How to Legally Employ Foreigners in North Macedonia?

24th Jun 2026 Updated on: 24th Jun 2026

By James Walker, Immigration News and Insight

North Macedonia is outside the EU, so all foreign workers, regardless of nationality, need work authorisation. Employing them legally is employer-led and tied to a specific job, with penalties for breaches.

In short: to employ a foreign worker in North Macedonia, you secure a work and residence permit through the Ministry of the Interior and the Employment Agency, verify their legal stay, sign a written contract, register them for social security and tax, and keep records. There is no EU free-movement exemption here.

Step 1: The Worker Needs Authorisation

Because North Macedonia is not in the EU, there is no free movement exemption; foreign workers need both work authorisation and the right to reside. A job offer from your company is the starting point.

Step 2: Secure the Permit

You arrange a work and residence permit through the Ministry of the Interior and the Employment Agency. The worker then obtains the matching visa or residence permit, and you confirm that the document allows the specific job before they start.

Step 3: Contract, Social Security, and Records

Sign a written contract on terms no worse than for local staff.
Register the worker for Social Security and tax under national rules.
Keep copies of the permit, the residence document, and the contract on file.

Penalties for Illegal Employment

Employing a worker without the required authorisation can result in fines, liability for unpaid contributions, and other sanctions under North Macedonian law. Verify status before work begins.

Avoiding Scams and Staying Compliant

Never pay or accept upfront fees for a guaranteed permit, and avoid providers who promise to bypass the rules. Verify every document yourself, use the Ministry of the Interior and the Employment Agency, and consider a compliance check before you hire. Legitimate processes do not require secret payments.

Official Sources

Confirm the current rules, fees, and penalties with the Ministry of the Interior, the Employment Agency, and the North Macedonia labour and tax authorities, as procedures change.

Category: Work

Tags: #north-macedonia

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FAQs

Yes. North Macedonia is outside the EU free movement area, so foreign workers need work authorisation; you secure the permit, verify their stay and contract, and register them.

A work and residence permit, obtained through the Ministry of the Interior and the Employment Agency.

No. North Macedonia is outside the EU free movement area, so the rules apply to all foreign workers.

Yes. Verify the visa or residence document, confirm it allows the job, and keep a copy on file.

Yes, on terms no worse than for comparable local staff, and in a language the worker understands where required.

Yes, with the national social security and tax authorities, paying the employer contributions.

Fines, liability for back pay and contributions, and other sanctions, with criminal liability in serious cases. Amounts are set nationally.

It is usually employer-led: you secure or support the authorisation, and the worker obtains the matching visa or residence permit.

Yes, but use a registered, compliant agency, as using a non-compliant provider poses a risk to your company.

Copies of the worker’s residence and work documents, and the contract, usually covering the employment period and a set period after it ends.

Never pay upfront for a guaranteed permit; verify documents yourself; use official channels; and consider a compliance check before hiring.

Confirm current rules with the Ministry of the Interior and the Employment Agency and the North Macedonia labour and tax authorities.

Hiring Foreign Workers in North Macedonia?

AtoZ Serwis Plus helps employers legally hire foreign workers in North Macedonia, from work permits and right-to-work checks to contracts, social security registration, and ongoing compliance.

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Important Information About Employing Foreigners in North Macedonia

Rules for employing foreigners in North Macedonia are set by the competent authorities and can change and be strictly enforced, so always confirm the current requirements with the Ministry of the Interior, the Employment Agency and the North Macedonia labour and tax authorities before you hire.

Disclaimer: AtoZ Serwis Plus provides guidance and informational support only. This article is general information, not legal advice, and does not guarantee any permit, registration, or compliance outcome. Employment and immigration rules, fees, and penalties are set by the competent authorities and are subject to change, so confirm your situation with the competent authorities or a qualified adviser.