North Macedonia Citizenship by Investment

North Macedonia, located in the heart of the Balkans, is a hidden gem with a rich cultural heritage and breathtaking natural scenery. Its vibrant capital city of Skopje, situated on the Vardar River, offers a unique blend of Ottoman, Byzantine, and modern architecture. The country is also home to stunning national parks, lakes, and mountains, providing ample opportunities for outdoor enthusiasts to hike, ski, and explore. With its fascinating history and welcoming people, North Macedonia is truly a destination worth discovering.

North Macedonia Citizenship by Investment Overview

North Macedonia offers a citizenship-by-investment program that provides a fast and efficient way to obtain citizenship for investors and their families. The North Macedonia Citizenship by Investment Program was launched in 2019 and has become an attractive option for those seeking European Union (EU) residency and citizenship.

To be eligible for the program, investors must make a significant contribution to the country’s economy. The minimum investment amount is €400,000, which must be invested in a government-approved development project or a private company in a priority investment sector. The investment must be held for a minimum of five years.

In addition to the investment requirement, applicants must meet other criteria. They must have a clean criminal record and provide evidence of their source of funds. They must also undergo a due diligence check and pass a security clearance conducted by the North Macedonian authorities.

Once approved, investors and their families receive a North Macedonian passport, which allows visa-free travel to over 120 countries, including the Schengen Area of the EU. North Macedonian citizenship also provides the right to live, work, and study in the country, as well as the ability to access healthcare and other social benefits. The North Macedonia Citizenship by Investment Program offers a relatively low-cost option for obtaining EU citizenship compared to other European countries. Its location in the heart of the Balkans also provides investors with access to a growing regional market and strategic trade routes.

North Macedonia Citizenship by Investment Key Benefits

• Fast and efficient pathway to citizenship, with the entire process taking between six to eight months.
• Visa-free travel to over 120 countries, including the Schengen Area of the European Union, Canada, and the United Kingdom.
• Strategic location in the heart of the Balkans, providing access to a growing regional market and important trade routes.
• Favorable tax regime, with a flat personal income tax rate of 10%, making it one of the most competitive tax systems in Europe.
• Access to high-quality education and healthcare facilities.
• No language or residency requirements for citizenship applicants, making it easier for investors to obtain citizenship without needing to relocate or learn a new language.
• Inexpensive cost of living and affordable property prices provide investors with a high quality of life at a lower cost compared to other European countries.
• Access to a skilled and multilingual workforce, with a high percentage of the population speaking English and another languages.
• A stable and business-friendly environment, with a government, committed to economic development and foreign investment.

Main Requirements

• Investment in government-approved real estate or business activities, with a minimum investment of €200,000 donation to a government fund or a €400,000 investment in new facilities in the country.
• Clean criminal record and no previous history of financial or economic crime.
• A proven source of funds for the investment, with documentation to support the origin of the investment funds.
• Payment of government fees and other associated costs, including due diligence fees, application fees, and processing fees.
• Successful completion of the due diligence process, including background checks and verification of the applicant’s identity and financial status.
• Proof of health insurance coverage for the applicant and any dependents, covering the medical treatment in North Macedonia.
• Appointment of a licensed agent to act on behalf of the applicant throughout the citizenship application process.
• Compliance with local laws and regulations, including tax obligations and any other legal requirements related to the investment activity.
• Evidence of a genuine intention to reside in North Macedonia or to invest in the country for a significant period.

Process of Obtaining North Macedonia Citizenship by Investment

1. Find a licensed agent: The first step is to find a licensed agent who can assist with the application process. The agent will help the applicant prepare the necessary documents and guide them through the process.

2. Investment: Once the agent has been appointed, the applicant must make the minimum investment of €200,000 donation to a government fund or a €400,000 investment in new facilities in the country.

3. Due Diligence: The applicant must undergo a due diligence process, which includes background checks and verification of their identity and financial status. This process is designed to ensure that only reputable and legitimate applicants are granted citizenship. Due diligence fee $25,000.

4. Application: Once the investment is made and due diligence is complete, the agent will apply to the Ministry of Interior. The application must include all necessary documents and information, including proof of investment, proof of health insurance coverage, and a declaration of intent to reside in North Macedonia or to invest in the country for a significant period.

5. Approval: If the application is approved, the applicant will be notified by the Ministry of Interior. They will then need to visit North Macedonia to take an oath of allegiance and receive their citizenship certificate.

6. Passport: After taking the oath, the applicant will receive their North Macedonian passport, which grants them all the rights and benefits of being a citizen of the country.