North Macedonia

Citizenship by Investment Overview

Investment

Minimum investment of EUR 200,000

Key Benefit

Freedom of travel to Hong Kong, Japan, Singapore, Türkiye, and Europe’s Schengen Area, among others, as well as an e-visa to India

North Macedonia Citizenship by Investment Program Overview

Located in Southeastern Europe, North Macedonia has a strategic geographic location — prospective investors are in a key position to benefit from the nation’s status as a major transportation route across Europe. For those who would like to become citizens of this growing European economy, the North Macedonia Citizenship by Investment Program is the most efficient way to acquire such status. The government welcomes wealthy and talented foreign individuals who are able to make a significant, qualified investment into the country that would boost the economy through foreign direct investment. Under this program, individuals can become citizens of North Macedonia within five months.

The government is currently in the process of setting up the program.

Benefits of the North Macedonia Citizenship by Investment Program

  • Visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to over 120 destinations
  • Citizenship applicable to individuals aged 18 and older. Dependent children under 18 can apply for citizenship by descent once both or one of their parents has received citizenship
  • Citizenship can be passed down to future generations
  • Access to a strategically positioned trade market
  • Citizenship of a European upper-middle income country with a friendly and hospitable culture and a favorable tax environment
  • No minimum residence period or language requirement to obtain citizenship
  • Citizenship of a country that recently acquired NATO membership and is an EU candidate
  • Access to a highly qualified workforce and fast company registration systems

Requirements of North Macedonian Citizenship by Investment

The North Macedonian Citizenship by Investment Program requires that a foreign individual invests EUR 200,000 or EUR 400,000 under one of the following two investment options:

  1. EUR 200,000 per adult applicant for a period of at least two years in a private investment fund established in accordance with the laws of the Republic of North Macedonia, to be eligible to apply for citizenship
  2. EUR 400,000 per adult applicant as a direct investment in new facilities (except for those in hospitality meant for restaurants or shopping), employing at least ten people for an indefinite period of time in a period of at least one year

The following documents are required:

  • Police certificates of clearance
  • Detailed curriculum vitae (CV)
  • Proof of financial standing

Procedure for North Macedonian Citizenship by Investment

Applications for North Macedonian citizenship must include completed application forms and should be accompanied by the appropriate fees and supporting documents. The required documents include birth and marriage certificates and a signed prospectus and share redemption documents of the government-approved fund. The program is under the direct and close monitoring of the Fund for Innovations and Technology Development of the Republic of North Macedonia.

The following application steps apply:

  1. Client contacts Henley & Partners
  2. Initial due diligence checks completed
  3. Client agreement signed and retainer paid
  4. Requirements fulfilled
  5. Application for North Macedonian citizenship submitted to the government
  6. Application approved
  7. Full citizenship received

North Macedonia Citizenship by Investment Program Frequently Asked Questions

  • What is the North Macedonia Citizenship by Investment Program?

    The North Macedonia Citizenship by Investment Program encourages wealthy and talented foreign individuals to make significant, qualified investments that will enhance the economy through foreign direct investment.

  • What are the investment options available for the North Macedonia Citizenship by Investment Program?

    The program offers two options: investing in a private investment fund for at least two years or making a direct investment in new facilities (excluding hospitality) that employ at least ten people for a minimum of one year.

  • What are the benefits of obtaining North Macedonian citizenship through investment?

    Benefits include visa-free travel to many countries, the right to live, work, and study in North Macedonia, and a strategic location in Europe. Additionally, there is no minimum residence period or language requirement to obtain citizenship.

  • What is the minimum investment required for the North Macedonia Citizenship by Investment Program?

    The minimum investment starts at EUR 200,000.

  • How long does it take to process an application for the North Macedonia Citizenship by Investment Program?

    Processing times for citizenship by investment applications may vary. Please contact us to find out more.

  • Can family members be included in the North Macedonia Citizenship by Investment Program application?

    Yes, the main applicant can include their spouse and dependent children in their application.

