NORTH MACEDONIA CITIZENSHIP BY INVESTMENT
As a trusted advisor in global mobility solutions, Global Investments provides impartial counsel to high-net-worth individuals and families exploring second citizenship options. The North Macedonia Citizenship by Investment (CBI) Program, launched in 2022, represents an innovative and cost-effective pathway to acquiring full citizenship through economic contributions. This initiative not only facilitates enhanced international travel and tax planning but also supports the nation's aspirations for EU integration, infrastructure development, and economic diversification. For those evaluating European programs, North Macedonia stands out as the continent's most affordable CBI option, offering Schengen access without residency demands and a favorable 10% flat tax regime.
As of November 3, 2025, the program continues to expand its appeal, with over 500 successful applications processed to date. Recent alignments with regional standards underscore its reliability and growth potential. We encourage prospective clients to assess this option within the context of their broader financial and lifestyle objectives, potentially securing approval within 6 months.
WHY CHOOSE NORTH MACEDONIA CBI?
In an increasingly interconnected world, second citizenship serves as a strategic tool for risk diversification, business expansion, and family security. North Macedonia, a sovereign landlocked nation in the Balkans aspiring to EU membership, offers a compelling case for such planning. As a member of NATO since 2020 and candidate for the EU, it provides a stable political environment, Macedonian as the primary language (English prevalent in business), and a growing economy driven by manufacturing, IT, and tourism. The CBI Programme aligns with these strengths, enabling investors to contribute meaningfully while gaining a passport that ranks progressively for global mobility—visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to approximately 140 destinations, including the Schengen Area, Hong Kong, Japan, Singapore, Turkey, and e-visa to India.
From a consultative perspective, this program appeals to entrepreneurs seeking affordable European entry, retirees prioritizing a low-tax Balkan hub, and families valuing educational and healthcare opportunities in a culturally rich setting. The 10% flat personal income tax, combined with no wealth or inheritance levies, further enhances its attractiveness for wealth preservation. Moreover, the program's focus on job-creating investments—channeling funds into private development funds or direct enterprises—resonates with clients committed to sustainable economic impact.
Enhanced Global Mobility: Streamlined Schengen access and visa-free travel to 140+ countries, fostering opportunities in business and leisure across Europe and Asia.
Tax Optimization: 10% flat tax on worldwide income for residents, with exemptions for non-doms on foreign earnings, ideal for international portfolios.
Family-Centric Design: Comprehensive inclusion provisions that extend to immediate relatives, promoting intergenerational security.
No Residency Obligation: Zero mandatory stay to obtain or maintain citizenship, allowing flexibility for non-residents.
Economic Alignment: Contributions that bolster local growth, offering indirect benefits through a burgeoning IT and manufacturing ecosystem.
EU Pathway: Positions holders advantageously for future EU accession, with seamless Balkan connectivity.
Clients often inquire about comparative advantages; relative to other European CBI programs, North Macedonia's €200,000 entry point and Schengen benefits provide unmatched value, making it a prudent foundation for due diligence.
QUICK FAQ: WHAT SETS NORTH MACEDONIA APART FROM OTHER EUROPEAN PROGRAMS?
North Macedonia's CBI is Europe's cheapest at €200,000, with immediate Schengen visa-free access and no residency—tailored for cost-conscious investors eyeing EU proximity.
KEY BENEFITS
The value of North Macedonia citizenship extends beyond immediate acquisition, offering enduring advantages in mobility, fiscal strategy, and quality of life. From our experience advising clients, these benefits often manifest in tangible ways: smoother international relocations, diversified asset protection, and access to exclusive networks.
Superior Travel Privileges: Visa-free entry to 140 countries, encompassing the Schengen Zone (90 days/180), Hong Kong, Japan, Singapore, Turkey, and UAE—enhancing both personal and professional horizons.
Fiscal Neutrality: 10% flat tax regime with no capital gains or inheritance taxes for non-residents, providing a neutral base for international holdings.
Lifestyle Integration: Freedom to reside, work, and study in North Macedonia or leverage Balkan synergies, complemented by Lake Ohrid's serenity, Skopje's vibrancy, and international schools.
