Housing
Skopje is an emerging market attracting companies expanding into new regions. While demand remained steady in 2024, late-year trends indicate a slight increase, alongside rising living costs. The market currently maintains a good balance between supply and demand, with new residential developments offering high-quality, modern properties.
Average monthly rates in Skopje
Studio
$400–$500
$600–$800
$1,150–$1,600
$1,600–$4,800
Two-bedroom
apartment
apartment
One-bedroom
apartment
apartment
$600–$1,700
Three-bedroom apartmen
House
Key Trends:
- Growing corporate interest.
- New residential developments meet modern expectations and improve housing quality.
- Digital real estate marketing (virtual tours, online listings) simplifies property searches.
- More properties now offer shared workspaces, gyms, and gardens for a community-focused lifestyle.
- Increasing availability of smart home technologies with security systems, thermostats, and lighting.
- Sustainability focus drives demand for energy-efficient homes.
Challenges:
- Rising rental prices due to higher living costs.
- All lease agreements must be registered with the Real Estate Cadastre Agency.
- Expatriates face complications with mandatory migration registration.
- Limited high-quality rentals despite ongoing construction.
- Aging properties need repairs, but upgrades are often neglected.
- In Skopje, rents continue to rise in most wanted areas like Centar (city center), Debar Maalo (bohemian quarter), and Vodno (exclusive area with scenic views, favored by diplomats).
Immigration
North Macedonia's visa policy aligns with the EU, allowing citizens of 83 countries to enter visa-free for up to 90 days within a 180-day period. Third-country nationals with temporary residence in an EU or Schengen country, as well as holders of multiple-entry Schengen visas, can stay for up to 15 days per entry, as long as their total stay does not exceed 90 days in 180 days.
The country issues standard European visas: Visa C for short stays (tourism, business, private visits, medical treatment) and Visa D for long-term stays (work, study, family reunification). North Macedonia is working on Digital Nomad Visa program and is going to launch it in approximately within a year.
To be employed in North Macedonia, foreign nationals must obtain a work permit based on an employment contract with a local employer, along with a residence permit. Typically, an initial work permit is granted for 6 months, with extensions issued for 1 year. In some cases, the first permit may be valid for a full year from the start.
The country issues standard European visas: Visa C for short stays (tourism, business, private visits, medical treatment) and Visa D for long-term stays (work, study, family reunification). North Macedonia is working on Digital Nomad Visa program and is going to launch it in approximately within a year.
To be employed in North Macedonia, foreign nationals must obtain a work permit based on an employment contract with a local employer, along with a residence permit. Typically, an initial work permit is granted for 6 months, with extensions issued for 1 year. In some cases, the first permit may be valid for a full year from the start.
Moving
Transportation: North Macedonia’s household goods transportation primarily uses road freight, with seaports Thessaloniki, Greece. The primary airport is Skopje International Airport (SKP).
Customs Duties: import duties are 25%, with an 18% VAT on the total value of the goods. Diplomats are exempt from
these charges.
Customs clearance typically takes 3-7 business days.
Customs Duties: import duties are 25%, with an 18% VAT on the total value of the goods. Diplomats are exempt from
these charges.
Customs clearance typically takes 3-7 business days.
