Establishing a Company in North Macedonia

Interested in establishing a company in North Macedonia? This article explains the process, required documents, legal benefits, and additional services provided by Boshnjakovski Law Office to ensure a smooth market entry and long-term success.

North Macedonia offers a compelling environment for foreign investors and entrepreneurs seeking to establish a business presence in Southeast Europe. You can do that by establishing a company in North Macedonia. The country boasts a flat corporate and personal income tax rate of 10%, one of the lowest in Europe. It also provides access to over 650 million consumers through free trade agreements with the EU, CEFTA, and EFTA. Its strategic location at the crossroads of major European corridors facilitates seamless trade and logistics. Additionally, the government offers various incentives, including tax holidays, subsidies for job creation, and support for capital investments. See more details available at Invest North Macedonia.

With a skilled, multilingual workforce and a cost-effective living environment, cities like Skopje, Bitola, Ohrid, and Tetovo present attractive opportunities for diverse industries. Establishing a Limited Liability Company (LLC) in North Macedonia not only enables business operations. It also provides a pathway to residency, allowing investors and their families to enjoy the country’s rich cultural heritage and natural beauty. To better understand the strategic advantages and procedures, explore our article on Key Points for Investing in Macedonia.

Starting a Business in North Macedonia: Why the LLC is the Smart Choice

The most common and practical way to begin your business journey in North Macedonia is by establishing a Limited Liability Company (LLC). It is known locally as “Друштво со ограничена одговорност (ДОО).” This legal form offers full flexibility in ownership, low initial capital requirements, and a fast-track registration process. Foreign nationals—whether individuals or companies—can fully own and manage the LLC, with no obligation to be residents. In fact, company directors are eligible to apply for residency based on their status. This makes the LLC ideal not just for commercial expansion but also for long-term relocation to Macedonia. From tech entrepreneurs launching regional offices in Skopje, to lifestyle businesses settling in scenic cities like Ohrid or Bitola, the LLC remains the vehicle of choice for establishing a stable, recognized presence in the country.

Share capital and key bodies

An LLC in North Macedonia is highly adaptable to the needs of both small-scale and large international investors. The minimum share capital that you need to invest is EUR 5,000. However, you do not have to deposit the assets immediately. You have do that within one year of incorporation. The company may be founded by just one person or up to fifty, and both the founders and directors may be foreign nationals without requiring prior residency. You don’t have to appoint a supervisory board, although you can do it if you prefer. The company can have multiple directors to share management duties. Most industries do not require special licenses or approvals to begin operating.

This makes the LLC a convenient and low-barrier structure for foreign professionals, remote entrepreneurs, and international companies alike. For a more detailed legal overview read our in-depth article on the Limited Liability Company (LLC) in North Macedonia.

Documents Needed to Register an LLC in North Macedonia

Once you decide to proceed with forming your company, Boshnjakovski Law Office takes care of preparing nearly all the necessary legal documents. We will draft everything in bilingual format (English and Macedonian) to ensure full transparency and ease of understanding. Our legal team will prepare your Articles of Association, founders’ and directors’ statements, acceptance declarations, a power of attorney, and the manager’s signature specimen form. We can accommodate your requests on specific internal structuring, such as rules for profit distribution or multiple management roles.

As our client, you only need to provide a few key documents that must be notarized and apostilled. There is an exception to this if your country has a bilateral agreement with North Macedonia that removes this requirement. These documents include notarized passport copies of all founders and directors (if they are individuals). Also we will need an official trade registry excerpt (if a founder is a legal entity). You will also need to choose and share the company name, email address and registered office location. Finally, you should inform us if you have any bank preferences.

Timelines

Once you send the notarized documents to us by courier, we finalize the paperwork and submit everything for registration. Once you send us the notarized documents by courier, we complete the paperwork and submit the application for registration. We finalize the documentation within three working days. After you sign the document you will send them to us. Then the Central Registry typically registers the company within five business days after we receive all materials.

UBO, FDI, and Bank Account Setup in Macedonia

Once your LLC is officially registered in the Central Registry of North Macedonia, there are a few mandatory post-incorporation steps. They must be completed before your company becomes fully operational. Some of these steps are included in our standard service package. So you don’t have to worry about navigating local regulations on your own.

The first is the registration of the Ultimate Beneficial Owner (UBO). This is a legal obligation for all companies and requires identifying the individuals who ultimately control or benefit from the company. Secondly, if the founders are foreigners, the company must be registered in the Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) register. Both of these registrations are handled entirely by our office as part of the incorporation process.

Finally, you’ll need to open a corporate bank account. We prepare all the necessary documentation and help you schedule the meeting with your selected bank. However, please note that the manager must appear in person at the bank to finalize the process. We can accompany you or help facilitate this step based on your location and availability.

Investor Residency, Virtual Office, and Business Support in Macedonia

Beyond the legal formation of your company, Boshnjakovski Law Office offers a full suite of support services to help you settle in and operate smoothly in North Macedonia.

For clients who don’t yet have an office location, we offer a virtual business address in Skopje, Macedonia. This allows your company to have an official presence in the country without the immediate need to lease physical space. We also assist in opening bank accounts, finding real estate, and connecting you with accountants and payroll providers.

Investor residence

One of the biggest advantages of forming an LLC in Macedonia is the possibility to obtain residency through the investor route. This allows you to apply for a residence permit, typically issued for a one-year period and renewable thereafter. Family members can join under the family unification principle, creating a clear legal pathway for relocation. This process is relatively fast and streamlined compared to many EU countries, and we assist with every step. This includes the preparation of employment contracts, justification documents, and communication with government agencies. To learn more about this process in detail, you can read our dedicated post: Residency in Macedonia.

Combined with low corporate tax rates, a stable legal environment, and a cost-efficient lifestyle, cities like Skopje, Bitola, Ohrid, Tetovo, and Veles offer compelling opportunities for digital entrepreneurs, consultants, service companies, and investment firms alike. For a broader understanding of doing business in the country, you can read our article on Key Points About Potential Investment in Macedonia, explore the History of Company Law, or learn more about advanced structures in our guide on the Joint Stock Company (JSC) in North Macedonia.

For advice on establishing an LLC in Macedonia, feel free to write to us at contact@boshnjakovski.com or call us at +389 70 257 879 or reach out to the Macedonian Bar Association.