Macedonian citizenship is the cheapest European citizenship, costing only 200 thousand euros

North Macedonia is currently a candidate country for EU membership, offering excellent investment potential. If you wish to become a citizen of this beautiful European country, there is a citizenship-by-investment program.

The government of North Macedonia launched its citizenship-by-investment program, which had existed previously but didn’t receive significant attention due to inadequate promotion. The program was suspended, but in 2022, the state reintroduced it.

This article provides all the available details about North Macedonia’s citizenship-by-investment program to make it clearer for those interested in obtaining North Macedonian citizenship. If you’re among those interested, keep reading.

Citizenship by Investment

Citizenship-by-investment programs vary by country, but the basic concept remains the same: wealthy individuals from other countries invest in real estate, bonds, banks, or local businesses in exchange for citizenship.

Some countries require donations to government-approved funds, while others offer a more investor-focused approach involving real estate or business investments.

In return, these individuals gain citizenship and its associated benefits. This article focuses on North Macedonia’s citizenship-by-investment program, designed to boost the country’s economy through capital influx and development. It offers investors access to new markets and a second citizenship and passport.

What is North Macedonia’s Citizenship-by-Investment Program?

North Macedonia’s citizenship-by-investment program has existed for a long time but wasn’t a preferred option for foreign investors due to a lack of clear information from the North Macedonian government.

With little interest in the program, the government decided to suspend it. However, in 2022, it reintroduced the program, allowing investors to obtain North Macedonian citizenship again.

According to the latest information about the program, the minimum investment amount has been revised to €200,000, reduced from the previous minimum of €400,000.

Investment Options for Obtaining North Macedonian Citizenship

The North Macedonian government has made some amendments to the previous program and clarified the types of investments eligible for obtaining citizenship:

1. Donation Route:
   Investors must donate at least €200,000 to a special government fund.
2. Investment Route:
   Investors must make a direct investment of at least €400,000 in new facilities (excluding the hospitality sector) and employ at least ten people. This creates new job opportunities and enhances the country’s economy.

In addition to the investment, additional fees are required:

• €20,000 for the investor and the main applicant, plus the spouse.
• €10,000 for each child included in the application.

If you want citizenship in an emerging European country, North Macedonia could be a suitable choice.

Benefits of Obtaining North Macedonian Citizenship Through Investment

While investing to obtain Caribbean citizenship might seem more attractive due to its lower cost for similar benefits, North Macedonian citizenship offers several advantages, such as:

• European Passport:
  North Macedonia’s passport allows visa-free travel to at least 130 countries worldwide.
• EU Candidate Status:
  North Macedonia is a candidate for EU membership, providing access to a strategically located trade market, investment opportunities, and a favorable tax system (10% corporate tax rate).
• Family Inclusion:
  North Macedonian citizenship is transferable to future generations, making it an excellent option for families.
• No Residency Requirements:
  No minimum residency period is required to obtain North Macedonian citizenship.
• No Education or Language Requirements:
  There are no specific educational or language qualifications needed to obtain North Macedonian citizenship through investment.
• NATO Membership:
  North Macedonia is a NATO member country.
• Tax Benefits:
  There is no tax on income earned abroad for residents. Income earned in North Macedonia is taxed at just 10%.
• Dual Citizenship:
  North Macedonia allows dual citizenship, meaning investors do not need to renounce their original citizenship.

Disadvantages of Obtaining North Macedonian Citizenship Through Investment

There are some drawbacks to consider when evaluating North Macedonia’s citizenship-by-investment program:

1. Unclear Program Status:
   It’s uncertain whether this program is fully operational or just officially announced. Even though it was relaunched two years ago, there hasn’t been a single report of someone successfully completing the process and obtaining citizenship.
2. EU Membership Uncertainty:
   There’s no guarantee North Macedonia will join the EU, despite being a candidate for nearly 17 years without any official announcement of membership.
3. Infrastructure Challenges:
   North Macedonia’s infrastructure is not in its best state. Many residents report issues with transportation, and there is a lack of digital and technological advancement in the country’s systems and institutions.

