North Macedonia flag europe Updated January 21, 2026

Work Remotely from North Macedonia: Complete Guide

Everything about working remotely from North Macedonia for US/EU companies. 90-day visa-free access, 10% flat tax rate, affordable living in Skopje and Ohrid, and why this Balkan gem offers exceptional value for digital nomads.

Updated January 21, 2026 • Verified current for 2026

North Macedonia is one of Europe’s most affordable and overlooked remote work destinations. With a 10% flat income tax (one of the lowest in Europe), 90-day visa-free access for most Western nationals, and monthly costs around €600-1,000, you get exceptional value. Skopje offers a growing tech scene with reliable fiber internet, while UNESCO-listed Ohrid provides lakeside tranquility. The country sits in the Central European timezone with perfect EU overlap, and English is widely spoken in the capital. Not yet on most digital nomads’ radar, North Macedonia delivers Balkan charm without Balkan bureaucracy.

Key Facts
90-day visa-free entry for US/EU/UK/Canada/Australia nationals
10% flat income tax - one of Europe's lowest rates
Central European Time (CET) - 6 hours ahead of US East Coast
Monthly costs €600-1,000 including rent - extremely affordable
Reliable 50-100 Mbps fiber internet in Skopje
Ohrid Lake is a UNESCO World Heritage Site with stunning scenery

Visa Options

North Macedonia offers straightforward entry for most remote workers:

Visa-Free Entry (US/EU/UK/Canada/Australia)

  • Duration: 90 days within any 180-day period
  • Cost: Free
  • Requirements: Valid passport with 6+ months validity
  • Work allowed: Gray area for remote work (not explicitly addressed)
  • Extension: Not possible without leaving

Schengen Note

  • North Macedonia is not in Schengen
  • Your 90 days here are separate from Schengen 90/180 limits
  • Useful for Schengen “resets” combined with Albania, Serbia, or Kosovo

Temporary Residence Permit

  • Duration: Up to 1 year (renewable)
  • Cost: ~€50-100 in fees
  • Processing: 2-4 weeks
  • Requirements:
    • Proof of financial means (~€300/month minimum)
    • Health insurance valid in North Macedonia
    • Proof of accommodation (rental contract)
    • Clean criminal record
    • Purpose of stay documentation
  • Benefits: Legal status for longer stays, can open bank account
  • Apply at: Ministry of Interior or local police station

Work Permit (If Employed Locally)

  • Required only if working for Macedonian company
  • Remote work for foreign companies typically doesn’t require this
  • Process involves employer sponsorship

Digital Nomad Visa

  • North Macedonia does not yet have a dedicated digital nomad visa
  • Most remote workers use visa-free entry or temporary residence
  • Neighboring countries (Albania, Serbia) also don’t require visas, enabling regional movement

Visa Run Options

  • Greece: 2-3 hours from Skopje (EU/Schengen)
  • Kosovo: 1.5 hours from Skopje (visa-free for most)
  • Serbia: 3 hours from Skopje (visa-free for most)
  • Albania: 2.5 hours from Ohrid (visa-free 1 year for many)
  • Bulgaria: 3 hours from Skopje (EU/Schengen)

Tax Implications

North Macedonia has one of Europe’s simplest and lowest tax regimes:

Non-Resident Status (Under 183 Days)

  • No Macedonian tax obligation on foreign-sourced income
  • You remain tax resident in your home country
  • No registration with Macedonian tax authorities needed
  • This is the optimal structure for most digital nomads

If You Become Tax Resident (183+ Days)

  • Personal income tax: 10% flat rate on worldwide income
  • Social contributions: ~27% (but complex for self-employed foreigners)
  • Must register with Public Revenue Office (PRO)
  • Annual tax filing required
  • 183-day rule calculated within calendar year

Macedonian Tax System

  • 10% flat personal income tax - remarkably simple
  • 10% corporate tax - one of lowest in Europe
  • 18% VAT (standard rate), 5% reduced rate
  • Dividend tax: 10%
  • No progressive brackets - same rate regardless of income level

Practical Approach for Digital Nomads

  • Stay under 183 days: Zero Macedonian tax
  • If exceeding, the 10% flat rate is still attractive
  • Consider splitting time between North Macedonia and neighboring countries
  • Keep detailed records of entry/exit dates

