How to Apply for Macedonian Citizenship — Full Procedure Explained
Everything you need to know about filing your North Macedonian citizenship application — from required documents and fees to processing timelines and receiving your citizenship decision.
Understanding the Macedonian Citizenship Application Process
All North Macedonian citizenship applications — regardless of pathway — are processed by the Ministry of Interior of the Republic of North Macedonia. Applications can be submitted in person at a regional Ministry of Interior office inside the country, or at any Macedonian embassy or consulate abroad. The application form is issued free of charge, and the total administrative fee is €100 (€20 at filing, €80 upon approval).
The citizenship pathways differ significantly in their requirements. Standard naturalization requires 7 years of continuous legal residence and Macedonian language proficiency. However, pathways by descent, marriage, investment, and special interest have simplified requirements — often with no residency obligation, no language test, and no requirement to give up your current citizenship.
Where to Submit Your Citizenship Application
Living in North Macedonia
Submit at the regional unit of the Ministry of Interior (MVR) in your municipality of residence. Bring all required documents and payment for the €20 filing fee.
Living Abroad
Submit at the nearest Macedonian embassy or consulate in your country of residence. The embassy forwards your application to the Ministry of Interior. You do not need to travel to North Macedonia for most pathways.
The citizenship application form is free of charge and available at all submission points.
Standard Naturalization Requirements (Article 7)
Standard naturalization — based on 7 years of continuous legal residence — has the most demanding requirements. Most of these are waived or significantly reduced for citizenship by descent, marriage, investment, and special interest. See each pathway's dedicated guide for requirements that apply specifically to your situation.
- 1
Age 18 or over
- 2
7 years of continuous legal residence in North Macedonia
- 3
Secured accommodation — owned or rented — in North Macedonia
- 4
Permanent, stable source of income sufficient for material and social security
- 5
No criminal sentence of 1 year or more for offenses prosecuted ex officio (by public prosecutor)
- 6
No pending criminal proceedings in North Macedonia or in your country of citizenship
- 7
Macedonian language proficiency, assessed by a government-appointed commission
- 8
No active entry ban or deportation order from North Macedonia
- 9
Admission must not endanger national security or public order
- 10
Release from previous citizenship (or proof that release will be granted upon acquiring Macedonian citizenship)
"I solemnly swear that I will be loyal to the state of the Republic of North Macedonia and that I will respect the Constitution and laws and fulfill the duties of a citizen of the Republic of North Macedonia."
Required Documents for Macedonian Citizenship
The exact documents vary by citizenship pathway. The list below applies to standard naturalization. Pathway-specific documents are listed on each pathway's guide page.
- •Personal ID or valid passport (presented at the time of filing)
- •Birth certificate in international form or with certified translation into Macedonian
- •Marriage certificate if applicable, in international form or certified translation
- •Proof of accommodation in North Macedonia (ownership deed or rental agreement)
- •Proof of income or financial stability (payslips, bank statements, employment contract)
- •Criminal record certificate from North Macedonia (from Basic Court in your municipality)
- •Criminal record certificate from your country of citizenship
- •Certificate of no pending criminal proceedings in North Macedonia
- •Certificate of no pending criminal proceedings in country of citizenship
- •Macedonian language questionnaire (completed and submitted with application)
- •Short personal biography (CV)
All foreign documents must be apostilled or legalized and officially translated into Macedonian by a certified translator.
Administrative Fees
The total government fee for a Macedonian citizenship application is €100, split into two payments. This is among the lowest citizenship application fees in Europe.
| When | Amount | How |
|---|---|---|
| At filing | €20 | Bank transfer or POS terminal |
| Upon approval | €80 | Bank transfer or POS terminal |
| Total | €100 |
Fee exemption is available for applicants whose sole income is state social assistance.
Including Minor Children in Your Application
Children under 18 can be included in a parent's citizenship application and will receive Macedonian citizenship simultaneously. Children aged 15 to 17 must provide their own written consent to the acquisition of citizenship.
Once you become a Macedonian citizen, any future children born to you will automatically receive citizenship by origin at birth, regardless of where they are born in the world.
After Your Application is Approved
- 1
Pay the remaining €80 administrative fee
- 2
Sign the loyalty oath to the Republic of North Macedonia
- 3
Receive and collect your formal citizenship decision (citizenship begins on day of delivery)
- 4
Obtain your citizenship certificate — available at any regional Ministry of Interior office or online at uslugi.gov.mk
- 5
Apply for a North Macedonian national ID card (biometric)
- 6
Apply for a North Macedonian biometric passport — valid 10 years for adults
Dual Citizenship in North Macedonia
North Macedonia fully permits dual citizenship under Article 2 of the Law on Citizenship. When in North Macedonia, you are treated exclusively as a Macedonian citizen. When abroad, you are free to use whichever passport is most convenient.
Most citizenship pathways — descent, marriage, investment, and special interest — do not require you to release from your previous citizenship. Standard naturalization is the main pathway that requires release from prior citizenship (or proof it will be granted within 2 years).
Explore All Macedonian Citizenship Pathways
Each pathway has different requirements. Find the one that best matches your situation.