As a result of the globalization process, all countries in the world are facing the process of issuing work permits for foreigners and residence for foreigners based on a work permit. This is why it is necessary for such a procedure to be legally regulated.

Where are work permits for foreigners and residence for foreigners regulated in North Macedonia?

Employing foreigners is a procedure that differs from the process of employing Macedonian citizens because, in addition to the general employment conditions, foreigners are required to meet additional criteria. The procedure for employing foreigners is regulated by the Law on the Employment and Work of Foreigners. According to the law, a foreigner is considered to be any person who is not a citizen of the Republic of North Macedonia, as well as individuals who have no citizenship in any country (stateless persons).

In order for a foreigner to be employed in the territory of the Republic of North Macedonia, it is necessary for them to obtain a work permit and have regulated residence in the country in accordance with the Law on Foreigners.

A work permit is a document on the basis of which a domestic or foreign employer enters into an employment contract with a foreigner. The initial work permit is issued for a period of six months, and after the first extension, it is issued for a period of one year.

Laws that regulate the employment of foreigners and the residence of foreigners in Macedonia can be found at the following link: Република Северна Македонија – Министерство за внатрешни работи (mvr.gov.mk)

The competent authority for issuing and extending work permits (positive employment opinions and extensions of employment) is the Employment Agency. The initial work permit is issued for a period of six months, and after the first extension, it is issued for a period of one year.

Documents required for employment and residence permit for a foreigner in Macedonia.

In order to complete the application, the following documents need to be collected:

• Obtaining documents from the criminal and penal records of the home country of the foreigner – securing an appropriate certificate from the foreigner’s home country stating that they are not subject to criminal proceedings and have not been convicted.
• Proof of health insurance – in order to obtain a work permit, the foreigner must also provide evidence that they are health insured in their home country or have private health insurance coverage.
• Submission of diplomas, certificates, and recommendations – in the application for a work permit, it is necessary to include all diplomas and certificates from the individual’s educational process, as well as any recommendations from previous employers, if available.
• A copy of a valid passport, notarized – in addition to all the documents already mentioned, the individual must also submit a copy of their passport, certified by a notary.
• Lease agreement – notarized, which will regulate their residence here.
• Employment contract with the company where they will be employed or with their own company.

If the foreigner is not physically present at the time of submitting the documents for the issuance of a work permit, it is necessary for them to provide authorization in advance for this procedure to be initiated on their behalf by the person who starts the process for a work permit in their name.

What does this process consist of?

To obtain a work permit, the foreigner needs to either establish their own company in the Republic of North Macedonia, in which they will be employed, or be employed by an existing company. In doing so, the foreigner must provide evidence of the company’s registration and/or an employment contract between the foreigner and the company, as well as an explanation of the need for a work permit.

Once all the documents are complete, they should be submitted to the Ministry of Internal Affairs of the Republic of North Macedonia, specifically to the Foreigners’ Department. The documents can be submitted either by the foreigner themselves or by a person authorized by them. The processing time for the procedure is a maximum of 90 days from the day of document submission.

Schedule a meeting with our team