North Macedonia is open to foreign investors, but the procedures require a local legal partner. The Lex Global package by Dimov & Partners covers everything: company formation even without your physical presence, bank accounts, real estate and regulatory compliance. All communication can run in English.
In short: a foreign investor can form a company in North Macedonia fully remotely, through a licensed local attorney under power of attorney, with no ownership restrictions. Registration at the Central Registry normally takes a few working days, and English-speaking legal support covers the whole sequence: registration, permits, bank accounts, compliance.
What does the service cover?
- Company formation and registration by power of attorney, without travelling to North Macedonia
- Opening business bank accounts and compliance support
- Purchasing and leasing real estate as a foreign person
- Tax and business structuring in cooperation with economic experts
- Trademark and IP protection (authorised industrial property representative)
- Ongoing legal maintenance of your Macedonian company
Why Dimov & Partners?
- One point of contact for the entire market entry, in English
- Authorised IP representative: foreign entities can act before the State Office of Industrial Property only through a registered representative
- Cooperation with foreign law firms for cross-border matters
Key facts at a glance
- Minimum share capital is EUR 5.000 for an LLC (DOO) or a single-member LLC (DOOEL); the simplified LLC (PDOO) starts at EUR 1
- Central Registry one-stop-shop registration is officially completed within about four hours; in practice allow 2 to 3 business days with documents prepared
- Foreign investors may own 100% of a company in almost all sectors; only a few activities (weapons and narcotics production) require government approval
- Repatriation of capital and profits is free and constitutionally guaranteed; the denar is pegged to the euro
- Foreigners cannot acquire agricultural land directly, but a locally registered company can own construction land
Frequently asked questions
How do I form a company in North Macedonia as a foreign investor?
You appoint a licensed local attorney under power of attorney; your home-country documents are certified and translated; the attorney files the registration at the Central Registry, then opens the bank account and applies for any permits you need. You receive a document checklist and a realistic timeline after the written case analysis.
Can a foreigner establish a company in North Macedonia?
Yes, under the same conditions as domestic persons and with no ownership restrictions. Documents from your home country need to be properly certified and translated.
Do I have to travel to North Macedonia for the registration?
No. With a properly organised power of attorney, the entire procedure can be completed without your physical presence.
How long does the whole process take?
The registration itself in the Central Registry normally takes a few working days; timelines for bank accounts and permits depend on the institutions and document readiness. You receive a realistic timeline at the first call.
Can a foreigner own 100% of a company in North Macedonia?
Yes. Foreign investors have the same rights as domestic ones and may own 100% of a company in almost all sectors. Government approval is needed only for a few sensitive activities (weapons and narcotics production), and licensed sectors such as banking and insurance apply the same rules to domestic and foreign investors.
How fast can my company be registered?
The Central Registry one-stop-shop officially completes formation within about four hours when the documents are prepared; in practice, with foreign founder documents, allow 2 to 3 business days. The tax registration runs in the same procedure, so the company can invoice immediately after registration.
Related guides
- Plant Takeover & Market Entry in the Free Zones (fixed-fee package)
- Opening a Company in North Macedonia as a Foreign Investor (English)
- Company formation in North Macedonia: full guide (Macedonian)
- TIRZ Free Zones: Legal Services for Investors
- Debt Collection in North Macedonia
- Corporate Legal Assistance for Companies
Planning to enter the Macedonian market?
Book a video call in English: you will get a clear plan with steps, documents and a realistic timeline.
Book a ConsultationThis text is general legal information and does not constitute legal advice for a specific case. For advice tailored to your situation, consult a lawyer.