The new factories opening or expanding across the country this year, from Magna Mechatronics in the Stip free zone to fresh investments in Bitola and Prilep, bring hundreds of new jobs. With them comes the question our office hears more and more often: how can a company lawfully hire a foreign specialist, engineer or seasonal worker. The rules are strict, and a mistake costs far more than the procedure itself.
When does a foreign national need a work permit in North Macedonia?
As a rule, every foreign national who wants to enter into an employment relationship with an employer seated in North Macedonia must first obtain a single permit for temporary residence and work. Without a valid permit, the employment contract cannot lawfully be performed, and the employment is treated as illegal. The same applies to a foreigner who wants to work as a self-employed person. The matter is regulated by two statutes: the Law on Foreigners and the Law on Employment and Work of Foreigners, and "single" means that residence and work are resolved in one procedure, with one permit.
How does the single permit procedure work?
The procedure runs before two authorities: the Employment Agency issues an opinion on the state of the labour market, and the final decision on the temporary residence permit is made by the Ministry of Interior. The application is as a rule filed through the diplomatic or consular mission in the foreigner's home country, and in cases provided by law also within the country. In practice, the process looks like this:
- preparing the documentation: a valid travel document, a job offer or draft employment contract, proof of qualifications, and a clean criminal record certificate
- an opinion of the Employment Agency based on the labour market situation
- a decision of the Ministry of Interior on the single permit for temporary residence and work
- after approval: registering the residence and starting the employment within the scope of the issued permit
The procedure takes time, so hiring a foreign national is planned with a time buffer, not after the candidate is already expected at work.
Three purposes of the permit
Temporary residence for work is granted for three purposes, each with its own logic:
| Purpose | For whom | Typical situations |
|---|---|---|
| Employment of a foreigner | A foreigner with a contract with a domestic employer | Engineers, managers, IT specialists, physicians |
| Seasonal employment | Workers for activities tied to the season | Hospitality, agriculture, construction |
| Posted worker | Employed by a foreign employer, temporarily posted to the country | Equipment installation and servicing, training, project teams |
Work up to 60 days: a lighter regime, but not without oversight
For work lasting up to 60 days in a year there is a simplified regime: a certificate of registration of work, which also requires a positive opinion of the Employment Agency. This does not mean working without any permit, but a shorter procedure for short engagements. For certain short-term activities, for example cultural events, trade fairs or emergency interventions, no work permit is required at all, but the boundaries of these exceptions are narrow and each specific case should be checked in advance.
What does an employer risk by hiring a foreigner without a permit?
Employing a foreigner without a valid permit is treated as illegal employment and triggers misdemeanour liability: monetary fines both for the legal entity and for the responsible person at the employer. The risk does not end with the fine: the permit can be revoked, and for the foreigner that also means measures affecting his or her stay in the country. For a company building its reputation, especially a foreign investor, such a violation is an unnecessary and entirely avoidable cost.
Practical advice for employers
- Start the procedure before fixing the start date of employment, not after it
- Check whether the candidate already holds a permit on another ground, for example family reunification, which carries the right to work
- Keep a register of permit validity dates and file for renewal in time
- For posted workers, verify the link with the foreign employer and the social security documentation
- Align the employment contract with the validity and conditions of the issued permit
Hiring, or planning to hire, foreign staff?
We manage the entire procedure for foreign and domestic companies: assessing the correct purpose, preparing the documentation, communicating with the Employment Agency and the Ministry of Interior, and aligning the contracts. Book a consultation to discuss your specific case.
Book a consultationRelated service: Labour Law
This text is general legal information and does not constitute legal advice for a specific case. For advice tailored to your situation, consult an attorney.