
•Ensure all documents are properly translated and notarized if needed
•Have clear travel itinerary and accommodation bookings
•Show strong ties to home country to demonstrate intention to return
•If visiting family, ensure invitation letter is properly notarized
Temporary Residence for Employment
WorkPopular
Combined residence and work permit for foreign nationals employed by Macedonian companies. The employer must initiate the process and demonstrate need for foreign worker. Valid for 1 year, renewable annually.
365d
Duration
€215
$233 fee
+€350 additional
📍Apply: Online
⏱4-6 weeks for complete process
🔄Extendable +365d
View full details
💰 Cost Breakdown
EURUSD
Required
Work permit applicationWork permit fee paid by employer
€55$60
Temporary residence permitResidence permit fee
€90$98
Type D visa (if required)Entry visa fee
€70$76
Additional (estimated)
Health insurance (1 year)Until registered with state social insurance
€300$326
Document legalizationFor foreign qualifications
€50$54
Required Total
€215$233
+ Additional (estimated)
€350$380
Estimated Total
€565$613
💱1 USD = 0.92 EUR•Updated Nov 28, 2025
💡 Costs may vary. Additional costs are estimates and may not all apply to your situation. Always verify current fees with official sources.
📋 Requirements
•Valid passport (at least 6 months validity)
•Employment contract from Macedonian employer
•Employer's approved invitation via latvija.gov.lv (submitted by employer)
•Work permit application initiated by employer
•Proof of qualifications/education (apostilled or legalized)
•Recent passport photos
•Health insurance or social security registration
•Proof of accommodation in North Macedonia
•Criminal background check from country of residence
•Medical certificate (for certain sectors)
📝 Application Steps
1Employer applies for work permit at Employment Service Agency (AVRM)
2Employment Agency reviews and issues positive opinion
3Employer obtains certified work permit application (RD-2/1)
4Employee applies for Type D visa at nearest embassy with RD-2/1 document
5Employee travels to North Macedonia after visa approval
6Report to Ministry of Interior within 5 days
7Complete temporary residence permit application
8Receive National Temporary Residence Identity Card
⚠️ Restrictions
•Initially tied to specific employer
•Changing jobs requires new work permit process
•Must maintain minimum salary requirements
•Cannot freelance without separate authorization
•Loss of employment affects permit validity
•Must apply from outside North Macedonia for first permit
•Employer must prove need for foreign worker
💡 Tips
•Ensure employer is properly registered and able to sponsor foreign workers
•Get all qualifications apostilled before arriving
•Understand your employment contract and labor rights
•Register for social insurance to access public healthcare
•Keep all documents organized for renewal process
Temporary Residence for Studies
EducationPopular
For international students enrolled in accredited Macedonian educational institutions. Allows part-time work during studies and can lead to post-graduation employment opportunities.
No, North Macedonia does not currently have a dedicated digital nomad visa. The government has been discussing introducing one since 2021, but legislation has not yet been adopted. Digital nomads typically use the 90-day visa-free entry available to citizens of the US, UK, EU, Canada, Australia, and many other countries. For longer stays, the Self-Employment (Personal Work Permit) pathway allows freelancers and remote workers to legally establish themselves in the country by registering a business in the Central Trade Register. This comes with North Macedonia's favorable 10% flat income tax rate.
Can I work remotely while visiting North Macedonia on visa-free entry?
Remote work for foreign employers while on tourist status exists in a legal gray area in North Macedonia. There is no explicit prohibition against it, and many digital nomads work remotely during their 90-day visa-free stay without issues. However, this is technically not explicitly permitted. For stays longer than 90 days or to work legally, you should apply for a temporary residence permit with a personal work permit for self-employment. Note that becoming a tax resident (183+ days in country) triggers worldwide income taxation at the flat 10% rate.
What is the police registration requirement for foreigners?
All foreigners must register with local police within 48 hours of arrival in North Macedonia. Hotels register guests automatically. If staying in private accommodation (Airbnb, apartment rental, with friends), you must register in person at the nearest police station - and your host/landlord must accompany you with their ID card. You will receive a white registration card that you must keep with your passport. You must also de-register 24 hours before leaving the country (at the same police station). Failure to register can result in fines of 500-1000 EUR, court proceedings, delayed departure, and potential entry bans.
