Starting a business in
🇲🇰North Macedonia
Checked November 4, 2026 · How we score
Corporate tax
10%
Top income tax
10%
Setup from
$600
all-in, first year
Time to form
5 days
can be done remotely
Taxes in North Macedonia
| Corporate income tax | 10% Flat 10% on taxable profit. Companies in Technological Industrial Development Zones (TIDZ) are exempt from corporate and personal income tax for 10 years. |
|---|---|
| Personal income tax (top) | 10% Flat 10% personal income tax on salary and most other income, plus social contributions of about 27% on gross pay (largely employee-borne). |
| Tax system | Worldwide income |
| Capital gains tax | 10%Flat 10% on capital gains from securities and property for individuals, with some exemptions for property held long term or primary residences. |
| Dividend withholding (non-residents) | 10% |
| VAT / GST | 18% |
| Social security | Pension, health and unemployment contributions total roughly 27% of gross salary; a reduced 5% VAT rate applies to some goods. |
Forming a company in North Macedonia
| Usual entity | DOOEL (single-member LLC) or DOO |
|---|---|
| Minimum capital | $5,500 |
| Setup cost (all-in) | $600–$2,000 |
| Annual running cost | $1,200–$4,000 |
| Time to incorporate | 5 days |
| Form remotely as a foreigner | Yes |
| Local director required | No |
| Local address required | Yes |
| Owners on public register | Yes |
| Statutory audit for small companies | No |
| Business banking for non-residents | Hard |
Residency and visas
Company founders and managers can obtain a temporary residence permit linked to their business; there is no widely used digital nomad or investor-residency scheme, and processing needs local presence for biometrics.
| Digital nomad visa | No |
|---|---|
| Golden visa | No |
| Ease of residency for founders | 3/5 (1 = easiest) |
Special tax regimes
Technological Industrial Development Zones (TIDZ)
Companies operating in designated zones get a 10-year exemption from corporate and personal income tax, customs duties and VAT on certain inputs.
Flat 10% tax system
Corporate tax, personal income tax and dividend tax are all 10%, among the simplest and lowest in Europe.
Pros and cons
Why founders pick North Macedonia
- Flat 10% taxes on profit, income and dividends
- Fast one-stop-shop registration in 1-5 days
- Very low accounting and living costs
- 10-year tax holiday in development zones
Watch out for
- EU candidate but not an EU member; weaker reputation with some banks
- Limited access to international payment processors
- Residency options for foreigners are narrow
- Bureaucracy and reliance on local lawyers and accountants
Best for: Low-cost IT outsourcing and service companies · Manufacturers targeting a TIDZ tax holiday · Founders wanting a cheap European entity with simple flat taxes
North Macedonia: common questions
What is the corporate tax rate in North Macedonia?
A flat 10% on taxable profit. Companies in a Technological Industrial Development Zone can receive a 10-year exemption from corporate and personal income tax.
How long does it take to register a company in North Macedonia?
A DOO or DOOEL can usually be registered within 1-5 working days through the Central Registry's one-stop shop. The minimum capital for a DOOEL is EUR 5,000 in the currently applicable rules, with lower thresholds discussed for simplified companies.
Can a foreigner own a company in North Macedonia?
Yes, foreigners can own 100% of a company and act as manager. A local registered address is needed, and using a local lawyer under power of attorney lets a non-resident complete formation without travelling, though bank-account opening may require a visit.
What taxes do dividends pay in North Macedonia?
Dividends distributed to individuals, including non-resident shareholders, are subject to 10% withholding tax, which may be reduced under a tax treaty. Together with 10% corporate tax, the effective combined burden on distributed profit is about 19%.
Sources
- Public Revenue Office of North Macedonia (UJP)
- Central Registry of North Macedonia
- PwC Worldwide Tax Summaries - North Macedonia
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Not tax or legal advice. Rates and rules change; we check official sources and update every page, but verify with a licensed adviser in the country before acting. Spotted something out of date? Use the correction form below.