Ways to live in North Macedonia
These are the residence routes in Bordr's guide that we have checked against official sources. Each one links to the government page.
Programme details are shown in English.
Work permit Work permits →
Temporary residence for work
For foreigners hired by an employer in North Macedonia. Rules for employment-based permits were simplified in September 2025.
- What you need
- Employment contract and a work permit from the Employment Service Agency; after the Ministry of Interior grants temporary residence, a long-stay (D) visa where needed.
- Renewable
- Yes
- How to apply
- Ministry of Interior, with the employer
- Family
- Family members can come with you
Student visa Student visas →
Temporary residence for study
For foreigners studying, training or in an exchange programme in North Macedonia.
- What you need
- Enrolment at a school or university, proof of funds, health insurance, accommodation.
- How long
- up to 1 year, extendable
- Renewable
- Yes
- How to apply
- Ministry of Interior
Residence permit Residence permits →
Temporary residence for property owners
Residents of EU or OECD countries who own property in North Macedonia can get temporary residence.
- What you need
- Residence in an EU or OECD state, proof of property ownership in North Macedonia, health insurance, means of support.
- Renewable
- Yes
- How to apply
- Ministry of Interior
- Family
- Family members can come with you
Cost of living
Monthly amounts in US dollars.
| Room in a shared flat | $200 |
|---|---|
| One-bedroom flat | $380 |
| Two-bedroom flat | $560 |
| Bills | $120 |
| Typical local salary | $740 |
Some of these figures are estimates; treat them as a rough guide.
Cities to consider
Climate by month, neighbourhoods and costs for each city are in the Bordr guide.
What life is like
Programme details are shown in English.
Why people move
Ohrid offers lakeside life with churches and beaches, while Skopje mixes an old bazaar with a lively centre. Grilled food, local wine and long cafe sessions are part of daily routine, and hiking trails are rarely crowded.
Day to day
Buses are the main way between cities, and distances are short. Private clinics in Skopje are reasonable. Cards work in cities but cash is common elsewhere. Younger locals often speak English.
Trade-offs
Skopje suffers from serious air pollution in winter. Public services are slow and can be inconsistent. The expat scene is small, and international flights are limited.
Before you move: visa-free entry
Most people arrive as visitors first, then apply from inside the country or come back with the right visa. How long you can stay as a visitor depends on your passport:
United States90 days
United Kingdom90 days
Australia90 days
Canada90 days
New Zealand90 days
Switzerland90 days
Norway90 days
Singapore90 days
Japan90 days
South Korea90 days
Israel90 days
United Arab Emirates90 days
Hong Kong90 days
South AfricaVisa
Mexico90 days
Brazil90 days
Questions
Does North Macedonia have a digital nomad visa?
Not among the routes we have checked. Remote workers usually come as visitors within the visa-free limit or use one of the other routes on this page.
How can I move to North Macedonia?
The routes we have checked are: Work permit, Student visa, Residence permit.
Sources and last check
This page is general information, not legal or immigration advice. Requirements change; confirm with the official government page or a licensed adviser before you apply.