  • What are the residence requirements for the North Macedonia Citizenship by Investment Program?

    There are no specific residence requirements, but applicants must maintain their investment for a certain period.

  • What documents are required for the North Macedonia Citizenship by Investment Program application?

    Required documents include a valid passport, proof of investment, health insurance, a clean criminal record, a detailed curriculum vitae, proof of financial standing, birth and marriage certificates, and signed prospectus and share redemption documents from a government-approved fund, along with other supporting documents.

  • What is the process for applying to the North Macedonia Citizenship by Investment Program?

    Applicants must choose a qualifying investment, submit the application with the necessary documents, and undergo a due diligence process. The process is closely monitored by the Fund for Innovations and Technology Development of North Macedonia.

Country Information

The people of North Macedonia enjoy a moderate Mediterranean climate and culturally rich lifestyle, with excellent opportunities for trade and investment.

Population:

2.1 million

Languages:

Macedonian and Albanian, with English widely spoken

Economy:

Liberal, open-market

Currency:

Macedonian denar

Living in North Macedonia

The Republic of North Macedonia benefits from being located at a key intersection of transportation routes, particularly the north–south route from the Danube River to the Aegean Sea, and the famed east–west trade routes connecting the Black Sea and Istanbul with the Adriatic Sea. This pro-Western government favors a civil law system that both natural-born citizens and citizens by investment can look forward to.

 

North Macedonia is a largely mountainous area, with the highest elevation at Mount Korab (2,752 meters) on the Albanian border. Closer to the Šar Mountains in the northwest, the country is covered in lush forest areas. The many fertile valleys provide a promising agricultural investment landscape.

 

The country enjoys a moderate continental climate overall, with the eastern region tending to have milder winters and hotter, drier summers than the western region.

 

The nation takes pride in the Macedonian language and culture and has invested greatly towards them not only through education but also through the theatrical, filmic, literary, and other art forms. The local cuisine boasts a mix of Mediterranean, Balkan, and Turkish influences.

Mother Teresa Memorial House, Macedonia St 1000, Skopje 1000, North Macedonia

A Growing Economy and Noteworthy Business Competitiveness

In the mid-1990s, Macedonia attracted new trading partners, and the economy began to flourish. Though its gross domestic product declined temporarily at the turn of the 21st century, it quickly recovered. The country also weathered the worldwide economic downturn that began in 2008 better than many other countries.

 

North Macedonia’s economy now depends on agriculture and trade, with the country’s primary trading partners being Bulgaria, Germany, Greece, Italy, Romania, Serbia, and the United Kingdom. The country’s main exports are iron and steel, clothing and accessories, and food products. Impressively, the economy can meet its own basic food, coal, and hydroelectric power needs.

 

The government’s free economic zone (FEZ) policy was created to encourage domestic and foreign direct investment. Since then, more than a dozen geographically disparate FEZs have emerged from this policy, including the benefit of a 10-year tax holiday. The nation’s low tax rates and FEZ policy attract foreign investors who boost the economy through foreign direct investment.

 

North Macedonia is one of the most investor-friendly free economies and ranks among the top 20 countries in the world for ease of doing business.

A Strong Agricultural, Manufacturing, and Mining Industry

Agriculture contributes about 10% of North Macedonia’s GDP, with its main crops being tobacco, fruits, vegetables, wheat, rice, and corn. Viticulture and dairy farming are also important economic contributors.

The land is rich in minerals, with deposits of antimony, copper, chromium, gold, iron, lead, manganese, nickel, silver, and zinc — some of which are used in the manufacturing industry, which contributes about 15% of North Macedonia’s GDP.

Other key industries include:

  • Machine and automotive components
  • Information and communication technology
  • Textile and clothing
  • Energy
  • Pharmaceuticals and medical devices
  • Wine production

Ready to Explore Your Global Opportunities?

Let DLB Global guide you in securing the right investment, residence, or citizenship solution. Connect with our experts today and start your journey with confidence.