Residence in North Macedonia: permits and requirements
Living legally in North Macedonia is possible through 5 permit types: temporary, permanent, work, family, international protection. Each program has its own requirements; below are the duration, renewal, costs and documentation according to the country's official sources.
Temporary Residence Permit
Residence type #1 of 5
For foreigners with temporary grounds of stay in North Macedonia: employment, study, business, family or others.
Requirements
- Legal basis: work (with a work permit), study, business, marriage, medical treatment or another ground
- Sufficient means of subsistence
- Registered accommodation
- Health insurance
Documentation
- Valid passport
- Formal application to the MVR
- Photos
- Medical certificate
- Health insurance
- Proof of funds
- Legal basis (work contract, enrollment, marriage record, etc.)
- Criminal record certificate apostilled and translated into Macedonian
- Address registration
Frequently asked questions about residence in North Macedonia
How many types of residence permits are there in North Macedonia?
North Macedonia offers 5 residence permit types, grouped into the categories temporary, permanent, work, family, international protection. Each permit has its own requirements, duration and documentation, detailed in this fact sheet according to the country's official sources.
How long do residence permits in North Macedonia last?
Durations vary by permit type: 1 year (renewable); Indefinite; 1 year (renewable, tied to the work permit); Refugee: 5-year permit renewable; subsidiary protection: 1 year renewable (Asylum Law 2019). The exact details of each type appear in the corresponding fact sheet.
Can residence permits in North Macedonia be renewed?
It depends on the type: 4 of 5 permits are renewable. Each fact sheet on this page indicates whether the permit in question allows renewal.
What documentation is usually required to reside in North Macedonia?
Although each permit requires its own file, the most recurrent documents are: Valid passport; Photos; Seguro médico; Certificado de antecedentes penales. The complete list by residence type appears in each fact sheet, together with the corresponding official link.
Does residence in North Macedonia lead to nationality?
Yes, through the Naturalization by residence pathway, which requires 8 years of legal residence. The complete requirements are in the nationality fact sheet of North Macedonia.
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Anything to correct or add about North Macedonia?
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