North Macedonia Business Registration Guide 2026

Overview — Business Registration in North Macedonia

The Central Registry of North Macedonia is the sole authority responsible for company registration, business name registration, and maintaining the unified register of entities. The Companies Law (latest amendment 2023) provides the legal framework for all business entities. North Macedonia has simplified business registration through a one-stop-shop system that combines company registration, tax registration, and statistical classification in a single application. Registration can be completed in 2-5 days, making it one of the fastest and most efficient registration processes in Southeast Europe. Foreign investors may establish a company or register a branch with the same streamlined process.

Company Types

The Companies Law provides several business structures for investors:

• D.O.O. (Društvo so Ograničena Odgovornost) — limited liability company, most common structure, minimum 1 shareholder, minimum capital EUR 5,000 (MKD ~307,000), shares not publicly traded
• A.D. (Akcionersko Društvo) — joint-stock company, minimum capital EUR 25,000, shares may be publicly traded on the Macedonian Stock Exchange
• Branch of a foreign company — registered branch of an existing foreign company, no minimum capital requirement
• K.D. (Komanditno Društvo) — limited partnership
• Sole proprietorship — individual trader registered for business activities

For most foreign and domestic investors, the d.o.o. (LLC) is the preferred vehicle due to its separate legal personality, limited liability, and simple governance structure.

Registration Process — 2-5 Days

The company registration process through the Central Registry's one-stop-shop:

• Step 1 — Name reservation — check and reserve the company name at the Central Registry (online, free)
• Step 2 — Prepare documents — Memorandum of Incorporation, Articles of Association, statement of shareholders and directors, registered office address
• Step 3 — Deposit capital — deposit minimum share capital in a bank account and obtain a certificate from the bank
• Step 4 — Submit application — file all documents with the Central Registry (online or in person)
• Step 5 — Receive certificate — Certificate of Incorporation issued within 2-5 days

The single application also registers the company with the PRO for tax purposes and with the State Statistical Office. The total cost is approximately MKD 5,000-10,000 (EUR 80-160) including notary fees.

Tax Registration & Permits

After incorporation, the company is automatically registered for tax with the PRO. Additional registrations may include:

• VAT registration (mandatory if annual turnover exceeds MKD 2 million)
• PAYE registration (if employing staff)
• Social contributions registration (for employees)
• Sector-specific licences (e.g., food safety, environmental, tourism, financial services)

Foreign investors should note that there are no minimum capital requirements for foreign-owned companies beyond the standard EUR 5,000 for a d.o.o. There are no restrictions on foreign ownership in most sectors, except for certain regulated industries.

FAQs

Can a foreigner register a company in North Macedonia?

Yes, foreigners may register a company (d.o.o.) in North Macedonia with the same requirements as Macedonian citizens. There are no additional restrictions or minimum investment requirements for most sectors.

How long does the full registration process take?

The Central Registry issues the Certificate of Incorporation within 2-5 days. The one-stop-shop system includes automatic tax registration, so the company is fully registered and operational within one week.

What are the annual compliance requirements?

Annual financial statements to the Central Registry (by 31 March), annual tax return to the PRO (by 31 March), monthly VAT returns (if registered), monthly PAYE and social contributions returns (if employing staff), and annual audit for large companies.

Disclaimer

This guide provides general information about business registration in North Macedonia for 2026. Laws, fees, and procedures may change. Always consult with a qualified Macedonian corporate lawyer or the Central Registry for advice specific to your situation. InvestmentKit does not provide legal advice.