North Macedonia golden visa: residence for property owners

Article 119 of the Law on Foreigners grants temporary residence to a foreigner who is a national of a member state of the European Union or of the OECD, or who acquired property under an international agreement, and who has acquired the right of ownership of a flat, residential building or house in North Macedonia worth at least EUR 40,000 under the conditions set by law. The service description also asks for a document showing residence in an EU or OECD member state. Nationals of other countries cannot use this ground unless an international agreement covers their property acquisition.

This is a residence permit, not citizenship and not a work permit. The general conditions apply: health insurance, a passport valid at least three months beyond the planned departure, no entry ban and no threat to public order, security, public health or international relations.

Ownership and value are proven with three documents: the sale and purchase contract, the property certificate (imoten list) issued by the Agency for Real Estate Cadastre of North Macedonia, and a valuation by an authorised licensed real estate appraiser from North Macedonia. Add a document from the competent institution showing that you are resident in an EU or OECD member state, a health insurance policy, your passport and a photo.

The request can only be filed at a North Macedonian diplomatic or consular mission, not inside the country. The Ministry of Internal Affairs decides within 60 working days of receipt at the mission, with a possible 30-working-day extension. The standard temporary residence fees apply: MKD 50 for the request, MKD 1,230 for the decision, MKD 930 for the permit and MKD 4,000 for the permit form.

Residence is approved for one year and can be extended under the conditions of the law, with the request going to the Ministry of Internal Affairs before expiry. Years spent on this ground do not lead to permanent residence: the Law on Foreigners expressly excludes temporary residence based on ownership of a flat, residential building or house. Property owners are also not among the sponsors who can bring family through family reunification.