Naturalisation for special economic interest in North MacedoniaOverview
Article 11 of North Macedonia's Law on Citizenship allows the state to naturalise a foreign national without the usual residence and integration requirements where this is in its special scientific, economic, cultural, sporting or other national interest. Since 2016 the economic limb has been linked to a direct investment of at least EUR 400,000 in a business employing at least ten people, and from 2021 an alternative of EUR 200,000 invested in an approved private investment fund was recognised. Grants remain a matter of state discretion, based on opinions from the competent institutions, and have never been an entitlement.
Usage has been limited. According to figures cited in the European Commission's reporting, 121 people received citizenship on special economic interest grounds between 2005 and 2022, with one such grant in 2023 and two in 2024. The route is widely described as largely dormant, with a small number of applications pending.
The framework is now under active reform. The Commission's Eighth Visa Suspension Mechanism Report of December 2025, citing the April 2025 judgment of the Court of Justice of the EU against Malta, asked North Macedonia to abolish the scheme and repeal its legal basis. In June 2026 the Ministry of Internal Affairs published draft amendments that would remove the EUR 400,000 threshold and the ten-job requirement and replace fixed financial criteria with a case-by-case assessment of special interest. The Commission has indicated that retaining a discretionary power may not go far enough. The draft must still pass public consultation, Cabinet and the Assembly.
For investors, the practical message is clear: North Macedonia should not be approached as a conventional citizenship-by-investment product. Where there is a genuine, substantial business case in the country, naturalisation on special interest grounds may remain possible under the reformed law, but outcomes will be uncertain and subject to heightened scrutiny connected to the country's EU accession process.
Key benefits
- Citizenship of an EU candidate country with visa-free short stays in the Schengen Area
- Low corporate and personal income tax rates for those who also relocate
- Potential long-term upside if EU accession progresses
- Route rewards genuine business activity and job creation
- Family members may be considered alongside the principal applicant
Requirements
- A demonstrable special economic interest to North Macedonia, assessed case by case
- Under the current framework: EUR 400,000 direct investment in a business employing at least ten people, or EUR 200,000 in an approved private investment fund
- Positive opinions from the competent state institutions
- Clean criminal record and security clearance
- Documented lawful source of funds
- Valid identity documents and civil status records
- Applicants should expect enhanced due diligence given EU scrutiny of the route
Investment options
Direct business investment
EUR 400,000
Investment in new business facilities with at least ten local employees. The draft 2026 amendments would remove this fixed threshold.
Private investment fund
EUR 200,000
Contribution to an approved private investment fund, recognised from 2021. Its future depends on the outcome of the reform.
Special interest assessment
Under the draft law, applications would be assessed individually on their scientific, economic, cultural, sporting or other national interest, with no investment amount conferring eligibility.
Step-by-step process
- 1
Feasibility review
We assess whether the client's business case is likely to be regarded as a genuine special interest under the current law and the pending reform.
- 2
Investment planning
Any investment is structured on its commercial merits first, with local counsel advising on company formation and employment.
- 3
Application to the Ministry
The application is lodged with the Ministry of Internal Affairs with supporting evidence of the investment and its impact.
- 4
Institutional opinions and vetting
Competent state institutions provide opinions and security checks are carried out.
- 5
Decision
The Ministry decides at its discretion; successful applicants then obtain identity documents and passports.
Typical documents
- Valid passport and birth certificate
- Marriage certificate and children's birth certificates, where family members apply
- Criminal record certificates
- Evidence of source of funds
- Company registration and investment documents
- Employment records for local staff
- Business plan describing economic impact
How Legal Wealth helps
Legal Wealth gives an honest assessment of whether North Macedonia is a realistic option and does not present it as a guaranteed route. Where a client has a genuine commercial reason to invest in the country, we coordinate with licensed local counsel on company structuring, compliance and the special interest application, while monitoring the progress of the 2026 reform. Where the outlook is uncertain, we help the family compare alternatives in residence or citizenship that align better with its long-term plans.
Enquire with Legal WealthFrequently asked questions
Is the EUR 400,000 route still open?
It remains in the current law, but it is discretionary, rarely used and the subject of June 2026 draft amendments that would remove fixed thresholds.
Does investing guarantee citizenship?
No. Naturalisation depends on the state finding a special interest and on institutional opinions; investment alone has never conferred an entitlement.
Why is the EU involved?
As a visa-liberalised candidate country, North Macedonia is monitored under the EU visa suspension mechanism, and the Commission has asked it to abolish the scheme.
Can I travel to the Schengen Area visa-free?
North Macedonian citizens currently enjoy visa-free short stays in the Schengen Area, subject to EU entry rules.
When will the reform be adopted?
No date is fixed. The draft must pass public consultation, Cabinet adoption and the Assembly.
Last reviewed: 2026-10. Requirements, fees and timelines change. Information is general, reviewed on the date shown, and is not legal or tax advice.
