North Macedonia is located on the Balkan Peninsula in Southeast Europe and is a country with a population of only 2 million. It features over 1,000 churches and monasteries, and more than 4,200 archaeological sites. North Macedonia is known for its beautiful scenery, with famous tourist areas including Lake Ohrid, Struga, Lake Dojran, Resen, Mavrovo Mountain, and Lake Prespa. In recent years, an increasing number of Chinese citizens have been traveling to North Macedonia. Today, our editor has compiled this guide on entry and visa application for North Macedonia.
I. Entry Regulations for Chinese Citizens in North Macedonia:
1. According to the visa-exemption agreement reached between China and Macedonia in 1994, Chinese citizens holding diplomatic, service, or public affairs passports may enter Macedonia without a visa, provided that their cumulative stay does not exceed 90 days within six months from the date of first entry.
2. Chinese citizens holding ordinary passports must obtain a visa before entry.
3. Chinese citizens holding ordinary passports who possess a valid multiple-entry Schengen visa (Type C), provided that the visa remains valid for at least 5 days beyond the intended stay in Macedonia, and subject to compliance with Article 11 of the Macedonian Law on Foreigners (i.e., holding valid travel documents, providing documents related to the purpose of travel and insurance, and not being listed as prohibited from entry or posing a threat to public order, public health, national security, or international relations), may enter Macedonia. Each stay cannot exceed 15 days, and the total stay within 6 months cannot exceed 3 months.
4. Chinese citizens holding ordinary passports who possess permanent residency in an EU member state or a Schengen Agreement country may enter Macedonia directly without applying for a visa.
5. Macedonia does not implement a visa-on-arrival policy.
6. Macedonia does not accept entry by Chinese citizens holding the "Travel Document of the People's Republic of China" or other similar travel documents.
7. Macedonia grants 90-day visa-free entry to holders of passports from the Hong Kong and Macao Special Administrative Regions of the People's Republic of China.
II. Macedonian Visa Categories
Macedonian visas are divided into four categories: A, B, C, and D.
Category A is an airport visa (also known as a transit visa); currently, Macedonia does not implement a visa-on-arrival system.
Category B is a transit visa, required for travelers transiting through Macedonia.
Category C is a short-stay visa; holders must leave Macedonia upon the expiration of the three-month validity period.
Category D is for stays exceeding three months for purposes such as work, family reunification, study, training, scientific research, or medical treatment.
III. Macedonian Visa Approval Process
After applicants submit their visa applications to the Embassy of North Macedonia in Beijing, the embassy forwards the applications to the Macedonian Ministry of Foreign Affairs (Visa Center) for approval. For certain applications, if the Ministry of Foreign Affairs deems it necessary, they will be sent to the Macedonian Ministry of Interior for review.
Based on feedback from the Macedonian Ministry of Interior, tourist visas are usually obtained within 3-5 working days. Work visas require a longer processing time, typically 3-4 weeks for approval.
IV. Required Materials for Macedonian Visa Application:
1. Applying for Category A, B, and C visas:
(1) A valid passport with an expiration date at least three months beyond the applicant's intended stay in Macedonia.
(2) Travel insurance documents (for individuals or groups) signed by an insurance company in the applicant's country of nationality or country of long-term residence.
(3) Documents explaining the purpose and circumstances of the applicant's intended stay in Macedonia:
a. Visits for private/official reasons: An invitation letter or guarantee letter provided by a Macedonian natural or legal entity, notarized by a notary office.
b. Visits for tourism purposes: Payment confirmation for travel to Macedonia (guarantee or other proof of payment).
(4) Proof of personal assets to cover expenses incurred during the stay in Macedonia (credit card or bank statement).
(5) Clear personal color photograph with a white background (3.5 cm × 4.5 cm).
(6) Proof of payment of the 60 Euro visa fee.
(7) Hotel reservation.
(8) Copy of return or round-trip flight ticket.
(9) A clearly completed visa application form.