Obtaining Macedonian Citizenship Through Investment

How does the Macedonian citizenship-by-investment program work? This is likely the most pressing question for anyone interested in acquiring citizenship in North Macedonia. The answer to this question is outlined in the following section.

Foreign investors can obtain Macedonian citizenship through investment via two primary methods:

1. Donation: Contributing at least €200,000 to a government development fund or a designated institution.
2. Direct Investment: Making a direct investment of no less than €400,000, which must create at least ten permanent jobs in North Macedonia. Note that investments in food, beverage, and hospitality sectors do not qualify for citizenship.

Requirements for Obtaining Macedonian Citizenship Through Investment

There are several conditions that investors must meet to qualify for Macedonian citizenship via investment. These conditions are:

• The minimum required age is 18 years.
• The investor must have a clean criminal record with no prior offenses.
• The investor must demonstrate that their investment funds are sourced legally.
• The investor must not have previously entered North Macedonia illegally.

Additionally, beyond meeting investment requirements and contributing the necessary funds, there are additional fees that need to be paid to complete the process correctly:

• €20,000 for the main applicant and their spouse.
• €10,000 for each minor child under 18 years of age.

How to Apply for Macedonian Citizenship Through Investment

According to the official website for the Macedonian citizenship-by-investment program, the process takes approximately 8–10 months to complete.

Here are the steps for applying for North Macedonian citizenship through investment:

1. Sign an Agreement with a Certified Legal Agent: This is the only way to submit your application, as investors cannot apply independently.
2. Prepare All Required Documents: Ensure the documents are accurate, complete, and properly certified.
3. Submit Documents Through the Certified Agent: The documents will be reviewed, and you will receive initial approval.
4. Transfer Investment Funds: After receiving preliminary approval, transfer the required donation or investment funds and obtain documentation proving the transaction.
5. Wait for Review: According to the government’s official website, this stage typically takes 6–8 months.
6. Biometric Submission: If approved, travel to North Macedonia to submit your biometric data and fingerprints and pay the required fees.
7. Receive Macedonian Passport and Citizenship: Once the process is complete, you will be issued a Macedonian passport and citizenship documents.

Required Documents for the Macedonian Citizenship-by-Investment Program

Do you know what documents you’ll need during the application process for Macedonian citizenship through investment? Below is a comprehensive list of the required documents:

• Application form.
• A valid national passport.
• National ID card.
• Criminal record certificate from the police in your home country and any country where you’ve lived for more than six months in the last ten years.
• Curriculum Vitae (CV).
• Medical certificate proving you are free from contagious diseases.
• Birth certificates.
• Marriage or divorce certificates (if applicable).
• Military service record (if applicable).
• Proof of ownership of the required funds for investment.

Additional documents may be requested at later stages, so ensure you stay informed about any further requirements during the application process.

Alternative Options for Citizenship-by-Investment

While the Macedonian citizenship-by-investment program might seem appealing, some ambiguity and uncertainty still surround its legitimacy and actual implementation. To address these concerns, exploring other, potentially more cost-effective citizenship-by-investment programs may be worth considering.

The Caribbean citizenship-by-investment programs are generally regarded as more practical and affordable, offering the same advantages as European citizenship programs but at lower costs.

Here are some Caribbean citizenship options available through investment:

1. Grenada: Obtain citizenship with a minimum investment of $150,000.
2. Saint Lucia: Citizenship available with an investment of at least $100,000.
3. Antigua and Barbuda: Citizenship granted with a minimum investment of $100,000.
4. Dominica: Citizenship offered for investments starting from $100,000.
5. Saint Kitts and Nevis: Obtain citizenship with an investment of at least $250,000.

Caribbean passports are considered as strong or even stronger than the North Macedonian passport, allowing visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to over 140 countries worldwide.

Obtaining Macedonian Citizenship Easily

Due to the significant benefits of Macedonian citizenship, many investors are keen to seize the opportunity to invest in North Macedonia and apply for citizenship. However, this process is not as simple as one might hope, as investors cannot submit applications personally.

