Unlocking growth in the heart of the Balkans with one of Europe's most competitive tax systems.
Macedonian Denar (MKD)
Skopje
GMT+1 (CET)
North Macedonia is a landlocked nation that has transformed into a strategic business hub. It offers one of the most attractive tax packages in Europe, specifically designed to stimulate international investment and simplify operations for successful global companies.
Located in the northeastern part of the Balkan region, North Macedonia is characterized by its mountainous terrain and fertile valleys. It shares borders with Greece, Bulgaria, Serbia, Albania, and Kosovo, making it a central crossroads for trade in Southeastern Europe.
The country experiences a warm and moderately continental climate. It is characterized by a prolonged frost-free period and relatively mild winters, although snow cover is common in the mountainous regions during the winter months.
Macedonian culture is a rich tapestry of Orthodox Christian and Muslim traditions, reflected in its architecture, festivals, and daily life. It is a society that deeply values family ties and hospitality. In business, building a foundation of mutual trust and maintaining professional etiquette are key to long-term success.
Macedonian is the primary official language, with Albanian also holding official status at the state level. English is widely spoken and understood, particularly within the professional, tech, and younger generations, facilitating smooth communication for international partners.
North Macedonia utilizes a flat tax system for most types of income, making it highly transparent for employers.
• Flat Rate: 10% on almost all types of personal income.
• Exception: A 15% rate applies specifically to winnings from games of chance.
The social security system covers pension, health, and unemployment insurance. Contributions are calculated based on the employee's gross wage.
| Types of Contribution | Total Rate % |
|---|---|
| Pension and Disability Insurance | 18.8% |
| Health Insurance | 7.5% |
| Unemployment Insurance | 1.2% |
| Work Injury and Occupational Disease | 0.5% |
| Total Mandatory Contributions | ~28% |
| Occasion | Date in 2026 |
|---|---|
| New Year's Day | January 1 |
| Orthodox Christmas | January 7 |
| Eid al-Fitr (Ramazan Bajram) | March 20 |
| Orthodox Easter Monday | April 13 |
| International Labor Day | May 1 |
| St. Cyril and Methodius Day | May 24 (Observed May 25) |
| Republic Day (Ilinden) | August 2 (Observed August 3) |
| Independence Day | September 8 |
| Revolution Day (People's Uprising) | October 11 (Observed October 12) |
| Day of Macedonian Revolutionary Struggle | October 23 |
| St. Clement of Ohrid Day | December 8 |
Salaries are typically paid monthly in Macedonian Denar (MKD). Many international companies benchmark salaries in EUR or USD to attract top-tier talent, though final payment is executed in the local currency.
The standard legal work week is 40 hours. Employers must maintain accurate records of daily working hours, as overtime is strictly regulated and requires additional compensation.
Employees are entitled to a minimum of 20 working days of paid annual leave, which can increase up to 26 days based on years of service with the same employer. Eligibility begins after 6 months of uninterrupted service.
Female employees are entitled to 9 months of paid maternity leave (extended to 12 months for multiple births). This leave is typically funded by the State Fund for Health and Insurance.
Fathers are entitled to 7 days of paid paternity leave following the birth of a child.
Employees who adopt a child are entitled to leave that can last up to 330 days after the child is born, ensuring support for family integration.