Each year, the Government of North Macedonia sets a quota for the number of foreign nationals who can be employed in the country. The 2026 quota has been set at 10,000 total engagements — a significant increase from the 5,000 engagements set for 2023. This page provides a breakdown of the 2026 quota and explains what it means for employers and foreign workers. This page is part of our practice as an immigration lawyers. For detailed information on the work permit procedure, see our guide on work permits in North Macedonia.

The 2026 Work Permit Quota

By Decision No. 57-88/11, adopted at its session of 13 January 2026, the Government of the Republic of North Macedonia set the quota for foreign nationals who may be employed in the country in 2026 at a total of 10,000 engagements. The legal basis for this decision is the Law on Employment and Work of Foreigners (Official Gazette of the Republic of Macedonia No. 217/15, and Official Gazette of the Republic of North Macedonia No. 163/21 and 86/25).

The total quota is distributed as follows:

• 9,750 engagements for the employment of foreigners in the Republic of North Macedonia;
• 200 engagements for posted/referred foreigners in the Republic of North Macedonia;
• 50 engagements for seasonal work of foreigners.

New Work Permits — How the Quota Is Allocated

For new work permits and positive opinions on the fulfillment of the conditions for issuing temporary residence permits to foreigners for the purpose of work, 4,500 engagements (positive opinions) are allocated for foreign workers, distributed as follows:

• 4,000 positive opinions for first-time employment;
• 500 work permits for first-time employment.

Extension of Work Permits

For the extension of work permits and positive opinions on the fulfillment of the conditions for issuing temporary residence permits to foreigners for the purpose of work, 5,250 engagements (positive opinions) are allocated, distributed as follows:

• 4,750 positive opinions for the continuation/extension of employment;
• 500 work permits for the continuation/extension of employment.

Priority Rules Within the Quota

Within the quota for work permits and positive opinions, individual permits are issued in accordance with the priorities set out in Article 6 of the Law on Employment and Work of Foreigners.

Work permits and positive opinions already issued before the date this decision entered into force are counted against the quota from Article 2 (1) of the decision.

Monitoring and Adjustment

The Ministry of Economy and Labor monitors the utilization of the work permit quota and the state of the labor market. If the state of the labor market changes, the Government of the Republic of North Macedonia may, on a proposal from the Ministry of Economy and Labor, take measures in accordance with Article 5(6) of the Law on Employment and Work of Foreigners.

Foreign workers and employers should remain informed about the current state of the quota. If the quota for a particular category is exhausted, new applications in that category cannot be approved until the quota is reviewed or adjusted.

For current information on quota utilization, you can check the Employment Agency of North Macedonia website.

Practical Checklist

For employers planning to hire foreign workers in North Macedonia in 2026: (1) Check the relevant quota category — determine whether the position falls under standard employment (9,750), posted workers (200) or seasonal work (50). The sub-quotas for new vs extended permits also apply. (2) Apply early — quota slots are allocated on a first-come, first-served basis within the priority rules. Once a sub-category is exhausted, no further permits can be issued in that category until the quota is adjusted. (3) Confirm priority status — permits within the quota are issued according to priorities under Article 6 of the Law on Employment and Work of Foreigners. Verify whether the applicant qualifies for a priority category. (4) Prepare documentation in advance — the work permit application requires an official employer document. Have all supporting materials ready before submitting to avoid delays. (5) Monitor quota utilization — check the Employment Agency website regularly. If the quota for your category is approaching exhaustion, act without delay. (6) For legal assistance with work permits and quota applications, contact our immigration lawyers.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the total work permit quota for North Macedonia in 2026?

The Government of North Macedonia has set the 2026 work permit quota at 10,000 total engagements, by Decision No. 57-88/11 of 13 January 2026. This is double the 5,000 quota set for 2023. The quota is distributed across three categories: 9,750 for standard employment, 200 for posted workers and 50 for seasonal work.

How many new work permit slots are available for first-time foreign employees?

4,000 positive opinions (approvals) are allocated for first-time employment of foreign workers, plus 500 work permits for first-time employment — a total of 4,500 new engagement slots for workers being employed in North Macedonia for the first time.

What happens when the quota is exhausted?

Once the quota for a particular category is exhausted, the Employment Agency cannot issue further work permits or positive opinions in that category. The Ministry of Economy and Labor monitors quota utilization and may propose to the Government that measures be taken — including a quota adjustment — if the labor market situation requires it.

Are existing work permits counted against the 2026 quota?

Yes. Work permits and positive opinions already issued before the decision entered into force are counted against the 2026 quota in the relevant sub-category. This means the effective number of new slots available from the date of the decision is already reduced by the number of permits issued earlier in the calendar year.

Which ministry monitors the work permit quota?

The Ministry of Economy and Labor (formerly the Ministry of Labor and Social Policy) is responsible for monitoring the utilization of the work permit quota and the state of the labor market in North Macedonia.

Last updated: January 2026

Note: The above does not constitute legal advice and in no way can be accepted or understood as an instruction to act in a specific case. Each legal situation has its own characteristics that should be reviewed at separately, and for that reason we recommend that you contact a professional – a lawyer – for legal advice.