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.
100% foreign ownership
There is no restriction on foreign ownership: foreign individuals and companies can hold all of the shares and appoint foreign managers. This makes the DOO and DOOEL a straightforward vehicle for entering the market.
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.
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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 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.