Important Notes:
(1) Holders of valid foreign passports with a uniform valid multiple-entry Schengen visa (Type C), provided the visa is valid for at least 5 days beyond the intended stay in Macedonia, may enter Macedonia without a visa. Each stay cannot exceed 15 days, and the total stay within 6 months cannot exceed 3 months, with the total stay in Macedonia calculated from the date of first entry. This regulation will remain in effect until Macedonia joins the EU. (Based on the Note Verbale No. 92-1406/1 issued by the Macedonian Ministry of Foreign Affairs to embassies, consulates, and delegations in Macedonia on March 25, 2011).
(2) Any foreigner holding valid travel documents from a third country who needs to apply for a Macedonian visa to enter, but who possesses permanent residency in an EU member state or a Schengen Agreement country, may enter Macedonia directly without applying for a visa.
2. Applying for Category D visa, Type 1 (Temporary short-term stay based on employment, work relations, and self-employment)
(1) Personal Work Permit
(1) Visa application.
(2) A fully completed RD1/3 form or a work permit signed by the Ministry of Labor.
(3) Proof of registration of the legal entity registered at the Macedonian Central Registry.
(4) Current status of the company (company status within the last six months).
(5) A fully completed application form for signing/extending a temporary short-term stay permit in Macedonia (Form 2, Ministry of Interior).
(6) Medical insurance materials (a legal Macedonian translation of the original document, translated by an officially designated legal translation company).
(7) A criminal record certificate issued by the authorities of the applicant's country of nationality or country of long-term residence (a legal Macedonian translation of the original document, translated by an officially designated legal translation company).
(8) A certificate issued by the authorities of the applicant's country of nationality or country of long-term residence stating that there are no pending criminal proceedings against the applicant (a legal Macedonian translation of the original document, translated by an officially designated legal translation company).
(9) A passport with an expiration date at least three months beyond the applicant's intended stay in Macedonia.
(10) Color photograph (3.5 cm × 4.5 cm).
(11) Proof of payment of 70 Euros.
(2) Work Permit
A. Cross-border provision of services
(1) Visa application form.
(2) A fully completed RD1/3 form or a work permit signed by the Ministry of Labor.
(3) Service contract.
(4) Work schedule.
(5) Valid registration certificate of the parties to the contract.
(6) The applicant (or applicant company) must provide a certificate of no penalties.
(7) List of employees.
(8) The dispatched employee must have been employed by the legal entity for at least one year and have social insurance.
(9) A fully completed application form for signing/extending a temporary short-term stay permit in Macedonia (Form 2, Ministry of Interior).
(10) Medical insurance materials (a legal Macedonian translation of the original document, translated by an officially designated legal translation company).
(11) A criminal record certificate issued by the authorities of the applicant's country of nationality or country of long-term residence (a legal Macedonian translation of the original document, translated by an officially designated legal translation company).
(12) A certificate issued by the authorities of the applicant's country of nationality or country of long-term residence stating that there are no pending criminal proceedings against the applicant (a legal Macedonian translation of the original document, translated by an officially designated legal translation company).
(13) A passport with an expiration date at least three months beyond the applicant's intended stay in Macedonia.
(14) Clear personal color photograph with a white background (3.5 cm × 4.5 cm).
(15) Proof of payment of 70 Euros.
B. For employees dispatched to a Macedonian company for training
(1) Visa application form.
(2) A fully completed RD1/3 form or a work permit signed by the Ministry of Labor.
(3) A fully completed application form for signing/extending a temporary short-term stay permit in Macedonia (Form 2, Ministry of Interior).
(4) Medical insurance materials (a legal Macedonian translation of the original document, translated by an officially designated legal translation company).
(5) A criminal record certificate issued by the authorities of the applicant's country of nationality or country of long-term residence (a legal Macedonian translation of the original document, translated by an officially designated legal translation company).
(6) A certificate issued by the authorities of the applicant's country of nationality or country of long-term residence stating that there are no pending criminal proceedings against the applicant (a legal Macedonian translation of the original document, translated by an officially designated legal translation company).
(7) A passport with an expiration date at least three months beyond the applicant's intended stay in Macedonia.