Hereditary Security: Citizenship transferable to descendants, ensuring long-term family stability.
EU Aspirations: Strategic positioning for future EU membership, with immediate access to regional markets.
Commercial Leverage: Entry to Balkan economies, bolstered by a business-friendly locale with 10% corporate tax incentives.
In essence, this citizenship acts as a contingency framework, particularly valuable amid geopolitical shifts.
INVESTMENT OPTIONS
Selecting the appropriate investment route is a critical decision in any CBI application, warranting careful evaluation of liquidity, risk, and alignment with personal goals. The North Macedonia Programme offers two principal pathways, each vetted for compliance and impact. All investments are executed post-approval to mitigate risks, and we advise clients to engage independent valuations for transparency. Minimum thresholds, confirmed at €200,000 in 2025, position it as the most accessible European option.
Option | Minimum Investment | Details |
Private Government-Approved Fund Donation | €200,000 | A non-refundable contribution to a designated private fund supporting economic development, job creation, or infrastructure. This option is favored for its simplicity and speed, requiring no ongoing management and aligning with national priorities. |
Direct Investment in Approved Enterprise | €400,000 | Equity investment in a new or existing Macedonian business that creates at least 10 full-time jobs for locals, often in IT, manufacturing, or tourism. Suitable for active investors, this route demands a detailed business plan but offers potential operational returns and tax incentives. |
In practice, the donation route suits those prioritizing expediency, while direct investment appeals to entrepreneurial profiles seeking influence. We recommend modeling scenarios based on your portfolio to optimize returns and compliance.
QUICK FAQ: WHAT SETS NORTH MACEDONIA APART FROM OTHER EUROPEAN PROGRAMS?
North Macedonia's CBI is Europe's cheapest at €200,000, with immediate Schengen visa-free access and no residency—tailored for cost-conscious investors eyeing EU proximity.
APPLICATION PROCESS
Navigating the CBI application demands precision and foresight; at Global Investments, we facilitate this through structured support, minimizing administrative burdens. The end-to-end timeline averages 6 months, contingent on document completeness and due diligence outcomes. We advocate for early engagement with authorized agents to align with submission windows. Direct applications are not permitted; all must proceed via licensed representatives.
Preliminary Consultation: Evaluate eligibility and select an investment option, incorporating personalized risk assessments.
Documentation Assembly: Compile passports, financial proofs, medical reports, police clearances, and investment intent—translated into Macedonian as needed.
Submission and Due Diligence: Lodge via the Ministry of Interior; expect comprehensive background verification.
Investment Execution: Complete donation or transfer post-preliminary approval.
In-Principle Approval: Issued within 3-4 months; proceed to naturalization.
Oath of Allegiance: Administered before a notary or official in North Macedonia.
Passport Issuance: Naturalization certificate and passports delivered, with biometric enrollment.
This phased approach ensures compliance while allowing iterative refinements.
ELIGIBILITY AND REQUIREMENTS
Eligibility for the North Macedonia CBI is designed to attract reputable individuals, emphasizing integrity and financial prudence. As consultants, we stress the importance of thorough pre-application screening to avoid delays. The process is inclusive, accommodating diverse family structures, but mandates rigorous due diligence to uphold program standards.
Age Requirement: The principal applicant must be at least 18 years old.
Financial Solvency: Demonstrable proof of lawful wealth sources, including bank statements and asset valuations covering the investment amount.
Health Standards: A medical certificate from an approved practitioner attesting to good health, free from communicable diseases.
Character Assessment: Clean criminal records from all jurisdictions of residence, verified through international databases.
Family Provisions: Inclusion of a spouse, dependent children under 18 (or up to 25 if studying), and dependent parents over 55. Additional fees apply for larger families.
Interview Protocol: No mandatory interview, though optional consultations may enhance applications.
Nationality Considerations: Open to most nationalities, with enhanced scrutiny for applicants from high-risk jurisdictions (e.g., Russia, Iran).
