North Macedonia student visa and residence for studies

Article 92 of the Law on Foreigners covers three groups: pupils enrolled as regular pupils in primary or secondary education at a school verified by the Ministry of Education and Science; regular students at a higher education institution entered in the register kept by that ministry; and regular students enrolled to learn the language in which their studies will be taught. A pupil or student under 18 who stays without a parent or guardian needs the parents’ consent, certified by the authority of the home country or by a North Macedonian mission.

Student exchange programmes have a separate residence ground for participants aged 16 to 26 who are accepted into a programme with costs covered by the host institution; those participants cannot work.

The core document is the confirmation of enrolment from the school or the higher education institution, stating how long the planned schooling or studies will last. Means of subsistence for the period are shown with a bank statement in the student’s name, an employment contract and employer certificate, proof of other monthly income, or another document showing lawful support; for a minor these come from the parent or guardian. No minimum amount is set in the official service description.

You also need a health insurance policy for the whole period, proof of accommodation (a notarised lease, proof of ownership or a contract with a lodging provider), a passport valid at least three months beyond the planned departure and issued within the previous ten years, a certified copy of it and one photo of 3 x 3.5 cm.

Students abroad file the request at a North Macedonian mission, where those who need a visa also apply for the visa D. A foreigner who is already lawfully staying in North Macedonia, for example a visa-exempt national within the visa-free period, can file directly with the Ministry of Internal Affairs (MVR). The ministry decides within 30 working days of receipt, or 60 working days for requests sent by a mission, with a possible 30-working-day extension. The standard fees for a first permit are MKD 50, MKD 1,230, MKD 930 and MKD 4,000.

Residence for studies is approved for up to one year and can be extended at the MVR for further periods of up to one year while you remain enrolled. Study residence alone does not lead to permanent residence. If you later move to a ground that does qualify, only half of the time spent on residence for schooling, studies, exchange or training is counted towards the five years.

The Employment Agency lists work done by foreigners who stay in North Macedonia for studies among the activities that do not need a work permit but must be registered with the agency, which issues a registration certificate. The person or company using the work must register its start and end. Exchange programme participants are the exception: they may not work at all.