(8) Clear personal color photograph with a white background (3.5 cm × 4.5 cm).
(9) Proof of payment of 70 Euros.
B1. For employees dispatched to a Macedonian company to provide training
(1) Visa application form.
(2) A fully completed RD1/3 form or a work permit from the Ministry of Labor.
(3) A fully completed application form for signing/extending a temporary short-term stay permit in Macedonia (Form 2, Ministry of Interior).
(4) Medical insurance materials (a legal Macedonian translation of the original document, translated by an officially designated legal translation company).
(5) A criminal record certificate issued by the authorities of the applicant's country of nationality or country of long-term residence (a legal Macedonian translation of the original document, translated by an officially designated legal translation company).
(6) A certificate issued by the authorities of the applicant's country of nationality or country of long-term residence stating that there are no pending criminal proceedings against the applicant (a legal Macedonian translation of the original document, translated by an officially designated legal translation company).
(7) A passport with an expiration date at least three months beyond the applicant's intended stay in Macedonia.
(8) Clear personal color photograph with a white background (3.5 cm × 4.5 cm).
(9) Proof of payment of 70 Euros.
C. Services provided by dispatched employees
(1) Visa application form.
(2) A fully completed RD1/3 form or a work permit from the Ministry of Labor.
(3) A fully completed application form for signing/extending a temporary short-term stay permit in Macedonia (Form 2, Ministry of Interior).
(4) Medical insurance materials (a legal Macedonian translation of the original document, translated by an officially designated legal translation company).
(5) A criminal record certificate issued by the authorities of the applicant's country of nationality or country of long-term residence (a legal Macedonian translation of the original document, translated by an officially designated legal translation company).
(6) A certificate issued by the authorities of the applicant's country of nationality or country of long-term residence stating that there are no pending criminal proceedings against the applicant (a legal Macedonian translation of the original document, translated by an officially designated legal translation company).
(7) A passport with an expiration date at least three months beyond the applicant's intended stay in Macedonia.
(8) Clear personal color photograph with a white background (3.5 cm × 4.5 cm).
(9) Proof of payment of 70 Euros.
D. Personnel dispatched by company associations
(1) Visa application form.
(2) A fully completed RD1/3 form or a work permit from the Ministry of Labor.
(3) A fully completed application form for signing/extending a temporary short-term stay permit in Macedonia (Form 2, Ministry of Interior).
(4) Medical insurance materials (a legal Macedonian translation of the original document, translated by an officially designated legal translation company).
(5) A criminal record certificate issued by the authorities of the applicant's country of nationality or country of long-term residence (a legal Macedonian translation of the original document, translated by an officially designated legal translation company).
(6) A certificate issued by the authorities of the applicant's country of nationality or country of long-term residence stating that there are no pending criminal proceedings against the applicant (a legal Macedonian translation of the original document, translated by an officially designated legal translation company).
(7) A passport with an expiration date at least three months beyond the applicant's intended stay in Macedonia.
(8) Clear personal color photograph with a white background (3.5 cm × 4.5 cm).
(9) Proof of payment of 70 Euros.
E. Training and Advanced Training
(1) Visa application form.
(2) A fully completed RD1/3 form or a work permit from the Ministry of Labor.
(3) Opinion from the relevant Macedonian institution qualified to conduct training.
(4) A fully completed application form for signing/extending a temporary short-term stay permit in Macedonia (Form 2, Ministry of Interior).
(5) Medical insurance materials (a legal Macedonian translation of the original document, translated by an officially designated legal translation company).
(6) A criminal record certificate issued by the authorities of the applicant's country of nationality or country of long-term residence (a legal Macedonian translation of the original document, translated by an officially designated legal translation company).
(7) A certificate issued by the authorities of the applicant's country of nationality or country of long-term residence stating that there are no pending criminal proceedings against the applicant (a legal Macedonian translation of the original document, translated by an officially designated legal translation company).
(8) A passport with an expiration date at least three months beyond the applicant's intended stay in Macedonia.
