The law about foreign citizens who work in North Macedonia is a significant topic for businesses, and there is often additional uncertainty around it.
The need for a work permit for foreign citizens in North Macedonia can appear in international companies that want to expand their business in the country, as well as local businesses that want to strengthen their team with international human resources.
What does the law say about this topic?
With the changes of the Law on Foreigners, as well as the Law on Employment and Work of Foreigners, adopted in 2015, a single permit for residence and work for foreigners was introduced.
The law says that a foreign citizen is considered to be every employed person in North Macedonia, with a regular work contract in a company whose location, or address, is within the country. The same also applies when the person receives the status of a self-employed person.
| Purpose | What it refers to | Relevant for |
|---|---|---|
| Employment of a foreign citizen | Temporary stay for employment in North Macedonia. | employment |
| Seasonal employment of a foreign citizen | Temporary stay connected to seasonal work. | seasonal work |
| Referred employees | Temporary stay for employees referred for work. | referred staff |
Cases of temporary stay in the country
At the same time, a foreign citizen can temporarily stay and work in North Macedonia for a maximum length of 60 days, based on a confirmation in accordance with the Law. This requires approval by the Employment Service Agency of the Republic of North Macedonia.
There are also other cases in which a foreign citizen may acquire a work permit for temporary stay, which also require approval by the Employment Service Agency:
- work permit based on family reunification;
- work permit based on a close family member of a citizen of the Republic of North Macedonia;
- work permit for humanitarian reasons — right of asylum, refugee status, subsidiary protection or temporary protection.
How can you apply for a work permit for a foreign citizen?
Several elements are needed in order for a foreign citizen to gain work status in North Macedonia. The process includes the PPR form, SPO form, authorization of an authorized person, ID for the foreigner or resident permit, as well as a work permit for employment after a previously completed procedure in accordance with the law.
| Element | What it refers to | Purpose |
|---|---|---|
| PPR form | Application form related to temporary residence. | residence |
| SPO form | Form related to work status and employment procedure. | work status |
| Authorization | Authorization of an authorized person. | procedure |
| ID / residence permit | Identification document for the foreigner or residence permit. | identity |
| Work permit | Work permit for employment after a previously completed procedure in accordance with the law. | employment |
Does all of this sound complicated? The procedure can represent an additional logistical and legal burden, and it may discourage companies that want to expand their team with quality staff from abroad or expand a certain foreign business within the borders of North Macedonia.
However, we are here for you. If you need consultation or any assistance with the registration of foreign citizens needed for performing activities for your business, the accounting and consulting office Aleksandar.AK is continuously available to you.
Frequently asked questions about work permits for foreign citizens
When is a work permit for foreign citizens needed?
A work permit may be needed when a foreign citizen will work in North Macedonia based on employment, seasonal employment or as a referred employee.
Which forms are mentioned in the procedure?
The post mentions the PPR form and SPO form, as well as authorization, identification document or residence permit and work permit after a completed procedure.
Is a work permit always required for short-term stay?
No. In certain cases such as short-term services, creative services in culture, trade fairs, study purposes and emergency services, a work permit is not required.
Who can help with the registration of foreign citizens?
Aleksandar.AK can provide consultation and support around registration of foreign citizens required for performing business activities in North Macedonia.
Do you need support with work permits for foreign citizens?
At Aleksandar.AK, we help companies understand the procedure, prepare the needed documentation and approach the registration of foreign citizens in a more organized way.
Request support for work permits, employment administration and the documents needed for hiring foreign citizens in North Macedonia.