Foreign companies wishing to operate in North Macedonia without forming a separate legal entity can establish a branch office (subsidiary) by registering it in the Trade Register. The branch operates under the foreign company’s legal personality and can carry out activities, assume obligations and access local courts on the same terms as domestic companies. This page is part of our practice in business and corporate law. For an alternative — forming a separate local company — see our guide on company registration in North Macedonia.

To successfully establish a branch office of a foreign legal entity in North Macedonia, the foreign company must first be registered in its home country. Once registered, the branch can carry out operations, assume obligations, and access local courts and authorities under the same conditions as domestic companies of similar forms and objectives, unless otherwise specified by law.

Registration Process – Step by Step

Step 1: Partner with a Local Registration Agent

To facilitate the process of registering your branch office in North Macedonia, collaborate with a local registration agent. This agent will guide you through the necessary steps and ensure a seamless registration experience.

Step 2: Compile the Required Documents

With the help of your registration agent, gather or prepare the following documents:

• An extract or certificate from the foreign company’s register, showing the content and date of registration.
• A certified copy of the company’s contract, statute or other corresponding constitutive act, verified by an authorized state authority. If the foreign company’s laws do not require a written agreement or statute, a certificate from a diplomatic-consular office in North Macedonia will suffice.
• A list of individuals appointed to represent the foreign company in North Macedonia, including their full names, personal identification numbers, passport numbers (for foreign individuals), citizenship and place of residence.
• A decision from the foreign company’s competent authority to organize the branch office.
• A creditworthiness report for the foreign company, issued by a competent state authority or authorized auditor.
• A description of the activities and tasks the branch office will undertake.
• Where required by law, a permit, approval or other necessary document must be included with the application.

Practical Checklist

Before and during the registration of a branch office in North Macedonia, verify the following: (1) Foreign company must be registered in its home country — the branch cannot be registered until the parent company is properly incorporated abroad. Obtain a current company extract from the foreign register. (2) Engage a local registration agent — only licensed registration agents can submit the registration application to the Trade Register. (3) Apostille all foreign documents — documents issued abroad (company extract, statute, creditworthiness report, etc.) will generally need an Apostille stamp and certified translation into Macedonian before they are accepted. (4) Obtain a corporate decision to open the branch — a formal decision by the foreign company’s competent authority (board resolution or equivalent) authorizing the establishment of the branch in North Macedonia is required. (5) Prepare the creditworthiness report — this must be issued by a competent state authority or authorized auditor in the parent company’s home country; allow time for this to be prepared and apostilled. (6) Post-registration obligations apply — after registration, the branch must comply with UBO registration, accounting, annual reporting and other obligations. See our guide on post-registration compliance.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between a branch office and a subsidiary LLC in North Macedonia?

A branch office (subsidiary) is not a separate legal entity — it operates as an extension of the foreign parent company, which bears full legal and financial responsibility. A subsidiary LLC is a separate legal entity with its own legal personality and limited liability. The choice depends on the intended activities, liability exposure and tax considerations.

Can a branch office carry out the same activities as the parent company?

Yes. The branch can carry out operations and assume obligations in North Macedonia under the same conditions as domestic companies of a similar type. However, the specific activities must be described in the registration application, and any regulated activities may require additional permits or approvals.

Do foreign documents need to be translated?

Yes. All documents issued abroad must be translated into Macedonian by a certified translator. They will also generally need to be apostilled (or legalized if the country of origin is not a Hague Convention member) before submission to the Trade Register.

Does the branch office need a local representative?

Yes. The registration application must include a list of individuals appointed to represent the foreign company in North Macedonia — with their personal details, passport numbers and place of residence. At least one authorized representative must be designated.

What ongoing compliance obligations does a branch office have?

A branch office in North Macedonia must maintain accounting records, submit annual financial reports, register its UBO, and comply with tax obligations in North Macedonia. The parent company remains jointly liable for the branch’s obligations.

Need legal guidance?

If you need assistance opening a branch office in North Macedonia, the team at Lalicic & Partners is at your disposal. Contact us through our website.