(9) Clear personal color photograph with a white background (3.5 cm × 4.5 cm).
(10) Proof of payment of 70 Euros.
F. Seasonal work performed by foreigners
(1) Visa application form.
(2) A fully completed RD1/3 form or a work permit from the Ministry of Labor.
(3) A fully completed application form for signing/extending a temporary short-term stay permit in Macedonia (Form 2, Ministry of Interior).
(4) Medical insurance materials (a legal Macedonian translation of the original document, translated by an officially designated legal translation company).
(5) A criminal record certificate issued by the authorities of the applicant's country of nationality or country of long-term residence (a legal Macedonian translation of the original document, translated by an officially designated legal translation company).
(6) A certificate issued by the authorities of the applicant's country of nationality or country of long-term residence stating that there are no pending criminal proceedings against the applicant (a legal Macedonian translation of the original document, translated by an officially designated legal translation company).
(7) A passport with an expiration date at least three months beyond the applicant's intended stay in Macedonia.
(8) Clear personal color photograph with a white background (3.5 cm × 4.5 cm).
(9) Proof of payment of 70 Euros.
G. Foreign representatives of companies
(1) Visa application form.
(2) A fully completed RD1/3 form or a work permit from the Ministry of Labor.
(3) A fully completed application form for signing/extending a temporary short-term stay permit in Macedonia (Form 2, Ministry of Interior).
(4) Medical insurance materials (a legal Macedonian translation of the original document, translated by an officially designated legal translation company).
(5) A criminal record certificate issued by the authorities of the applicant's country of nationality or country of long-term residence (a legal Macedonian translation of the original document, translated by an officially designated legal translation company).
(6) A certificate issued by the authorities of the applicant's country of nationality or country of long-term residence stating that there are no pending criminal proceedings against the applicant (a legal Macedonian translation of the original document, translated by an officially designated legal translation company).
(7) A passport with an expiration date at least three months beyond the applicant's intended stay in Macedonia.
(8) Clear personal color photograph with a white background (3.5 cm × 4.5 cm).
(9) Proof of payment of 70 Euros.
H. Independent services provided by foreigners
(1) Visa application form.
(2) A fully completed RD1/3 form or a work permit from the Ministry of Labor.
(3) A fully completed application form for signing/extending a temporary short-term stay permit in Macedonia (Form 2, Ministry of Interior).
(4) Medical insurance materials (a legal Macedonian translation of the original document, translated by an officially designated legal translation company).
(5) A criminal record certificate issued by the authorities of the applicant's country of nationality or country of long-term residence (a legal Macedonian translation of the original document, translated by an officially designated legal translation company).
(6) A certificate issued by the authorities of the applicant's country of nationality or country of long-term residence stating that there are no pending criminal proceedings against the applicant (a legal Macedonian translation of the original document, translated by an officially designated legal translation company).
(7) A passport with an expiration date at least three months beyond the applicant's intended stay in Macedonia.
(8) Clear personal color photograph with a white background (3.5 cm × 4.5 cm).
(9) Proof of payment of 70 Euros.
I. Employment permit
(1) Visa application form.
(2) A fully completed RD1/3 form or a work permit from the Ministry of Labor.
(3) A fully completed application form for signing/extending a temporary short-term stay permit in Macedonia (Form 2, Ministry of Interior).
(4) Medical insurance materials (a legal Macedonian translation of the original document, translated by an officially designated legal translation company).
(5) A criminal record certificate issued by the authorities of the applicant's country of nationality or country of long-term residence (a legal Macedonian translation of the original document, translated by an officially designated legal translation company.
(6) A certificate issued by the authorities of the applicant's country of nationality or country of long-term residence stating that there are no pending criminal proceedings against the applicant (a legal Macedonian translation of the original document, translated by an officially designated legal translation company).
(7) A passport with an expiration date at least three months beyond the applicant's intended stay in Macedonia.
(8) Clear personal color photograph with a white background (3.5 cm × 4.5 cm).
(9) Proof of payment of 70 Euros.
