Permanent residence
Foreigners who have lived in North Macedonia continuously for five years on temporary residence can apply for permanent residence. They need stable income, housing, health insurance and enough Macedonian to communicate easily. Permanent residents have most of the same rights as citizens, including access to work. Some residence types, such as study or seasonal work, do not qualify.
Life in North Macedonia
Money
3
Currency
Macedonian Denar
MKD
Macedonian Denar
Cost of living
41
Price level · US = 100
World Bank price levels, 2025
Tax
Flat 10%
Income tax (national)
VAT 18%
Flat 10% on personal income after contributions and a personal tax exemption.
Living
1
Happiness
#80 of 145 countries
World Happiness Report 2025
Your edge here Members
What gives you an edge here: passports, visas and permits you hold, work, study, language and family ties
Who it’s for
Long-term residents, such as workers and family members, after five years of continuous temporary residence.
Eligibility
Five years of residence
At least five years of continuous residence on approved temporary residence before applying (Law on Foreigners, Article 129). Absences of up to six consecutive months, or up to ten months in total, are allowed (Article 131).
Means, housing and insurance
Stable and regular means of support without social assistance, accommodation, and health insurance (Article 130).
Clean record
Show you have had no crime punishable by at least one year in prison in the last five years.
- Look-back period is the last five years
- You must also not be a danger to public order, health, security or international relations
- Set out in Article 130
Official wording
No crime punishable by at least one year in prison in the last five years, and no danger to public order, health, security or international relations (Article 130).
A sneak peek at what's inside
- Next requirementLanguage
- Document checklistApplication Form No. 9
- FeesAdministrative fee (application form)
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- 7 documents
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- 4 steps
- Processing times and conditions
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