North Macedonia — Complete Emigration Guide 2026
1,822,612 people · Capital: Skopje · Southeast Europe
Updated H2 2026 · Compiled from official government sources, re-checked on a rolling basis
Overview
North Macedonia is located in Southeast Europe, with a population of 1,822,612. Its currency is the denar. Our database tracks 11 visa pathways for North Macedonia, each linked to a named source.
See also: North Macedonia country profile
Compiled from official government sources, re-checked on a rolling basis. See our methodology and data sources.
Visa Pathways (11)
Sponsored Employment (2)
| Programme | Min Income | Fee | Duration | Processing |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Specialisation, vocational training and practical training | — | — | 12 mo | — |
| Temporary Residence Permit for Work Purposes | €325/mo | €8 | 12 mo | 30d |
Study (1)
| Programme | Min Income | Fee | Duration | Processing |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Participation in international student exchange programmes | — | — | 12 mo | — |
Research & Academia (1)
| Programme | Min Income | Fee | Duration | Processing |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Scientific-research activities | €3,000/mo | €60 | 12 mo | — |
Family Reunification (1)
| Programme | Min Income | Fee | Duration | Processing |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Family reunion | — | €60 | — | — |
General Residence (1)
| Programme | Min Income | Fee | Duration | Processing |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Long-Stay Visa for the Republic of North Macedonia | — | €60 | — | — |
Permanent Settlement (1)
| Programme | Min Income | Fee | Duration | Processing |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Approval of permanent residence | €49/mo | €162 | 12 mo | 30d |
Naturalisation & Citizenship (1)
| Programme | Min Income | Fee | Duration | Processing |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Acquiring citizenship of the Republic of North Macedonia | — | €358 | — | — |
Cultural Exchange (1)
| Programme | Min Income | Fee | Duration | Processing |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Volunteering | — | €60 | — | — |
Medical Treatment (2)
| Programme | Min Income | Fee | Duration | Processing |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Medical / Geriatric Care Residence | €3,367/mo | €60 | — | — |
| Medical Treatment Visa | — | €60 | — | — |
Cost of Living
| Item | North Macedonia | W. Europe Avg | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rent (1BR) | €280 | €1,200 | -77% |
| Rent (3BR) | €420 | €2,000 | -79% |
| Groceries | €85 | €350 | -76% |
| Transport | €25 | €80 | -69% |
| Utilities | €70 | €150 | -53% |
| Dining (meal) | €4 | €15 | -73% |
Salary & Employment
| Sector | Median (gross, €/yr) |
|---|---|
| Construction | €11,000 |
| Education | €10,000 |
| Engineering | €13,000 |
| Finance | €13,000 |
| Healthcare | €11,500 |
| Hospitality | €7,000 |
| IT | €18,000 |
| Retail | €7,500 |
Shortage Occupations
- Software Developer (IT)
- Nurse (Healthcare)
- Mechanical Engineer (Engineering)
Tax
Healthcare
Education
| University | QS Rank | English Progs | Tuition (Intl) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ss. Cyril and Methodius University | — | 42 | €2,500 |
| University of Information Science and Technology | — | 58 | €3,200 |
| University Goce Delchev | — | 35 | €2,800 |
| State University of Tetova | — | 28 | €2,400 |
| University American College Skopje | — | 72 | €8,500 |
Practical Info
Banking
Driving
Phone & Internet
Credentials
Quality of Life
Official sources
The visa data on this page is compiled from official government sources — 12 of the 12 pathways link directly to the government page they were verified against, and 4 financial requirements below carry the exact quote from the official source. Values that fail verification are removed, not guessed — see the live verification freshness index.
- mfa.gov.mk · 9 pathways · verified 2026-06-24
- av.gov.mk · 1 pathway · verified 2026-06-24
- refworld.org · 1 pathway · verified 2026-06-09
- refworld.org · 1 pathway · verified 2026-06-09
Verified requirements — exact official citations
Each figure below was verified verbatim against the official page linked, on the date shown.
Participation in international student exchange programmes · 1 verified requirement
Requirement: “The page publishes only the short-stay C visa fee (60 euros, or 35 euros for children aged 6-12); no fee is published for the long-stay/temporary-residence student-exchange category.” — mfa.gov.mk, 2026-07-07
Family reunion · 1 verified requirement
Minimum income: “MFA page on types of entry visas to RNM (visa categories); does not state a family-reunion income requirement or figure.” — mfa.gov.mk
Accommodation in nursing homes · 1 verified requirement
Savings / proof of funds: “Document needed for short-stay visa, up to 90 days ('C' visa) ... proof of paid fees for processing the visa application; neatly and legibly filled out visa application” — mfa.gov.mk
Medical treatment · 1 verified requirement
Savings / proof of funds: “Temporary residence is granted to a foreigner who intends to stay in the Republic of Macedonia for the following reasons: - Work - Study - Participation in international student exchange programmes - Specialisation, vocational training and practical training - Volunteering -…” — mfa.gov.mk
Frequently Asked Questions
How many visa pathways does North Macedonia have?
Our database tracks 11 visa pathways for North Macedonia across 9 categories, the largest being Sponsored Employment, Medical Treatment, General Residence. Each entry links to a named source — 83% direct to an official government portal, the rest to a named embassy or professional reference while we complete direct verification.
What is the minimum income for the Temporary Residence Permit for Work Purposes?
The Temporary Residence Permit for Work Purposes lists a minimum income of EUR 325 per month, according to the official source (last checked 2026-06-24).
What is the average salary in North Macedonia?
The average gross salary in North Macedonia is EUR 927 per month. The statutory minimum wage is EUR 584 per month.
How much does rent cost in North Macedonia?
A one-bedroom apartment in North Macedonia averages EUR 280 per month, and a three-bedroom apartment averages EUR 420 per month.
What is the top income tax rate in North Macedonia?
The top personal income tax rate in North Macedonia is 10%. The standard VAT rate is 18%.
How long does it take to qualify for citizenship in North Macedonia?
Among the pathways we track, the Acquiring citizenship of the Republic of North Macedonia lists 7 years to citizenship. Timelines vary by route and personal circumstances — check the official source for your case.
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