North Macedonian visa resources
The two-step process: long-stay visa then residence permit
A country-specific explainer of how North Macedonia separates the long-stay (D) visa from the residence permit and how the two fit together.
Important
North Macedonia keeps the entry visa and the right to reside as two separate documents issued by two different authorities. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs issues the entry visa through consular missions; the Ministry of Interior issues residence permits for foreigners inside the country.
For any long-term move, the residence decision comes first: the Ministry of Interior issues a decision granting temporary residence, and only then is the long-stay (D) visa issued so the person can travel to North Macedonia. After arrival the residence-permit formalities are completed with the Ministry of Interior.
For employment there is a further layer — a work permit issued via the Employment Agency of North Macedonia underpins the temporary residence for work. Understanding this sequence (work/residence ground approved → D visa → residence permit) avoids the common mistake of expecting a single visa to grant the right to live and work.
The authorities involved
- Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade — issues entry visas (A, C, D) at diplomatic and consular missions
- Ministry of Interior — issues and registers residence permits for foreigners
- Employment Agency of North Macedonia — issues work permits for employment and self-employment
Next steps
Official sources
For the most accurate and up-to-date information, always refer to the official government sources.
Verified against official sources · last reviewed 2026-08-21. Information only — not legal advice.