3. Applying for Category D visa, Type 2 (Temporary short-term stay based on other reasons)
A. Based on enrollment or participation in corresponding studies
(1) Visa application form.
(2) Certificate issued by a Macedonian educational institution confirming that the applicant is a secondary school or university student.
(3) A full list of courses the applicant intends to take in Macedonia, issued by the relevant Macedonian educational institution. (From the intended date of enrollment and registration for continuous study).
(4) Proof of language proficiency or registration for language courses required for all courses at the relevant Macedonian educational institution. (A legal Macedonian translation of the original document, translated by an officially designated legal translation company).
(5) Proof of the applicant's financial resources (a legal Macedonian translation of the original document, translated by an officially designated legal translation company).
(6) Proof that the applicant has stable accommodation or the conditions to obtain stable accommodation.
(7) A fully completed application form for signing/extending a temporary short-term stay permit in Macedonia (Form 2, Ministry of Interior).
(8) Medical insurance materials (a legal Macedonian translation of the original document, translated by an officially designated legal translation company).
(9) A criminal record certificate issued by the authorities of the applicant's country of nationality or country of long-term residence (a legal Macedonian translation of the original document, translated by an officially designated legal translation company).
(10) A certificate issued by the authorities of the applicant's country of nationality or country of long-term residence stating that there are no pending criminal proceedings against the applicant (a legal Macedonian translation of the original document, translated by an officially designated legal translation company).
(11) A passport with an expiration date at least three months beyond the applicant's intended stay in Macedonia.
(12) Clear personal color photograph with a white background (3.5 cm × 4.5 cm).
B. Based on international student/pupil exchange programs
(1) Visa application form.
(2) Proof of the applicant's financial resources.
(3) Proof that the applicant has stable accommodation or the conditions to obtain stable accommodation.
(4) Proof of age for applicants between 16 and 26 years old.
(5) Permit issued by the relevant national authority (the entity responsible for implementing nationally recognized international student exchange agreements and confirming the acceptance of the international student exchange program).
(6) A fully completed application form for signing/extending a temporary short-term stay permit in Macedonia (Form 2, Ministry of Interior).
(7) Medical insurance materials (a legal Macedonian translation of the original document, translated by an officially designated legal translation company).
(8) A criminal record certificate issued by the authorities of the applicant's country of nationality or country of long-term residence (a legal Macedonian translation of the original document, translated by an officially designated legal translation company).
(9) A certificate issued by the authorities of the applicant's country of nationality or country of long-term residence stating that there are no pending criminal proceedings against the applicant (a legal Macedonian translation of the original document, translated by an officially designated legal translation company).
(10) A passport with an expiration date at least three months beyond the applicant's intended stay in Macedonia.
(11) Clear personal color photograph with a white background (3.5 cm × 4.5 cm).
C. Based on specialized study, vacation study, or practical training.
(1) Visa application form.
(2) Proof of the applicant's financial resources.
(3) Proof that the applicant has stable accommodation or the conditions to obtain stable accommodation.
(4) Proof provided by a capable Macedonian entity or legal entity.
(5) Program determining the duration of specialized study, vacation study, or practical training.
(6) Program symbolizing the duration of specialized study, vacation study, or practical training.
(7) A fully completed application form for signing/extending a temporary short-term stay permit in Macedonia (Form 2, Ministry of Interior).
(8) Medical insurance materials (a legal Macedonian translation of the original document, translated by an officially designated legal translation company).
(9) A criminal record certificate issued by the authorities of the applicant's country of nationality or country of long-term residence (a legal Macedonian translation of the original document, translated by an officially designated legal translation company).
(10) A certificate issued by the authorities of the applicant's country of nationality or country of long-term residence stating that there are no pending criminal proceedings against the applicant (a legal Macedonian translation of the original document, translated by an officially designated legal translation company).
(11) A passport with an expiration date at least three months beyond the applicant's intended stay in Macedonia.
(12) Clear personal color photograph with a white background (3.5 cm × 4.5 cm).
(13) Proof of payment of 70 Euros.
