Temporary residence for work
single permit
Foreigners can work in North Macedonia on temporary residence for work, which acts as a single work and residence permit. The Employment Agency must give a positive opinion, usually within an annual quota and a labour market check. Permits last up to one year and can be renewed. Seasonal work, posted workers and self-employment are also covered.
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
Foreign employees with a job offer from a registered North Macedonian employer, seasonal workers, posted workers and self-employed foreigners.
Eligibility
Employment Agency opinion
You need a positive Employment Agency opinion, issued for the period you request, for employment or seasonal work residence.
- Opinion is valid for the requested period, but not more than one year
- Legal basis: Law on Foreigners, Article 81
Official wording
Residence for employment or seasonal work needs a positive opinion from the Employment Agency, issued for the period requested but not more than one year (Law on Foreigners, Article 81).
Labour market and quota
The employer must meet legal conditions, the quota must not be full, and hiring must not harm the labour market; a positive opinion is given if local jobseekers do not seek the job (Article 86).
Exempt from labour market test
Some workers are exempt from the labour market test, including foreigners with more than one year at the same employer in the same job.
- Exempt: managers, founders, athletes, cultural workers, scientists, editors
- Some diplomatic staff are also exempt
- Legal basis: Article 86
Official wording
Managers, founders, athletes, cultural workers, scientists, editors, some diplomatic staff, and foreigners who have worked more than one year for the same employer in the same job (Article 86).
A sneak peek at what's inside
- Next requirementEmployer evidence
- Document checklistApplication Form No. 2
- FeesAdministrative fee (application form)
The full requirements are for members
Create an account and subscribe to see every requirement, the full document checklist, fees, steps, processing times and conditions, and how your profile compares.
- 2 more requirements
- 10 documents
- 4 fees
- 6 steps
- Processing times and conditions
Places to visit in North Macedonia
Attractions picked for you, based on your profile and interests.
Finding places for you…
Official sources
Other routes to North Macedonia
- Visit & tourismVisa-free stay and short-stay visa
- StudyTemporary residence for study
- Permanent residencePermanent residence
- FamilyTemporary residence for family reunification and family of citizens
- CitizenshipCitizenship by naturalisation
Work permits in other countries
- MaliSalaried employment: work contract approved by the Direction nationale du travail, with a residence visa or resident card
- MongoliaEmployment residence permit (C category) and investor/executive permit
- Macao SAR ChinaMacao non-resident worker
- MaltaSingle Permit (combined work and residence permit) – Identità Expatriates Unit
- MauritiusOccupation Permit - Professional
- MaldivesWork permit (Entry Pass) and Work e-Visa
