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Balkan state with 10% flat tax and growing tech sector
Region
EASTERN EUROPE
Corporate Tax
10%
Setup Time
2 weeks
Currency
MKD
North Macedonia, a small Balkan nation, offers low costs and EU membership ambitions. The country's competitive company registration framework supports cost-effective business setup for regional or European-oriented operations.
With a population of 2 million, North Macedonia offers affordable Balkan living. Macedonian is official, with Albanian widely spoken and English growing. Skopje provides urban amenities with modest costs.
Healthcare is basic, with complex cases sometimes requiring travel. Safety is generally good. The cost of living is very low.
The historic sites, natural beauty, and hospitable culture create emerging appeal.
Corporate tax rate stands at 10%. Personal income tax is flat at 10%. VAT applies at 18% standard rate. The low tax burden attracts cost-conscious operations.
North Macedonia uses the denar. EU accession negotiations have advanced despite delays. The economy is developing with manufacturing and services.
Company registration through the Central Registry is efficient. The DOOEL/DOO (limited liability company) is the standard vehicle. Foreign ownership faces no restrictions.
Company formation takes approximately 1 week. Minimum capital is EUR 5,000 for DOOEL. Annual compliance is straightforward.
North Macedonia has not established specific crypto license frameworks. Digital asset businesses operate under general commercial law with regulatory uncertainty.
The Public Revenue Office regulates gambling. Online gambling operates with limited regulatory clarity. The small market limits gambling license development.
EU accession timing remains uncertain. The small domestic market requires export orientation. Infrastructure and professional services are developing.
Banking access is available through local banks. The low cost base provides competitive advantages for specific operations.
North Macedonia suits cost-conscious operations, IT outsourcing, and businesses seeking low-tax European-adjacent positioning for their business setup.
Local: DOOEL
Local: AD
Local: Branch
| Corporate Tax Rate | 10% |
| Personal Income Tax Rate | 10% |
| VAT / Sales Tax | 18% |
| Capital Gains Tax | 10% |
| Withholding Tax | 10% |
| Reduced Corporate Tax Available | Yes |
| Non-Resident Withholding Exempt | No |
| Tax Treaty Network | Yes |
| Banking Access | MEDIUM |
| Financial Privacy | LOW |
| Currency Controls | NONE |
| Local Bank Account Required | No |
| Non-Resident Bank Account Allowed | Yes |
| Physical Presence for Banking | Yes |
| Banks Restrictive (High Risk) | Yes |
| AML Officer Required | No |
| MLRO Required | No |
| Compliance Officer Required | No |
| Data Protection Officer Required | No |
| Bookkeeping Frequency | Annual |
| Local Bookkeeping Required | Yes |
| Mandatory Audit | No |
No dedicated crypto licensing framework in North Macedonia. Crypto activities permitted under AML/CTF registration with FIU. Dedicated licensing framework expected but not yet enacted. As EU candidate country aligning with MiCA standards.
| License Required | Yes |
| Local Director Required | Yes |
| Local AML Director Required | No |
| Local Legal Address Required | Yes |
| Local Physical Office Required | Yes |
| Required Share Capital | $2,500,000 |
| Capital Maintained in Account | Yes |
| Compliance Program Required | Yes |
| Travel Rule Compliance | N/A for gambling |
| Business Plan Required | Detailed business plan and gaming equipment specifications required |
| Personnel Required | Management team, security personnel |
| Insurance Required | No |
| Remote Incorporation Possible | No |
| 100% Foreign Ownership | No |
| Min. Shareholders | 1 |
| Min. Directors | 1 |
| Shareholder/Director Same Person | No |
| Registry Public | Yes |
| Registry Access | Ministry of Finance gambling register |
| Renewal Period | Annual |
| Accounting Filing Required | Yes |
| Accounting Filing Frequency | Annual |
| Financial Statement Required | Yes |
| Financial Statement Frequency | Annual |
| Accounting Audit Mandatory | Yes |
| Compliance Audit Mandatory | No |
| Technical Audit Mandatory | Yes |
| Corporate Income Tax Applicable | Yes |
| Dividend Tax Applicable | Yes |
| Capital Gains Tax Applicable | Yes |
| Territorial Tax Regime | No |
| VAT Applicable | No |
| Regulators | Ministry of Finance, Public Revenue Service (PRS) |
| Licensing Fee | $600,000 |
| Licensing Fee Details | Casino license: EUR 600,000 (50% on issuance, 50% in installments); Betting shops: EUR 200,000; Slot machine clubs: EUR 100,000; Online operator: EUR 50,000 + EUR 50,000 bank guarantee |
| Permitted Business Models | B2C (casinos, betting shops, slot machine clubs), B2B (platform supplier) |
| Permitted Activities | Casino games, sports betting, slot machines, lotteries (state monopoly), online games (state-controlled) |
| Restricted Activities | Online gambling largely state monopolized through National Videolottery joint venture |
| Cross-Border Service Allowed | No |
| Physical Inspection Required | Yes |
| Player Fund Segregation | Yes |
| B2B/B2C Separate Requirements | Yes |
| License Required | Yes |
| Local Director Required | Yes |
| Local AML Director Required | Yes |
| Local Legal Address Required | Yes |
| Local Physical Office Required | Yes |
| Capital Maintained in Account | Yes |
| Compliance Program Required | Yes |
| Travel Rule Compliance | FATF compliant |
| Business Plan Required | Comprehensive business plan with 3-year projections |
| Personnel Required | Management board, compliance officer, AML officer, internal audit |
| Insurance Required | Yes |
| Insurance Details | Professional indemnity insurance required |
| Remote Incorporation Possible | No |
| 100% Foreign Ownership | Yes |
| Min. Shareholders | 1 |
| Min. Directors | 2 |
| Shareholder/Director Same Person | No |
| Registry Public | Yes |
| Registry Access | National Bank of North Macedonia register |
| Renewal Period | Annual |
| Accounting Filing Required | Yes |
| Accounting Filing Frequency | Annual |
| Financial Statement Required | Yes |
| Financial Statement Frequency | Annual |
| Accounting Audit Mandatory | Yes |
| Compliance Audit Mandatory | Yes |
| Technical Audit Mandatory | No |
| Corporate Income Tax Applicable | Yes |
| Dividend Tax Applicable | Yes |
| Capital Gains Tax Applicable | Yes |
| Territorial Tax Regime | No |
| VAT Applicable | Yes |
| Regulators | National Bank of North Macedonia (NBRM) |
| Licensing Fee Details | Varies by license type - EMI license recently issued to Iute Pay in July 2025; specific fee structure determined by NBRM |
| Permitted Business Models | EMI, Payment Institution, Bank |
| Permitted Activities | Payment services, electronic money issuance, digital wallets, money transfers |
| Restricted Activities | Banking activities without full banking license |
| Cross-Border Service Allowed | No |
| Physical Inspection Required | Yes |