Why Consider Macedonian Citizenship?
North Macedonia offers one of Europe's most accessible and affordable citizenship programs. A North Macedonian passport grants visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to over 125 countries, including the entire Schengen Area — covering Germany, France, Italy, Spain, the Netherlands, and 22 other EU states, plus Switzerland, Norway, and Iceland. As an EU candidate country since 2005, North Macedonia is on a clear path toward full European Union membership, which would extend additional rights to every Macedonian citizen.
One of the most compelling aspects of Macedonian citizenship is its cost. The total government fee for a citizenship application is just €100 — €20 at filing and €80 upon approval — making it one of the cheapest citizenship programs in Europe by a wide margin. No minimum property purchase, no program participation costs, no mandatory donations. Just a straightforward application process.
North Macedonia applies a flat 10% income tax rate and 10% corporate tax rate, creating a highly competitive tax environment for individuals and businesses alike. The country's strategic position at the crossroads of the Balkans, combined with growing infrastructure investment and EU pre-accession funds, makes it an increasingly attractive environment for business, relocation, and long-term residency.
North Macedonia fully permits dual citizenship under Article 2 of the Law on Citizenship. You are not required to renounce your existing passport to become a Macedonian citizen — you simply add a second nationality. Citizenship is a legal bond with the state, not an ethnic designation. It does not require changing your cultural identity, primary residence, or daily life.
There are six recognized pathways to Macedonian citizenship: by origin (birth to a Macedonian parent), by descent (for emigrants and their children in the diaspora), by marriage to a Macedonian citizen, by investment, by special interest for exceptional individuals, and by standard naturalization through residency. Each pathway has defined requirements — and for most diaspora members and international applicants, the process is significantly simpler than standard naturalization.
How Can You Get Macedonian Citizenship?
North Macedonian law defines six pathways to citizenship. Most do not require you to live in the country, renounce your current passport, or pass a language test.
North Macedonia Passport — Key Facts
The North Macedonian passport provides strong global mobility, an extremely low-cost acquisition process, and the security of a NATO member state on the path to full EU membership.
125+
Visa-free destinations
€100
Total application fee
10%
Flat income tax rate
2005
EU candidate since
6
Citizenship pathways
0
Residency req. for descent
Macedonian passport holders can travel visa-free to all Schengen member states, including Germany, France, Italy, Spain, and the Netherlands. The passport also grants access to the United Kingdom, Turkey, and most Western Balkan countries without a visa. As North Macedonia progresses in its EU accession process — it is a NATO member since 2020 and has had a Stabilisation and Association Agreement with the EU since 2004 — the passport's global strength is expected to continue growing.
Benefits of Macedonian Citizenship
Beyond travel freedom, Macedonian citizenship carries substantial legal, financial, and personal advantages for holders around the world.
Visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to 125+ countries including the full EU Schengen Area
Full dual citizenship — North Macedonia permits holding multiple nationalities simultaneously
EU candidate country since 2005, with active accession negotiations underway
10% flat income tax and 10% corporate tax — one of the lowest in Europe
Full property ownership rights for citizens
Citizenship passes automatically to your children at birth
Access to European cooperation programs, scholarships, and research networks
How the Macedonian Citizenship Application Process Works
Regardless of which pathway applies to you, all North Macedonian citizenship applications follow the same general process managed by the Ministry of Interior. You can apply at a regional office in North Macedonia or at a Macedonian embassy or consulate abroad. The total government fee is €100, and the application form is free.
- 1
Determine your eligibility — origin, descent, marriage, investment, special interest, or naturalization
- 2
Gather your required documents — birth certificates, translations, criminal record clearances, proof of ancestry
- 3
Submit your application at the Ministry of Interior regional office or nearest Macedonian embassy
- 4
Pay the €20 administrative filing fee by bank transfer or POS terminal
- 5
Receive the official decision from the Ministry of Interior
- 6
Sign the loyalty oath to the Republic of North Macedonia (for naturalization pathways)
- 7
Obtain your citizenship certificate, national ID card, and Macedonian passport
Macedonian Dual Citizenship — Keep Your Existing Passport
North Macedonia is one of the few countries in the Balkans that explicitly and unconditionally permits dual or multiple citizenship. Under Article 2 of the Law on Citizenship of the Republic of North Macedonia: "A citizen of the Republic of North Macedonia may simultaneously hold citizenship of another state."
This means applicants through the descent, marriage, investment, and special interest pathways are never required to renounce their existing citizenship. You apply, you qualify, and you receive Macedonian citizenship alongside your current passport. Your children inherit Macedonian citizenship from you automatically at birth.
The only practical note: when physically present in North Macedonia, you are treated exclusively as a Macedonian citizen under North Macedonian law — you enter on your North Macedonian passport and are subject to Macedonian jurisdiction. Outside North Macedonia, you freely use whichever passport is most convenient for your destination.