How long can I stay in North Macedonia as a tourist?
Citizens of EU member states, Schengen countries, US, UK, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Japan, South Korea, and many other countries can stay visa-free for up to 90 days within any 180-day period. This is strictly enforced - overstaying can result in substantial fines and entry bans. Unlike Schengen, North Macedonia counts its 90/180 days independently, so time spent in Schengen countries doesn't count against your North Macedonia allowance. Holders of valid US, UK, or Canada multiple-entry visas from other countries can enter for up to 15 days without a visa (valid until December 31, 2025).
What are the best cities for digital nomads in North Macedonia?
Skopje is the most popular choice for digital nomads, offering the best infrastructure, coworking spaces (Coffice, HighSpace, Seavus Incubator, CEED Hub), fast internet (mobile data is excellent), and international community. Cost of living is very low - around 600-800 EUR per month including rent. Ohrid is a beautiful lakeside alternative, especially popular in summer, with a UNESCO World Heritage old town and more relaxed atmosphere. Bitola offers a charming European feel with café culture. All cities have good internet coverage and extremely affordable living costs.
What is the cost of living in North Macedonia?
North Macedonia is one of Europe's most affordable countries. In Skopje: rent for a 1-bedroom apartment is approximately 200-300 EUR per month in the center; a meal at a local restaurant costs 4-6 EUR; monthly public transport pass is 20 EUR; coworking membership is 50-100 EUR per month; groceries run about 150-200 EUR per month. A comfortable monthly budget is 600-1000 EUR including rent, food, transport, and entertainment. Outside Skopje, costs can be 20-30% lower. The minimum wage is 502 EUR gross (as of 2025).
Can I open a bank account in North Macedonia as a foreigner?
Yes, North Macedonia is relatively friendly for non-resident bank account opening. You'll need a valid passport, proof of address (utility bill or rental agreement), and an application form from the bank. Most banks require in-person visits, though some now offer remote account opening with video verification. Major banks include Komercijalna Banka (largest), Stopanska Banka, NLB Banka, and Sparkasse. Importantly, North Macedonia has not signed the Common Reporting Standard (CRS), offering more financial privacy than most European countries. Accounts can be opened in MKD, EUR, USD, GBP, or CHF.
What are the tax implications for digital nomads in North Macedonia?
North Macedonia offers one of Europe's most attractive tax regimes. The personal income tax rate is a flat 10% on most income types. Tax residency is triggered by staying 183+ days within any 12-month period. Tax residents are taxed on worldwide income; non-residents only on Macedonian-source income. There are no controlled foreign company (CFC) rules, meaning profits from foreign companies can be retained tax-free. Capital gains are taxed at 10% on 70% of net gains (effective rate 7%). The country has double tax treaties with many countries to prevent double taxation.
How do I apply for a work permit or temporary residence in North Macedonia?
The process depends on your purpose: For EMPLOYMENT: Your Macedonian employer initiates the work permit application at the Employment Service Agency (AVRM). Once approved, you apply for a Type D visa at a Macedonian embassy. Upon arrival, you complete the temporary residence permit at the Ministry of Interior. For SELF-EMPLOYMENT: You need to register a business in the Central Trade Register (can use an agent), apply for temporary residence and a personal work permit. For STUDY: Obtain acceptance from an accredited institution, then apply for Type D visa and student residence permit. Processing takes 4-8 weeks total.
Is travel medical insurance required to enter North Macedonia?
Yes, travel medical insurance is officially required for all foreign visitors entering North Macedonia. The recommended minimum coverage is 35,000 EUR. Immigration officers may request proof of insurance upon entry. While enforcement varies, having valid insurance is legally required and protects you financially - healthcare quality is good but not free for tourists. Popular options include SafetyWing, World Nomads, and Allianz Travel Insurance. If you're applying for a visa or residence permit, proof of valid health insurance is mandatory documentation.
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Important Disclaimer
Visa requirements can change frequently. This information is provided for general guidance only and should not be considered legal advice. Always verify current requirements with the official embassy or immigration authorities before making travel plans. Last updated: December 1, 2025