Foreign nationals wishing to work in North Macedonia must obtain a work permit, which is linked to a temporary residence permit. The process involves a market research assessment by the Employment Agency — but there is an important exception for foreign nationals employed in their own company. This page is part of our practice as an immigration lawyer in North Macedonia. 

The Macedonian legislation allows foreign nationals to work in North Macedonia and therefore to obtain a temporary residence permit. However, trying to immigrate to North Macedonia can be a long and difficult process. If your application is rejected, it can be even more frustrating and discouraging. Therefore, if you want to increase your chances of success and realize your dream of staying and working in North Macedonia, you should be well prepared and familiar with the conditions that are important for a positive outcome of the procedure.

Employment Agency Market Research

Before establishing an employment relationship with a Macedonian employer, it is necessary to receive a positive opinion about your work from the Employment Agency. When issuing such an opinion, the Employment Agency conducts market research and takes into account the following criteria:

1. Are your professional knowledge and abilities suitable for the job where you plan to work?
2. Are there currently any Macedonian citizens with the same or better qualifications who are active job seekers in North Macedonia and who have real chances of establishing an employment relationship in the specific job position?

For a positive opinion to be issued, it is necessary to prove that there are not enough prepared, available and qualified employees for the job position offered to the foreign national in the Macedonian labour market. Market research has been implemented in many modern legislations as a mechanism to protect domestic workers in the local labour market.

Exception: Working in Your Own Company

However, there is an exception from the market research requirement for foreign nationals who are employed in their own company. If you are employed by a company of which you are the owner, Macedonian legislation allows for a derogation from the obligation to conduct market research. Your education and qualifications are not taken as a relevant factor on which your work permit depends. At the same time, when employed in your own company, you will always be given priority over any Macedonian citizen, even if that citizen has better qualifications.

Therefore, if you plan to live and work in North Macedonia, do not rule out the possibility of starting your own business and working for your own company.

Exception to the general rule is that, in certain situations, foreigners may work without such permits, provided that their work is duly registered with the Employment Agency. This regime, commonly referred to as “registration of work”, represents a significant and practically useful instrument. It is relatively frequently used in business practice, yet often remains insufficiently understood and occasionally misinterpreted. Its purpose is not to circumvent or replace the legal requirements arising under immigration law, but rather to establish a simplified administrative procedure for specific situations where the engagement of the foreign national is limited in duration and clearly project-based.

Practical Checklist

If you are a foreign national planning to work in North Macedonia, verify the following: (1) Determine which route applies to you — are you being employed by a Macedonian company (market research applies) or will you work in your own company (market research exception applies)? (2) Employment Agency opinion is required first — before any employment relationship begins, the employer must obtain a positive opinion from the Employment Agency. This is a prerequisite, not an optional step. (3) Market research criteria — to pass the market research assessment, it must be demonstrated that no sufficiently qualified Macedonian job seeker is available for the specific position. Detailed job descriptions and evidence of qualification requirements help. (4) Owner-employee exception — if you own the company that employs you, market research is waived entirely. Your qualifications are irrelevant and you take priority over Macedonian applicants. Consider registering a company first if this route suits you. (5) Link to temporary residence permit — a work permit in North Macedonia is connected to a temporary residence permit. Both must be in order for you to legally live and work in the country. (6) 

Frequently Asked Questions

Does a foreign national always need a work permit in North Macedonia?

Generally, yes. Before a foreign national can legally work for a Macedonian employer, the Employment Agency must issue a positive opinion following a market research assessment. The work permit is then linked to a temporary residence permit allowing the person to live and work in North Macedonia.

What does the Employment Agency market research assess?

The Employment Agency assesses two criteria: whether the foreign national’s qualifications suit the specific job, and whether there is a suitably qualified Macedonian job seeker available for that position. If a qualified Macedonian candidate exists and is actively seeking work, the positive opinion will typically not be issued.

Is there an exception to the market research requirement?

Yes. Foreign nationals who are employed by a company they own are exempt from the market research requirement. In this case, qualifications are irrelevant and the foreign national-owner is always prioritized over Macedonian job seekers. This makes setting up your own company in North Macedonia a practical route to obtaining a work permit.

Can I work in North Macedonia while my application is being processed?

No. You must have a valid work permit and temporary residence permit before commencing work. Starting work before receiving a positive opinion from the Employment Agency and the necessary permits is unlawful.

What is the connection between a work permit and a temporary residence permit?

In North Macedonia, a work permit is tied to a temporary residence permit issued on the basis of employment. Both are required simultaneously — you cannot legally work without the work permit, and you cannot legally reside in North Macedonia for work purposes without the residence permit.

Need legal guidance?

If you need assistance with a work permit application or employment-related immigration in North Macedonia, the team at Lalicic & Partners is at your disposal. Contact us through our website.