Is your company planning to outsource or expand operations in North Macedonia? Recent economic growth has created a favorable environment for expatriates and foreign companies to do business in this thriving country. However, if you are planning to relocate existing team members or hire new employees abroad, you’ll need to ensure that they have the necessary documentation to live and work in Macedonia.
Types of Work Visas in Macedonia
The Macedonian government issues three different types of visas to foreign nationals:
- Type B visas for transit, which allow a maximum stay of five days
- Type C visas for short visits up to three months
- Type D visas for long stays for work, medical treatment, scientific research, study, humanitarian work, or family reunification
To live and work in Macedonia, foreign employees will need to obtain a Type D visa. However, the long-stay visa on its own does not allow the employee to reside in Macedonia. They will need to complete the process of obtaining a temporary residence permit from the Ministry of Interior upon arrival in the country.
The employee will also need a work permit, which must be obtained on their behalf by the employer in Macedonia.
Requirements to Obtain Macedonia Work Visas
To live and work in Macedonia, foreign employees will need to obtain a residency permit as well as a work permit.
Before traveling to Macedonia, the employee will need to submit the following documents to obtain a Type D visa:
- A temporary residence application form
- A valid passport
- One passport-sized photograph
- Proof of the applicant’s health insurance
- A copy of the applicant’s work permit application, which should be provided by the employer
To get a temporary residency permit, employees will need to provide additional documentation upon arrival in Macedonia:
- Approval of temporary residence from the Ministry of Interior
- Evidence of accommodation in Macedonia
- The original, certified copy of the employee’s work permit application
- A valid passport and one passport photo
- A criminal background check
- Proof of travel insurance
Application Process
Work permits in Macedonia are issued by the Employment Service Agency. The employer should file the work permit application before the employee begins the process of obtaining a temporary residence permit.
The main steps of the application process are as follows:
- The employer initiates the work permit application on behalf of the foreign employee
- The employer sends the employee an original copy of the work permit application
- The employee submits the work application along with the other documents listed in the previous section to the nearest Macedonian consulate
- Upon approval, the employee obtains a Type D long-stay visa
- The employee travels to Macedonia
- Within five days of their arrival, the employee completes the process of the issuance of their residence permit by submitting the documents listed previously to the Ministry of Interior
- Within 25 days of the application date, the Ministry issues a National Temporary Residence Identity Card to the employee
It typically takes around 45 days for a work permit to be issued to a foreign national. Upon the approval of this permit, the employee may begin working for your company in Macedonia.
Other Important Considerations
Macedonia is a current candidate to join the European Union (EU), but negotiations are not in progress at the moment. As of now, citizens of EU member states must follow the same procedure as other foreign nationals to enter Macedonia for employment purposes. Should Macedonia join the EU in the future, these procedures will change.
Partner With G-P
If your company is in the midst of an international expansion process, G-P can help. We’re an experienced Global PEO with all of the resources and information your company needs to stay compliant from the start as you begin operations in Macedonia.
To learn more about how your company can join the G-P Team, reach out to us today.