You’re about to explore everything known—and a few lesser-told truths—about North Macedonia’s Citizenship by Investment (CBI) program. By the end, you’ll understand its history, how it worked before suspension, why it appealed to entrepreneurs, and what might lie ahead if it returns.
Tracing the Program’s Roots
North Macedonia first offered a CBI option in 2016 and rolled out a more formal framework in 2021, aiming to attract business-minded individuals to boost the economy and create jobs. Despite these efforts, only a handful of passports ever moved through the pipeline before authorities halted new applications on March 1, 2024, to align with evolving European standards, as reported by IMI Daily’s coverage of the suspension{:target=”_blank”}.
How It Worked: Investment Routes & Costs
Before suspension, you had two main paths:
- EUR 200,000 into a government-approved private investment fund
- EUR 400,000 in new facilities or real estate that generated at least ten local jobs
Additional government and due-diligence fees ranged between EUR 20,000 and EUR 30,000, plus legal and processing charges, according to the Henley & Partners overview of North Macedonia’s CBI Programme{:target=”_blank”}.
Eligibility and Requirements
- No minimum stay in North Macedonia
- No language or local-education prerequisites
- Standard background checks and proof of legal source of funds
- Focused on established entrepreneurs and investors seeking European footholds, as outlined by Citizenship Shop’s program details{:target=”_blank”}.
Selectivity and Transparency Issues
Although marketed as a clear-cut route, the CBI option was discretionary. Little public evidence exists of approvals via smaller “donation-style” tracks, raising questions about who actually qualified and how many spots were genuinely available. Industry observers noted the scheme remained highly selective, with most approvals reserved for sizable investors, per Nomad Capitalist’s analysis{:target=”_blank”}.
Processing Times: Expectations vs. Reality
Official timelines promised 4–5 months from submission to passport, but reports showed it often extended to 8–10 months—or longer if extra checks were needed. Changing regulations and the program’s evolving status only added unpredictability to any application schedule, according to Global Citizen Solutions{:target=”_blank”}.
Benefits That Drew Investors
- Visa-Free Travel
North Macedonian passport holders enjoyed access to the Schengen Area and additional markets such as Japan, Singapore, South Korea, and Hong Kong, as detailed in the Visa requirements for North Macedonian citizens{:target=”_blank”}. - Business Gateway
North Macedonia’s corporate tax rate stands at just 10%, one of the lowest in Europe, according to PwC’s corporate tax rate summary for North Macedonia{:target=”_blank”}. - No Residency Mandate
Applicants were not required to relocate or spend any mandated time in the country. - Education & Healthcare
Citizens could access EU-standard public universities and hospitals, as outlined in the European Commission’s country profile on North Macedonia{:target=”_blank”}.
Standing Among European CBI Programs
Compared to Montenegro’s EUR 450,000 option or Malta’s more rigorous citizenship plan, North Macedonia stood out as one of the most affordable. Yet its untested track record and brief lifespan made it a higher-risk choice for those seeking guaranteed outcomes.
The EU Accession Angle
North Macedonia’s long-standing bid to join the European Union could dramatically enhance the passport’s value—granting full union rights rather than just Schengen access. However, accession talks have been stalled for years; the Council of the European Union’s conclusions on North Macedonia accession{:target=”_blank”} underscore both progress and persistent hurdles.
Your Next Moves
If you’re tracking CBI programs, keep an eye on:
- Official government announcements for any revival or overhaul
- EU accession news that might reshape eligibility and benefits
- Comparative analyses of European CBI offerings for cost versus reliability
Whether North Macedonia’s scheme resurfaces or remains suspended, its story offers a clear lesson: in the world of citizenship by investment, transparency and track record matter as much as price.