Law Office Badeva

Employment and Work of Foreign Nationals

In today’s globalized world, the Republic of North Macedonia offers attractive opportunities for foreign nationals seeking employment and residence, as well as for domestic employers looking to hire foreign workers. However, navigating the legal and administrative procedures is complex and strictly regulated. Without precise knowledge of the applicable laws and up-to-date case law, the risks of permit denial, deportation, or entry refusal are significant.

We not only inform you about legal requirements but also actively protect you from common legal pitfalls, leveraging judicial insights and our in-depth understanding of the Law on Foreigners, the Law on Employment and Work of Foreigners, the General Administrative Procedure Law, and the Law on Administrative Disputes.

Temporary Residence Permits

Temporary residence is a fundamental requirement for any foreign national intending to stay in North Macedonia for more than 90 days, particularly for employment purposes.

Work Permits: Mandatory Requirement for Employment

The Law on Employment and Work of Foreigners (LEWF) explicitly stipulates that a foreign national may only work or be employed in North Macedonia under the conditions and procedures prescribed by this law, unless otherwise provided by a ratified international agreement.

  • Mandatory opinion from the Employment Agency of North Macedonia (AVRSM): Temporary residence for employment or seasonal work is granted only if the foreign national meets the legal requirements and a positive opinion is obtained from AVRSM.
  • Conditions for a positive opinion: A positive opinion is issued if the employer meets all legal requirements, the quota for hiring foreigners is not exceeded, and the employment of the foreign national does not negatively impact the domestic labor market — particularly regarding unemployment levels, employment structure, or regional labor needs, in accordance with Article 86, paragraph 1 of the Law on Foreigners.
  • Consequences of a negative opinion: Judicial practice is clear: a negative opinion from AVRSM is sufficient grounds for refusal of temporary residence for employment.
  • Invalid employment contracts: Any employment contract concluded between an employer and a foreign national who does not hold a valid temporary residence permit for work or a work permit, and whose stay is not regulated, is considered null and void.
• Registration of Short-Term Services: Legal Basis for Temporary Engagements

For certain short-term engagements, registration of the work may replace the requirement for a work permit.

Protection Against Deportation and Entry Refusal

Decisions on deportation or refusal of entry carry serious consequences. We represent clients in administrative disputes to safeguard their rights.

  • Unlawful stay and exceeding permitted periods: Legal limits on stay are strictly enforced (e.g., 90 days within a 180-day period for short-term stays). Noncompliance may result in return or deportation.
  • Grounds for entry refusal/deportation: Beyond permit or residence irregularities, a foreign national may be refused entry or deported if they pose a threat to public order, national security, public health, or international relations.
  • Procedural errors by authorities: Courts insist on flawless procedural compliance by administrative authorities. Errors in procedure can lead to annulment of decisions.
Permanent Residence: Path to Long-Term Integration

For foreign nationals seeking long-term integration in North Macedonia, permanent residence is the next step.

  • Conditions for permanent residence: Permanent residence may be granted to a foreign national who has legally resided in North Macedonia for at least five uninterrupted years on the basis of approved temporary residence, unless otherwise specified by the Law on Foreigners.
  • Procedure: Applications are submitted to the competent organizational unit for foreigners within the Ministry of Internal Affairs.

Our team specializes in navigating all aspects of foreign employment and work, turning legal complexity into your advantage. We have deep expertise in the Law on Foreigners, Law on Employment and Work of Foreigners, General Administrative Procedure Law, and the Law on Administrative Disputes, as well as all relevant secondary legislation.

From preparing and submitting applications, communicating with competent authorities (Ministry of Internal Affairs, Employment Agency of North Macedonia), to representing clients in administrative disputes before the Administrative and Higher Administrative Court — we actively work to prevent errors that could lead to application refusals, deportation, or negative decisions.

This includes avoiding sanctions for legal and natural persons who fail to comply with the Law on Foreigners, such as fines for unreported stays or illegal employment.

Get In Touch:

    Contact Us: