Company Registration in North Macedonia: The Complete 2026 Guide
TL;DR
You can register a company in North Macedonia in a matter of days. Most businesses choose a limited liability company (DOO or single-member DOOEL), which requires EUR 5,000 in share capital that you can pay within one year of registration. Foreigners can own and manage a company 100%, with no residency required, and registration is handled electronically through the Central Registry’s One-Stop-Shop System. Corporate profit tax is a flat 10% — among the lowest in Europe.
Why register a company in North Macedonia
North Macedonia is one of the most accessible places in Southeast Europe to start a business. The country offers a flat 10% corporate profit tax and a flat 10% personal income tax — among the lowest rates in Europe — and free-trade access to more than 650 million consumers through agreements with the EU (Stabilisation and Association Agreement), CEFTA, and EFTA. Its location on major European transport corridors, a multilingual workforce, and a low cost of living make cities like Skopje, Bitola, Ohrid, and Tetovo attractive bases for technology, services, manufacturing, and trade.
Registration itself is fast and largely electronic. The Central Registry of the Republic of North Macedonia operates a One-Stop-Shop System that lets you register your company, obtain a tax number, and complete several formalities in a single coordinated process. For founders who want to relocate, owning and managing a company can also open a path to a residence permit.
Choosing your legal entity
The legal form you choose determines your liability, your capital requirements, and your reporting obligations. North Macedonia recognizes several forms; most new businesses choose between the sole proprietor and one of the limited liability variants.
Limited Liability Company (DOO)
The most common choice for small and medium businesses. A DOO can have between 2 and 50 founders, who may be individuals or legal entities, domestic or foreign. Liability is limited to each member’s capital contribution. The minimum share capital is EUR 5,000, which may be contributed in cash or in kind and may be paid within one year of registration.
Single-Member LLC (DOOEL)
A DOO with exactly one founder. It carries the same EUR 5,000 minimum capital and the same limited-liability protection. This is the typical structure for a solo entrepreneur or a wholly-owned subsidiary.
Sole Proprietor (Trgovec Poedinec, TP)
A business run by a single individual who is personally liable for all obligations of the business with their entire personal assets. There is no minimum capital. It is the simplest and cheapest form, commonly used by craftspeople, farmers, artists, carriers, and small service providers — but the unlimited personal liability is a significant trade-off.
Simplified LLC (PDOO) — the “1-euro company”
A simplified limited liability company can be founded by up to three individuals, one of whom is the manager. The minimum share capital is just EUR 1 (in denar equivalent), with a minimum nominal share of 10 cents. In exchange for the low entry capital, a PDOO must build a mandatory reserve by setting aside one quarter of its annual profit until the reserve reaches the level of standard share capital. It is designed to lower the barrier for first-time founders.
Joint-Stock Company (AD)
Suitable for larger businesses and those that may raise capital from many shareholders. Minimum capital is higher — broadly EUR 25,000 for a private AD and EUR 50,000 for a public AD — and governance requirements are more demanding.
Branch & Representative Office
A foreign company can register a branch (podružnica), which is not a separate legal entity but can conduct commercial activity, or a representative office (pretstavništvo), which is limited to market research and promotion and cannot trade.
Entity comparison
| Entity | Founders | Min. capital | Liability | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sole Proprietor (TP) | 1 individual | None | Unlimited (personal) | Craftspeople, freelancers, micro-business |
| Single-Member LLC (DOOEL) | 1 | EUR 5,000 (within 1 yr) | Limited to contribution | Solo entrepreneur, subsidiary |
| Limited Liability Company (DOO) | 2–50 | EUR 5,000 (within 1 yr) | Limited to contribution | SMEs, partnerships |
| Simplified LLC (PDOO) | Up to 3 individuals | EUR 1 | Limited (with mandatory reserve) | First-time founders, low capital |
| Joint-Stock Company (AD) | 1+ shareholders | EUR 25,000 private / 50,000 public | Limited to shares | Large/capital-raising businesses |
| Branch (Podružnica) | n/a (foreign parent) | n/a | Parent liable | Foreign company entering the market |
Minimum capital requirements
For a DOO or DOOEL, the minimum share capital is EUR 5,000 (in denar equivalent). An important practical point: you do not have to deposit the full amount before the company exists. The capital can be paid in cash or contributed in kind (equipment, vehicles, real estate), and the law allows it to be paid within one year of registration. In-kind contributions must be independently valued. A simplified LLC (PDOO) requires only EUR 1, and a sole proprietor (TP) requires no minimum capital at all.
The company registration process, step by step
Registration is coordinated by the Central Registry of the Republic of North Macedonia through its One-Stop-Shop System.
- 1
Choose legal form and capital
Decide between TP, DOOEL, DOO, PDOO, or AD, and decide whether your capital contribution will be in cash or in kind.
- 2
Reserve company name and activity code
Your company name must be unique and not misleading; it can be checked and reserved through the Central Registry. You also select your principal activity code from the National Classification of Activities (NKD) maintained by the State Statistical Office.
- 3
Prepare and notarize founding documents
For a DOO this is the Articles of Incorporation (founding agreement); for a DOOEL it is the founding statement. You also prepare the decision appointing the manager and the statutory statements required under the Company Law (notably the manager’s statement and statements under the relevant articles of the Law on Trade Companies). Documents are notarized.
- 4
Submit to the Central Registry (One-Stop-Shop)
Documents are filed electronically with the Central Registry. The One-Stop-Shop System coordinates registration and the issuance of your tax number in one process.
- 5
Receive your registration decision and tax number
The Central Registry reviews the application and, on approval, issues the registration decision and assigns your Unique Identification Number (EDB), the tax number you will use for all financial and legal operations.
- 6
Company seal and bank account
After registration you produce the company seal and open a corporate bank account. The manager generally must appear in person at the bank to finalize the account.
Documents required
For a DOO or DOOEL
- Founding agreement (DOO) or founding statement (DOOEL)
- Copies of the ID card or passport of each founder
- For a corporate founder: extract from its commercial register (apostilled and translated for foreign entities)
- Proof of the share-capital payment (or the agreement to pay within one year)
- Valuation report and contribution agreement for any in-kind contribution
- Decision appointing the manager
- Statutory statements required of the manager and founders under the Company Law
For a sole proprietor (TP)
- Application for registration
- Copy of the ID card or passport
- The required statutory statement
Foreign documents must generally be notarized and apostilled (unless a bilateral treaty waives this) and translated into Macedonian by a certified translator.
How much does it cost to register a company?
The total cost of registering a company in North Macedonia is made up of several components rather than a single fee. Plan for the items below. Separately, you commit the EUR 5,000 minimum share capital for a DOO/DOOEL — this is your own money that funds the business, not a fee, and it can be paid within one year.
| Component | Notes |
|---|---|
| Central Registry / One-Stop-Shop fee | Low, fixed administrative cost |
| Notary fees | Depend on capital and number of documents |
| Company seal | One-off |
| Bank account opening | Varies by bank |
| Translation & apostille (foreign docs) | Only for foreign founders/documents |
| Professional / agent fees | Optional but recommended |
| Share capital (DOO/DOOEL) | EUR 5,000 — your funds, payable within 1 year |
For a precise, itemized quote, we will help you connect with a registration expert who can review your case. Connect with a company registration expert →
How long does registration take?
Registration is one of the faster processes in the region. Once a complete set of documents is submitted, the Central Registry typically issues its decision within five business days, and in straightforward cases within 24 to 48 hours. Realistically, from first consultation to a fully operational company — including the seal, a permanent bank account, and any initial VAT or employee registration — allow one to two weeks.
Central Registry decision
5 business days (often 24–48h)
Fully operational
1–2 weeks
Registering a company as a foreigner
100% foreign ownership
Foreign nationals — whether individuals or legal entities — can fully own and manage a company in North Macedonia, with no requirement to be a resident. Both founders and directors may be foreign.
Residence permit through your company
Because company directors may apply for a residence permit on the basis of their role, forming a company can be a route to legal residence. Permits are typically issued for one year and are renewable, and family members may join under family reunification. This makes the DOO/DOOEL attractive not only for commercial expansion but also for relocation.
See the immigration guide at immigration.mk →Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) registration
Where the founders are foreign, the company must also be recorded in the Foreign Direct Investment register. This is normally handled as part of the incorporation process.
Post-registration obligations
Ultimate Beneficial Owner (UBO) registration
Every company must identify and register its ultimate beneficial owner(s) — the natural person(s) who ultimately own or control the company — in the UBO register. This is a legal obligation tied to anti-money-laundering rules.
VAT registration
VAT registration becomes mandatory once your taxable turnover exceeds MKD 2,000,000 in a calendar year (or is expected to). You may also register voluntarily — useful if you trade with VAT-registered partners and want to reclaim input VAT — by applying to the Public Revenue Office (UJP), generally within 15 days of registration. Note the annual registration/deregistration window closes on 15 January.
Registering the manager and employees
If the manager is to be employed by the company, and for any other employees, you register them with the Employment Agency (using the employment contract and the M1/M2 and PPR forms) so they are covered by mandatory social insurance.
Taxes for companies in North Macedonia
North Macedonia’s tax regime is simple and low. The corporate profit tax is a flat 10%. The personal income tax is also a flat 10%. VAT has a standard rate of 18%, with reduced rates of 10% and 5%. Salaries are subject to social contributions. Withholding tax may apply to certain payments to non-residents (such as dividends, interest, and royalties), subject to applicable double-tax treaties.
| Tax | Rate / threshold |
|---|---|
| Corporate profit tax | 10% (flat) |
| Personal income tax | 10% (flat) |
| VAT — standard | 18% |
| VAT — reduced | 10% (catering, some food) / 5% (basic food, water, pharma, books) |
| VAT registration threshold | MKD 2,000,000 turnover (mandatory) |
Find the right expert to start your company in North Macedonia
We will help you connect with a verified expert from the Nexa ecosystem — lawyers, accountants, and registration agents who incorporate companies across DOO, DOOEL, PDOO, and AD. They will guide you through every step and reply with a clear, fixed-fee quote.
Frequently asked questions
Direct answers to the most common questions about company registration in North Macedonia.
How long does it take to register a company in North Macedonia?
What is the minimum capital to open a company?
Can a foreigner register a company in North Macedonia?
What is the difference between DOO and DOOEL?
What is the “1-euro company”?
What taxes will my company pay?
Do I need to register for VAT immediately?
What documents do I need?
Where is a company registered?
Can the company give me residence in North Macedonia?
Find an expert to register your company
Tell us a few details about your planned company and we will help you connect with a verified registration expert from the Nexa ecosystem. They will reply with a clear scope and quote — no obligation.
By contacting us, you acknowledge that your submission may be routed to a verified expert within the Nexa ecosystem who can incorporate your company. Nexa itself does not perform the registration — it connects you with the right professional.
This guide provides general information about company registration in North Macedonia and does not constitute legal, tax, or accounting advice. Rules and fees can change; verify current requirements or contact a licensed professional before acting. Reviewed by licensed professionals in the Nexa network.