To easily obtain Macedonian citizenship through investment, you must sign a contract with an authorized agent in North Macedonia. This service is available through Zajel.

We can also assist you with the following procedures to help you obtain Macedonian citizenship through investment:

1. Document Collection and Review: Gathering, reviewing, translating, and certifying documents through the appropriate legal authorities.
2. Application Submission: Submitting the application and documents to the relevant authorities in North Macedonia responsible for the citizenship-by-investment program and obtaining preliminary approval.
3. Facilitating Fund Transfers and Investments: Simplifying the process of transferring funds and establishing the required investment to secure Macedonian citizenship.
4. Approval Notification and Visa Preparation: Receiving the approval notification after the review of documents and data, and preparing a travel visa to North Macedonia to complete the remaining procedures, including biometric data and fingerprint registration for the investor and their family.
5. Issuance of Macedonian Identity Card and Passport: Completing the process with the issuance of a Macedonian ID card and passport.

These are some of the primary services offered by the ZajlProgram to help you obtain Macedonian citizenship through investment. We also offer a wide range of additional services to help you acquire any citizenship you desire, migrate, or establish businesses in foreign countries. To learn more about our services and pricing, you can download the Zajlapp, which provides all the information you need. The Zajlapp is now available on the Play Store—download it from here.

We also offer legal consultation services through direct communication with one of our legal representatives via WhatsApp chat. You can join the chat from here, and one of our legal representatives will get in touch with you.

FAQ

Where is North Macedonia located in Europe?
North Macedonia is located in the Balkan Peninsula in Southeast Europe.

What documents are required to obtain Macedonian citizenship through investment?

• Application form.
• Valid local passport.
• Local ID card.
• Criminal record from your home country and any country where you have resided for more than six months in the past ten years.
• Resume (CV).
• Health certificate proving you are free from contagious diseases.
• Birth certificates.
• Marriage or divorce certificate.
• Military service record.
• Proof of ownership of the required funds.

Additional documents may be requested during later stages, so ensure there are no missing documents during submission.

Can I transfer my Macedonian citizenship to my children?
Yes, if you are the main applicant, the program grants you lifelong citizenship, which can be passed on to your dependent children and future generations.

Will my spouse receive visa-free entry benefits if I enroll in the North Macedonian citizenship program?
Visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to 130 destinations applies to the main applicant, their spouse, and all dependents aged 18 years or older.

How long does it take to process a citizenship application through investment in North Macedonia?
The entire process of obtaining citizenship through investment in North Macedonia takes approximately 8–10 months.

What are the benefits of obtaining Macedonian citizenship through investment?

1. European Passport: Obtain a Macedonian passport, which allows visa-free access to at least 130 countries worldwide.
2. EU Candidate Country: North Macedonia is a candidate for European Union membership, offering access to a strategically located trade market, business investment opportunities, and a favorable tax system (corporate tax rate of 10%).
3. Lifelong Citizenship: Macedonian citizenship can be passed down to future generations, making it an excellent choice for families.
4. No Residency Requirement: There is no minimum residency period required to obtain citizenship.
5. No Education or Language Requirements: No specific academic or language qualifications are needed.
6. NATO Member State: North Macedonia is a member of NATO.
7. Favorable Taxation System: No tax on income earned abroad by residents, and only a 10% tax rate on income generated within North Macedonia.
8. Dual Citizenship Allowed: Applicants do not need to renounce their original citizenship to acquire Macedonian citizenship.

What are the drawbacks of obtaining Macedonian citizenship through investment?

1. Uncertainty of the Program: It remains unclear whether the program is fully operational or merely announced. Despite being launched two years ago, there have been no reports of any individual successfully completing the process and obtaining citizenship.
2. EU Membership Ambiguity: There are no guarantees that North Macedonia will join the European Union. Although it has been a candidate for nearly 17 years, no official membership announcement has been made.
3. Infrastructure Challenges: The infrastructure in North Macedonia is not optimal. Many residents complain about the transport system, lack of digital and technological advancements in government systems, and overall state infrastructure.