Double Taxation Treaties North Macedonia has tax treaties with 45+ countries including:

  • Most EU countries (Germany, France, Italy, Netherlands, etc.)
  • United Kingdom
  • United States (limited treaty, primarily for withholding)
  • Turkey, Russia, China

Banking in North Macedonia

  • Macedonian Denar (MKD) is the currency
  • Approximately €1 = 61 MKD (rate fluctuates)
  • ATMs widely available in cities
  • Some places accept Euro but at poor rates
  • Wise/Revolut cards work at most ATMs and card terminals
  • Opening local bank account possible with residence permit
  • Major banks: Komercijalna Banka, NLB Tutunska, Stopanska Banka

Best Cities for Remote Work

Skopje

  • Pros: Capital city with best infrastructure, growing tech startup scene, most English speakers, diverse food scene, cheap, increasingly modern
  • Cons: Air pollution in winter, chaotic city planning, brutalist architecture polarizing
  • Rent: €250-450/month for 1BR furnished apartment in center
  • Coworking: Seavus Accelerator, Impact Hub Skopje, various cafes
  • Internet: Best in country - 50-100 Mbps fiber widely available
  • Digital Nomad Scene: Small but growing, tech community events
  • Vibe: A quirky capital finding its identity, with bizarre statues, Ottoman bazaar, and communist-era buildings coexisting

Ohrid

  • Pros: UNESCO World Heritage lake and town, stunning natural beauty, peaceful atmosphere, ancient churches, beaches, mountains nearby
  • Cons: Very seasonal (quiet November-March), smaller city, fewer coworking options
  • Rent: €200-350/month (much cheaper off-season)
  • Coworking: Limited - mostly cafes and lakeside accommodation with WiFi
  • Internet: Decent in town, 20-50 Mbps typical
  • Digital Nomad Scene: Small summer community, very quiet winters
  • Vibe: Historic lakeside gem, perfect for focused work with stunning scenery

Bitola

  • Pros: “City of Consuls” - historic Ottoman architecture, university town energy, very authentic, extremely cheap, near Pelister National Park
  • Cons: Limited expat community, less English spoken, colder winters
  • Rent: €150-280/month
  • Coworking: Very limited - cafes on Shirok Sokak pedestrian street
  • Internet: Good fiber coverage, 30-60 Mbps available
  • Digital Nomad Scene: Minimal - adventurous solo nomads
  • Vibe: Authentic Macedonian small city with faded grandeur

Tetovo

  • Pros: Mountain setting, Albanian cultural influence, gateway to Sar Mountains, very cheap
  • Cons: Conservative area, less infrastructure, limited English
  • Rent: €150-250/month
  • Coworking: Essentially none
  • Internet: Basic but functional, mobile backup recommended
  • Digital Nomad Scene: Almost nonexistent
  • Vibe: Working mountain city with strong Albanian community

Mavrovo Area

  • Pros: Mountain resort area, ski access, nature immersion, peaceful
  • Cons: Very seasonal, limited amenities, requires car
  • Rent: €200-400/month (seasonal rentals available)
  • Coworking: None - work from accommodation
  • Internet: Variable - check before booking
  • Digital Nomad Scene: None
  • Vibe: Mountain retreat for nature-focused remote workers

Timezone Overlap

North Macedonia (Central European Time) works excellently with European companies:

For EU Companies

  • Perfect alignment: Same timezone as Germany, France, Italy, Spain
  • CET/CEST: UTC+1 (winter) / UTC+2 (summer)
  • Standard 9-5 hours match exactly
  • Ideal base for European remote roles

For US Companies

  • East Coast (EST): 6 hours ahead
    • 9 AM EST = 3 PM CET (afternoon overlap)
    • Work 2-10 PM CET for full US East alignment
    • Mornings free for local exploration
  • West Coast (PST): 9 hours ahead
    • 9 AM PST = 6 PM CET (evening start)
    • Requires late evening/night work
    • Better for async-first teams

For UK Companies

  • 1-2 hours ahead depending on daylight saving
  • Excellent overlap
  • 9 AM GMT = 10 AM CET

Regional Considerations

  • Same timezone as Albania, Kosovo, Serbia, Croatia
  • Easy for work spanning Balkan region
  • 1 hour behind Greece, Bulgaria, Romania
  • Excellent for Middle East clients (2-3 hours behind)

