Become Global Citizen is the leading platform for investing in citizenship safely and easily. Discover new real estate opportunities in Europe with your North Macedonian passport.
Obtain one of the world’s most powerful passports, as ranked by the 2024 Passport Power Index.
Travel visa-free or obtain a visa on arrival (VOA) or electronic travel authorization (ETA).
Expand your travel options with visa-free entry to the Schengen Area in Europe.
Live and work in Europe while enjoying visa-free access to 127 destinations worldwide, including the Schengen Area, Hong Kong, Japan, Bulgaria, Serbia, Greece, Montenegro, Singapore, and Türkiye.
North Macedonia joined NATO in 2020 and is an official candidate for EU membership. Securing North Macedonian citizenship now is a strategic investment, anticipating the country's future EU accession.
North Macedonia is strategically located for accessing trade and business opportunities in Southeast Europe, boasting a growing economy and a well-established healthcare system.
Moreover, it offers favorable tax conditions for entrepreneurs, including a 10% corporate and income tax rate, and streamlined company registration processes for those securing permanent residency.
North Macedonia permits dual citizenship without limitations, allowing foreign investors to retain any additional passports.
This citizenship can be inherited by future generations, making North Macedonian citizenship a lasting asset for your family.
North Macedonian citizenship by investment is available only for adults. Dependent children under 18 will be eligible for citizenship by descent once one or both parents have obtained citizenship through investment.
Invest a minimum of EUR 200,000 per adult applicant for at least 2 years in a government-approved fund compliant with the laws of the Republic of North Macedonia.
A minimum investment of EUR 400,000 in new facilities that employ at least 10 people permanently for a minimum of 1 year is required. Facilities related to hospitality, such as restaurants or shopping centers, are not eligible.
The North Macedonia Citizenship by Investment Program involves the following 5 key steps:
The process for renewing a North Macedonian passport involves several steps and requirements.
To renew your North Macedonian passport, start by obtaining the application form from the Ministry of the Interior (MOI) or downloading it from their website. You'll need a valid state-issued ID to confirm your identity, particularly if you are living abroad. If relevant, submit your old passport regardless of its expiration date. The application process requires payment of a 300 MKD administrative stamp fee (100 MKD for children under 4 years old and 200 MKD for those aged 4 to 27 years). Additionally, you must pay a 2000 MKD processing fee, or 6100 MKD for expedited processing, which typically takes 48 hours.
As of February 13, 2024, only passports labeled "Republic of North Macedonia" are valid for international travel under the Prespa Agreement. Passports previously issued under the name "Republic of Macedonia" can still be used to demonstrate travel history or valid visas.
Regular passports are issued for 2, 5, or 10 years depending on the applicant's age, while diplomatic and official passports are valid for 5 years. Temporary passports are available for 30 days or until the return trip is completed.
Benefits | Challenges |
---|---|
Visa-free travel: With a North Macedonian passport, you can travel to over 120 countries without a visa, including the Schengen Area, Japan, and Singapore. | Uncertainty regarding the €200,000 option: Despite being available for over two years, the €200,000 donation option, which is the most cost-effective investment choice, has yet to yield any successful applications. |
Favorable tax regime: Individuals are subject to a 10% income tax rate, while non-tax residents are exempt from taxes on income earned outside North Macedonia. | Uncertain EU candidacy: There is no certainty regarding the timing or guarantee of North Macedonia's accession to the European Union. |
No residency requirement: Foreigners who obtain citizenship through investment are not obligated to reside in or visit the country regularly. | Infrastructure challenges: The country grapples with underdeveloped transportation systems, inadequate labor market institutions, and limited digitalization of government services. |
EU candidate country: North Macedonia is a candidate for European Union membership, which may offer advantages such as the ability to live and work in any EU country, and access to education, healthcare, and other benefits. | |
Multiple citizenships permitted: New North Macedonian citizens can retain their original citizenship unless their home country requires them to renounce it. |
North Macedonia Citizenship by Investment Program and the Caribbean Citizenship by Investment (CBI) programs differ in several key ways. Here are some important factors to consider:
Caribbean CBI | North Macedonia CBI | |
---|---|---|
Minimum investment | The minimum investment amount differs by country but is generally lower than that of North Macedonia. For instance, Antigua and Barbuda or Dominica require a minimum investment of USD 100,000. | The minimum investment requirement is €200,000, to be invested in a private fund for a minimum of two years. |
Travel freedom | Caribbean passports provide visa-free access to numerous countries, though the number varies depending on the program. For instance, Antigua and Barbuda grants visa-free entry to 154 countries. | The North Macedonian passport offers visa-free entry to 130 countries, including the Schengen Area. |
Timeframe to citizenship | Caribbean programs typically have shorter processing times, with some providing fast-track options that can complete applications in just 40 to 60 days. | The North Macedonian citizenship by investment process generally takes about 3 to 4 months. |
Business opportunities | Caribbean programs frequently emphasize real estate and business investments, offering investors additional opportunities. | North Macedonia features a favorable tax environment with a flat 10% corporate tax rate and, as an EU candidate member state, offers access to a strategically positioned trade market and business investment opportunities. |
Investment options | Caribbean programs frequently provide various investment options, including real estate, business ventures, or non-refundable contributions to government funds. For instance, Antigua and Barbuda offers four different options. | North Macedonia provides two investment options: contributing to a private local investment fund or investing in a qualifying new business that generates at least 10 full-time jobs. |
Cost | In Caribbean programs, the total cost for an individual applicant is typically lower, with some countries offering options starting at as little as USD 100,000. | The total cost for a single applicant in the North Macedonian CBI program is €250,000, covering both the investment and processing fees. |
Overall, North Macedonia and Caribbean CBI programs both provide citizenship and travel advantages, but they differ in investment amounts, options, and processing times.
North Macedonia's program, while more costly, provides access to a more established and stable economy. In contrast, Caribbean programs typically require lower investments but may offer fewer business opportunities.
The North Macedonia citizenship by investment program is managed under the Fund for Innovations and Technology Development of the Republic of North Macedonia.
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