North Macedonia Citizenship & Second Passport Guide
Balkans
🛂 Passport Rank: #46
✈️ Visa-Free Countries: 129
💰 Tax System: flat
🗺️ Pathways: 3
Overview
North Macedonia offers a path to citizenship through naturalization via business or self-employment after 8 years of continuous residency. A Digital Nomad Visa is available for temporary residency. The Citizenship by Investment program is currently suspended.
Citizenship Pathways
Naturalization via Business/Self-Employment
Cost: Varies (business setup fees + living costs)
Timeline: 8.0 years
Presence Required: Min. 183 days/year for 8 years
Foreigners can obtain temporary residency by establishing a business or working as self-employed. After 5 years, permanent residency is possible, leading to citizenship after 8 years of continuous residency. Dual citizenship is permitted.
Digital Nomad Visa
Cost: ~€2,000 (monthly income requirement)
Timeline: 1.0 years
Presence Required: None specified, but implies living in country
North Macedonia offers a Digital Nomad Visa allowing remote workers to reside for up to one year, renewable. It requires proof of foreign employment or self-employment and a minimum monthly income of approximately €2,000.
Citizenship by Investment (Suspended/Unreliable)
Cost: €200,000 (donation)
Timeline: 0.5 years
Presence Required: None
North Macedonia previously offered a Citizenship by Investment program requiring a €200,000 donation to a government-approved fund. However, this program has been widely reported as suspended or unreliable, with no successful applications since 2021.
Step-by-Step Process
Naturalization via Business/Self-Employment
: Establish a business or register as self-employed in North Macedonia.
— 1-3 months — Varies (business setup fees)
: Apply for a temporary residence permit based on business/self-employment.
— 2-4 months — €100-€300 (application fees)
: Maintain continuous residency (min. 183 days/year) for 5 years, renewing temporary permits.
— 5 years — Annual renewal fees
: Apply for a permanent residence permit after 5 years of temporary residency.
— 3-6 months — €150-€400 (application fees)
: Maintain permanent residency for 3 more years, then apply for citizenship.
— 3 years — Citizenship application fees
Pros & Cons
Advantages
Affordable cost of living
Strategic location in the Balkans
Dual citizenship permitted
Flat tax rates (personal and corporate)
EU candidate country status
Challenges
Long naturalization timeline (8 years)
Bureaucracy can be slow and complex
Limited economic opportunities compared to Western Europe
Political instability concerns
Requirements
Valid Passport — Original and copies, valid for at least 6 months beyond intended stay.
Proof of Funds — Bank statements demonstrating sufficient financial means for living expenses.
Clean Criminal Record — Police clearance certificate from home country and any country of residence.
Health Insurance — Comprehensive health insurance valid in North Macedonia.
Business Plan/Employment Contract — Detailed business plan for self-employment or valid employment contract.
Tax System
System: flat
North Macedonia employs a flat tax system. Personal income tax and corporate tax are both set at 10%. New residents are taxed on worldwide income if considered tax residents.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the CBI program still active?
No, the Citizenship by Investment program is widely reported as suspended or unreliable since 2021.
Can I get citizenship faster?
The primary pathway for naturalization requires 8 years of continuous residency.
What is the minimum income for the Digital Nomad Visa?
Approximately €2,000 per month from foreign sources.