North Macedonia Digital Nomad Visa
North Macedonia is considering launching a digital nomad visa in 2023, although there is no official timeline. The country is known for its low cost of living and unique cultural experiences, making it an attractive destination for digital nomads. Keep an eye on official announcements for updates on the digital nomad visa program in North Macedonia.
North Macedonia is known for being a cost-effective destination for digital nomads, with a lower cost of living compared to many other European countries.
This can make it a popular choice for those who want to balance work and travel while managing their expenses. Additionally, the country offers a rich cultural heritage and scenic beauty, making it an interesting place to explore and live in.
North Macedonia is an attractive destination for digital nomads due to its low cost of living and abundance of natural beauty. It is located in the northern part of the historic region of Macedonia and is known for its rich cultural heritage and scenic landscapes, making it an ideal location for those who want to explore, work and live in an affordable yet beautiful destination.
North Macedonia is often overlooked by digital nomads, who may be more familiar with other countries in the region that are part of the EU or have established digital nomad visa programs.
However, North Macedonia offers a unique and cost-effective destination for those looking for a new place to live and work, and with the potential launch of a digital nomad visa program, it may become more popular among digital nomads in the future.
North Macedonia has been a candidate for EU membership since 2005, and it is possible that it could become a member of the EU by 2030. However, it is behind other countries in the region like Montenegro, which is expected to join the EU in 2025, and Croatia, which joined the EU in 2013 and adopted the euro in 2023. Nevertheless, North Macedonia's potential EU membership and the planned launch of a digital nomad visa program make it a destination worth considering for digital nomads in the future.
North Macedonia can be an appealing destination for expats and digital nomads seeking a low-cost and safe location with plenty of natural beauty. It is considered a safe place to live, with a stable political environment, and is an interesting destination for those looking for a European location that is less well-known.
With its combination of affordability and natural beauty, North Macedonia could be a great choice for digital nomads looking to explore a unique part of Europe.
Factors to consider
1. The internet speed in North Macedonia may be a concern when considering it as a place to live. The average download speed for fixed internet connections is 32.57 Mbps, which is lower than the global average.
Other countries in the region like Croatia and Montenegro have faster internet, so it might be worth considering these options if internet speed is a critical factor for you.
2. North Macedonia offers a low cost of living and can be an affordable option for digital nomads. With a minimum wage of €290/month ($313 USD/month), it is one of the cheapest countries in Europe. Digital nomads who aim to keep their expenses under $1,000 USD/month and save money can consider North Macedonia as a good choice to meet their goals.
3. North Macedonia is an undiscovered gem for those seeking beautiful outdoor destinations. With numerous lakes surrounded by mountains, four national parks, waterfalls, and caves, it offers a wealth of natural attractions.
Despite its size of around 10,000 square miles, similar to Vermont or slightly smaller than Vancouver Island, it is easy to explore the country and its scenic wonders. North Macedonia offers a wealth of natural beauty to explore, making it a compelling destination for digital nomads.
4. North Macedonia's location, bordering countries like Serbia, Bulgaria, Greece, and Albania, makes it convenient for regional travel. With direct flights to over 50 destinations and easy access to neighboring countries via bus or train, North Macedonia can serve as a base for exploring Europe. This makes it an attractive option for those interested in traveling around the region.
5. The current outlook for taxes in North Macedonia is positive, as the tax rate is relatively low. The country has a 10% flat tax rate on personal income, which is favorable, especially if you are no longer a tax resident in your home country. While some countries opt not to tax digital nomads, even for the first 12 months, it is not yet clear how North Macedonia will handle this issue.
Digital Nomad Visa
North Macedonia, along with other Balkan countries, is exploring the creation of a digital nomad visa, but it has not yet been introduced. Despite the government's announcement in February 2021 to launch the visa, the plan has been delayed.
Similar programs in the region like Montenegro have also been postponed. Currently, most visitors can only stay for 90 days or apply for a short-term residency which is not suitable for digital nomads.
How to Apply
It is uncertain if the government will offer an online application process for the digital nomad visa, so it may be necessary to apply through an Embassy. At present, the closest alternative to the digital nomad visa is the Type D Visa, which is a temporary residence permit for groups such as students, volunteers, researchers, etc. To apply for this visa, individuals need to submit required documents such as:
1. Passport information
2. Passport-sized photos
3. Proof of accommodation in Macedonia
4. Criminal background check
5. Health insurance
6. Work permit or other work information
If you meet the eligibility criteria for the Type D Visa, it could be a viable option while awaiting further information on the digital nomad visa.