Practical Tips

  • Morning person? Perfect for EU work with afternoons free
  • Night owl? Ideal for US East Coast evening shifts
  • US West Coast teams: Consider async-heavy arrangements
  • Many nomads do hybrid EU morning / US afternoon schedules

Cost of Living

North Macedonia is among Europe’s most affordable countries:

Monthly Budget (Single Person) - Skopje

  • Accommodation: €300-450 (1BR furnished, city center)
  • Food: €150-200 (mix of groceries and restaurants)
  • Transport: €15-30 (buses, occasional taxi)
  • Coworking: €50-100 (or free from cafes)
  • Utilities: €40-70 (often included in rent)
  • Mobile data: €8-15 (unlimited data plans)
  • Entertainment: €80-120
  • Total: €643-985 (~$700-1,070 USD)

Monthly Budget - Ohrid

  • Accommodation: €200-350 (cheaper off-season)
  • Food: €120-180
  • Transport: €10-20 (walkable town)
  • Utilities: €30-50
  • Mobile: €8-15
  • Entertainment: €60-100
  • Total: €428-715 (~$465-780 USD)

What Makes North Macedonia So Affordable

  • Not in EU (no Euro price inflation)
  • Average local salary around €500/month
  • Property prices fraction of Western Europe
  • Local food incredibly cheap
  • Services priced for local economy

Sample Prices

  • Espresso: €0.60-1.00
  • Cappuccino: €1.00-1.50
  • Local beer (Skopsko): €1.00-2.00
  • Restaurant meal: €4-8
  • Fancy dinner with wine: €15-25
  • Burek (filled pastry): €1.00
  • Taxi across Skopje: €3-5
  • Monthly gym: €15-30
  • Haircut: €4-8
  • Domestic beer (grocery): €0.50
  • Bottle of wine: €3-8

Money-Saving Tips

  • Shop at Vero, Tinex, or local markets for groceries
  • Eat at traditional “kafanas” instead of tourist spots
  • Negotiate monthly rent (30-40% discounts possible)
  • Use Bolt or Lifi for taxis
  • Visit Ohrid in shoulder season (May-June, September)
  • Street food (burek, kebapi) is cheap and excellent

Compared to Other Destinations

  • Cheaper than: Croatia, Greece, Montenegro, most of EU
  • Similar to: Albania, Kosovo, Bulgaria, Serbia
  • Slightly cheaper than: Romania, Bosnia
  • One of the 5 cheapest countries in Europe

North Macedonia Remote Work Checklist

  1. 1
    Valid passport with 6+ months validity beyond intended stay
  2. 2
    Check your visa-free allowance (90 days for most Western nationals)
  3. 3
    Book initial accommodation (Booking.com, Airbnb, or local sites like Pazar3)
  4. 4
    Get travel/health insurance (North Macedonia not covered by EHIC)
  5. 5
    Set up Wise or Revolut for best MKD exchange rates
  6. 6
    Download Bolt app for taxis
  7. 7
    Get local SIM card on arrival (A1, Makedonski Telekom, or Lycamobile)
  8. 8
    Test internet speed at accommodation before committing long-term
  9. 9
    Bring power adapter (Type C/F plugs, 230V - same as EU)
  10. 10
    Consider portable WiFi hotspot as backup
  11. 11
    Join expat Facebook groups (Expats in Skopje, Digital Nomads Macedonia)
  12. 12
    Keep passport entry stamps - track your 90-day limit
  13. 13
    Register with your embassy for long stays (optional)
  14. 14
    Download Maps.me or offline Google Maps - useful outside cities
  15. 15
    Learn basic phrases: Zdravo (hello), Blagodaram (thank you), Zboguva (goodbye)

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I extend beyond 90 days visa-free?

Not directly. After 90 days, you must leave North Macedonia for 90 days before returning for another 90-day period (90/180 rule). Options for longer stays: (1) Apply for temporary residence permit before your 90 days expire, (2) Do a 'visa run' to Albania (generous 1-year visa-free for many) or Serbia and return later, (3) Use North Macedonia as part of a Balkan rotation - combining it with Albania, Kosovo, and Serbia gives you effectively unlimited regional time since none count against each other.

