The law about foreign citizens who work in North Macedonia is a significant topic for businesses, and there are often additional questions about it. 

The need for a work permit for foreign citizens in North Macedonia can appear in international companies who 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’, declare in 2015, there is just a single permit for residence and work for foreigners.

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 (employer) whose location (address) is within the country. Also, the same applies when the citizen becomes a self-employed person.

A temporary stay in North Macedonia can be approved in the following three cases:

• employment of a foreign citizen
• seasonal employment of a foreign citizen
• referred employees

Cases of temporary stays 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, on a basis of confirmation in accordance with the Law. This requires approval by the Employment Service Agency of the Republic of North Macedonia.

There are other cases where a foreign citizen can acquire a work permit for a temporary stay, which also require approval by the Employment Service Agency:

• work permit on a basis of a family unification
• work permit on a basis of a close family member
• work permit for humanitarian reasons – asylum, refugees, human protection…

If a temporary stay is needed in the country because of short-term services, like creative services in the field of culture, trade fairs, study purposes, as well as emergency services, a work permit is not required.

How I can apply for a work permit for a foreign citizen?