This is the step-by-step process of opening a business in Macedonia, from picking an entity to a working bank account. Registration is coordinated by the Central Registry of the Republic of North Macedonia through its One-Stop-Shop System.
The six steps
- 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. 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.
How long it takes
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. 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.
Frequently asked questions
How do I register a company in North Macedonia?
Choose a legal form and capital, reserve a unique name and activity code, notarize the founding documents, file electronically with the Central Registry’s One-Stop-Shop System, receive your registration decision and tax number (EDB), then produce a seal and open a bank account.
Where is a company registered in North Macedonia?
At the Central Registry of the Republic of North Macedonia, through its One-Stop-Shop System, which also issues your tax number (EDB).
How long does the process take?
The Central Registry usually issues its decision within five business days, and in straightforward cases within 24–48 hours.