How reliable is the internet for remote work?

In Skopje, quite good. Fiber connections of 50-100 Mbps are common in newer buildings and the city center. Coworking spaces have business-grade connections. In Ohrid and smaller cities, expect 20-50 Mbps which is adequate for video calls but test before committing. Mobile 4G coverage is solid nationwide via A1 or Makedonski Telekom. Always have a SIM card backup for important calls. Winter weather rarely affects connectivity. Overall, North Macedonia's internet is better than Albania's but not quite at Croatian or Romanian levels.

Is North Macedonia safe for digital nomads?

Yes, very safe. Violent crime is rare, especially against foreigners. Macedonians are generally welcoming and curious about visitors. Petty theft exists in tourist areas (normal precautions apply). The main safety concerns are: aggressive driving (be careful as a pedestrian), occasional political protests in Skopje (easy to avoid), and winter air pollution in Skopje. The country is politically stable, and you're unlikely to encounter any problems. Solo female travelers generally report feeling safe.

What's the digital nomad community like?

Small but growing. Skopje has the most activity - Impact Hub hosts events, there's a tech startup community, and you'll find other remote workers in popular cafes. It's nothing like Lisbon or Bali in terms of established community, but that's part of the appeal - you're an early adopter in an emerging destination. Ohrid has a summer community of remote workers drawn by the lake. Facebook groups and local tech meetups are the best ways to connect. The smallness means you get to know people quickly.

How is the food scene?

Excellent and cheap. Macedonian cuisine blends Balkan, Mediterranean, and Ottoman influences. Must-tries: Tavce Gravce (baked beans - the national dish), ajvar (red pepper spread), kebapi (grilled meat), burek, and fresh salads. The Skopje Old Bazaar has great traditional restaurants. Coffee culture is strong - people spend hours in cafes. Wine is surprisingly good and cheap - Tikves is the main producer. Vegetarians can manage but options are more limited outside Skopje. International food is available in the capital.

What's with all the statues in Skopje?

The 'Skopje 2014' project added hundreds of monuments, statues, and neo-classical buildings to the center - including a massive Alexander the Great statue (officially called 'Warrior on a Horse' due to the Greece naming dispute). Opinions are divided: some find it kitsch, others see it as charming absurdity. Love it or hate it, it makes Skopje unlike anywhere else. The contrast between brutalist Yugoslav architecture, Ottoman bazaar, and pseudo-classical new construction creates a truly unique urban landscape. It's worth a walking tour to understand the layers.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Can I work remotely from North Macedonia for a US company?

Yes, you can work remotely from North Macedonia for a US company. Most remote workers use tourist visas for short stays or apply for specific work/residence visas for longer periods. You'll typically continue to be paid in USD and remain on your US employer's payroll while working abroad. Check the visa section above for specific options and durations available in North Macedonia.

Do I need a visa to work remotely from North Macedonia?

It depends on your nationality and intended length of stay. Many nationalities can enter North Macedonia visa-free for tourism (usually 30-90 days), during which remote work for foreign companies is generally tolerated. For longer stays, you'll need a specific visa such as a digital nomad visa, work visa, or residence permit. Check the requirements specific to your passport and planned duration of stay.

What's the cost of living for remote workers in North Macedonia?

The cost of living in North Macedonia is very affordable, with monthly budgets of $1,000-1,500 being typical for a comfortable lifestyle including rent, food, and coworking space. Major cities tend to be more expensive than smaller towns or rural areas. Your actual budget will depend on your lifestyle choices, accommodation preferences, and which city you choose to live in.

Does North Macedonia have a digital nomad visa?

Check the visa section above for North Macedonia's specific visa options. Many countries now offer dedicated digital nomad visas, remote work visas, or freelance visas designed for location-independent workers. Even without a specific digital nomad visa, there are often alternative visa categories that allow remote work, such as temporary residence permits or self-employment visas.

What are the best cities for remote work in North Macedonia?

The best cities for remote workers in North Macedonia typically offer a combination of reliable high-speed internet, coworking spaces, affordable cost of living, and quality of life. Check the cities section above for specific recommendations, including internet speeds, cost indexes, and the number of coworking spaces in each location. Consider factors like timezone overlap with your team, climate preferences, and local amenities when choosing.

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