If you are owed money by a company or individual located in North Macedonia, understanding the legal process for debt recovery is the first step toward getting paid. North Macedonia has a structured legal framework for debt collection — from demand letters through to court judgments and enforcement. This page is part of our practice in debt collection in North Macedonia.

The first and most logical step is to send a demand letter to the debtor. This letter should state the amount of money you are owed and the date by which you expect payment. You should also include a copy of any documentation that supports your claim. Having a lawyer send this letter on your behalf usually increases the chances of the debt being paid more quickly. The demand letter is not mandatory by law, but it is a good step to start the process and potentially recover the debt without a lawsuit.

If the debtor does not respond to your demand letter, you may need to take legal action. In North Macedonia, you can file a lawsuit against the debtor in the local court, or submit a request before a notary, depending on the type of the case. If the court finds in your favor, it will issue a judgment ordering the debtor to pay the money owed. The notary will issue a payment order depending on the type of the debt. Importantly, you may not freely choose between court or notary — the appropriate procedure depends on the type of debt and the legal relationship between the parties, and must be followed accordingly.

Once you have a judgment, you can take steps to enforce it. This may involve garnishing the debtor’s wages, seizing their property, or blocking their bank account. Enforcement can only be carried out by a licensed enforcement agent, who will require the original and enforceable judgment from the court.

The amount of time it takes to collect a debt in North Macedonia can vary depending on a number of factors, such as the amount of money owed, the cooperation of the debtor, and the efficiency of the court system. In general, you should expect the process to take several months or even longer.

If you are facing a debt collection issue, it is important to speak with litigation attorney as soon as possible. An attorney can help you understand your rights and options, and can represent you in court if necessary.

Practical tips for collecting a debt in North Macedonia

• Keep good records of all communications with the debtor, including letters, emails, and phone calls.
• Document all steps you take to collect the debt, including the date you sent the demand letter, the date the court issued the judgment, and the date you took enforcement action.
• Be persistent. It may take time and effort to collect a debt, but do not give up.

2026 Practical Checklist

If you are trying to collect a debt in North Macedonia, work through these steps: (1) Send a demand letter first — not legally mandatory but significantly increases the chances of voluntary payment and demonstrates good faith before litigation. A lawyer-signed letter carries more weight. (2) Determine the correct procedure — court or notary? This depends on the type of debt and the documentation you have. You cannot freely choose; the law prescribes the appropriate route. (3) Check the statute of limitations — debts in North Macedonia are subject to limitation periods. Acting promptly is essential to preserve your right to claim. (4) Obtain an enforceable title — a court judgment or notarial payment order is required before enforcement. Without an enforceable title, no enforcement agent can act. (5) Engage a licensed enforcement agent — only licensed enforcement agents can carry out wage garnishment, property seizure or bank account blocking. (6) For cross-border debt collection (debtors outside North Macedonia), contact our debt collection team for guidance on international recovery options.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to send a demand letter before going to court?

No — a demand letter is not legally mandatory in North Macedonia. However, it is strongly advisable as it demonstrates good faith, often triggers voluntary payment, and can be used as evidence in subsequent proceedings. A letter sent by a lawyer typically produces faster results than one sent directly by the creditor.

Can I choose whether to go to court or a notary?

No. The law prescribes which procedure applies depending on the type of debt and the nature of the legal relationship. For certain types of monetary claims (e.g. based on invoices), the notary payment order procedure applies. For others, court proceedings are required. A lawyer can advise you on which route applies to your specific situation.

What can I do once I have a court judgment?

Once you have an enforceable court judgment or notarial payment order, you can initiate enforcement proceedings through a licensed enforcement agent. Enforcement measures include garnishing the debtor’s wages, seizing movable or immovable property, and blocking bank accounts.

How long does debt collection take in North Macedonia?

The timeline varies significantly depending on the amount owed, whether the debtor contests the claim, and court workload. In straightforward cases with an authentic document (e.g. an invoice), a notarial payment order can be issued relatively quickly. Contested court proceedings can take considerably longer — several months to over a year.

Is there a time limit for claiming a debt?

Yes. Debts in North Macedonia are subject to statutory limitation periods under the Law on Obligations. The general limitation period is five years, but shorter periods apply to certain types of claims (e.g. three years for commercial claims between traders). Once a limitation period expires, the debt cannot be enforced through the courts.

Need legal guidance?

If you need assistance with debt collection in North Macedonia, the team at Lalicic & Partners is at your disposal. Contact us through our website.