Dual citizenship is unequivocally permitted, preserving your original nationality. No language proficiency or educational qualifications are required, broadening accessibility. For families, this structure facilitates comprehensive protection, though we counsel on the implications for inheritance and taxation in home countries.
FEES AND ADDITIONAL COSTS
Beyond the core investment, ancillary fees are standardized and non-refundable, designed to cover administrative and security processes. Budgeting accurately is essential; we provide detailed projections to avoid surprises. Fees scale with family size and option.
Due Diligence Fees: €5,000-10,000 per applicant.
Processing Fees: €2,000-5,000 for government handling.
Application Fees: €1,000 per family member.
Passport and Naturalization: €100-200 per passport; €500 per certificate.
Direct Investment Specific: €10,000-20,000 for business verification.
Additional Dependent Fees: €2,000-5,000 per extra member.
For a standard family of four via donation, expect €20,000-40,000 in extras. Legal and advisory services, while variable, typically range €10,000-15,000 for comprehensive handling.
Beyond the core investment, ancillary fees are standardized and non-refundable, designed to cover administrative and security processes. Budgeting accurately is essential; we provide detailed projections to avoid surprises.
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Due Diligence Fees: USD 7,500 for the principal; USD 5,000 for spouse; USD 4,000 for dependents 18+; USD 2,000 for ages 16-17.
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Processing Fees: USD 10,000-20,000, scaled by family size and investment type.
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Interview Costs: USD 1,500 per person aged 12 and over.
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Passport and Naturalization: USD 300 per passport; additional for certificates.
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Courier and Miscellaneous: Approximately USD 300 per applicant for secure delivery.
For a standard family of four, expect USD 20,000-50,000 in extras. Legal and advisory services, while variable, typically range USD 10,000-25,000 for comprehensive handling.
QUICK FAQ: WHAT IS THE TYPICAL PROCESSING TIMELINE?
From full submission to passport in hand, the process spans 6 months, with due diligence comprising the longest phase—streamlined for straightforward cases.
RECENT UPDATES (2025)
The North Macedonia CBI Programme evolves in response to global standards, with key adjustments in 2025 reinforcing its credibility. In March 2025, the government reaffirmed the €200,000 donation threshold and €400,000 investment option, while introducing enhanced vetting protocols aligned with EU candidacy requirements to ensure fund transparency and anti-money laundering compliance. This follows a 2024 pilot expansion, boosting applications by 25% year-over-year from Asian and Middle Eastern investors.
The passport's visa-free portfolio has expanded to 140 destinations, including new e-visa facilitations for India and Brazil, per Henley Index updates. No residency mandates or quotas have been imposed, maintaining accessibility, though integration incentives like language courses are encouraged. Prospective applicants should monitor Ministry of Interior announcements; we assist in navigating these transitions to ensure seamless compliance.
READY TO EXPLORE YOUR OPTIONS?
Acquiring citizenship or residence through investment is a profound step, meriting deliberate consideration of its multifaceted implications. At Global Investments, our role is to offer objective, expert guidance tailored to your circumstances—whether through initial assessments or full application management. We invite you to schedule a confidential consultation to discuss how the our programs align with your aspirations.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS (FAQS)
To address common inquiries, we have curated these insights based on client consultations and program documentation:
What is the minimum investment for North Macedonia CBI? The baseline is €200,000 via donation to a private fund; direct investment requires €400,000.
How long does the full application process take? Approximately 6 months, influenced by due diligence thoroughness and submission quality.
What residency requirements apply post-citizenship? None required to obtain or maintain citizenship, offering maximum flexibility.
Which family members can be included? Spouses, children under 18 (or 25 studying), and dependent parents over 55 qualify, subject to proofs.
What tax advantages does the program offer? 10% flat income tax with no capital gains or inheritance levies for non-residents.
Does it permit dual citizenship, and what travel benefits follow? Yes, without restrictions; visa-free to 140+ including Schengen, Japan, and Singapore.
Are there eligibility restrictions based on nationality? Open to most, but enhanced due diligence for high-risk countries like Russia.
Disclaimer: This content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal or financial advice. Program details are subject to governmental changes; always verify with official sources and qualified professionals.