North Macedonia is genuinely open to foreign founders. This page covers the three things foreigners ask about most: ownership, residence, and FDI registration.
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 dedicated 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. Foreign documents must be notarized, apostilled, and translated into Macedonian.