D. Based on scientific research reasons
(1) Visa application form.
(2) Proof of the applicant's financial resources.
(3) Proof that the applicant has stable accommodation or the conditions to obtain stable accommodation.
(4) Contract signed with a formally registered scientific research institution in Macedonia regarding the research project.
(5) Proof of funding sources for this research project.
(6) Certified proof of the applicant's academic qualifications (Bachelor's, Master's, etc.) (a legal Macedonian translation of the original document, translated by an officially designated legal translation company).
(7) Permit from the corresponding qualified institution (Ministry of Education and Science).
(8) A fully completed application form for signing/extending a temporary short-term stay permit in Macedonia (Form 2, Ministry of Interior).
(9) Medical insurance materials (a legal Macedonian translation of the original document, translated by an officially designated legal translation company).
(10) A criminal record certificate issued by the authorities of the applicant's country of nationality or country of long-term residence (a legal Macedonian translation of the original document, translated by an officially designated legal translation company).
(11) A certificate issued by the authorities of the applicant's country of nationality or country of long-term residence stating that there are no pending criminal proceedings against the applicant (a legal Macedonian translation of the original document, translated by an officially designated legal translation company).
(12) A passport with an expiration date at least three months beyond the applicant's intended stay in Macedonia.
(13) Clear personal color photograph with a white background (3.5 cm × 4.5 cm).
(14) Proof of payment of 70 Euros.
E. Based on medical reasons
(1) Visa application form.
(2) Proof that relevant medical expenses will be borne by the applicant or their home country. (A legal Macedonian translation of the original document, translated by an officially designated legal translation company).
(3) Receipt issued by a Macedonian medical and health institution
a. At the time treatment begins and for any potential follow-up treatment, and
b. Confirmation that accepting this applicant will not cause harm to Macedonian citizens.
(4) A fully completed application form for signing/extending a temporary short-term stay permit in Macedonia (Form 2, Ministry of Interior).
(5) Medical insurance materials (a legal Macedonian translation of the original document, translated by an officially designated legal translation company).
(6) A criminal record certificate issued by the authorities of the applicant's country of nationality or country of long-term residence (a legal Macedonian translation of the original document, translated by an officially designated legal translation company).
(7) A certificate issued by the authorities of the applicant's country of nationality or country of long-term residence stating that there are no pending criminal proceedings against the applicant (a legal Macedonian translation of the original document, translated by an officially designated legal translation company).
(8) A passport with an expiration date at least three months beyond the applicant's intended stay in Macedonia.
(9) Clear personal color photograph with a white background (3.5 cm × 4.5 cm).
(10) Proof of payment of 70 Euros.
F. Based on family reunification reasons
(1) Visa application form.
(2) Proof of the applicant's financial resources.
(3) Proof that the applicant has stable accommodation or the conditions to obtain stable accommodation.
(4) Certificate from the Ministry of Interior (from a family member who has already obtained long-term residency status).
(5) Proof of family relationship---marriage certificate and birth certificate (a legal Macedonian translation of the original document, translated by an officially designated legal translation company).
(6) A fully completed application form for signing/extending a temporary short-term stay permit in Macedonia (Form 2, Ministry of Interior).
(7) Health insurance proof for family members (a legal Macedonian translation of the original document, translated by an officially designated legal translation company).
(8) A criminal record certificate issued by the authorities of the applicant's country of nationality or country of long-term residence (a legal Macedonian translation of the original document, translated by an officially designated legal translation company).
(9) A certificate issued by the authorities of the applicant's country of nationality or country of long-term residence stating that there are no pending criminal proceedings against the applicant (a legal Macedonian translation of the original document, translated by an officially designated legal translation company).
(10) A passport with an expiration date at least three months beyond the applicant's intended stay in Macedonia.
(11) Clear personal color photograph with a white background (3.5 cm × 4.5 cm).
(12) Proof of payment of 70 Euros.
G. Based on volunteer work reasons
(1) Visa application form.
(2) Proof of the applicant's financial resources.
(3) Proof that the applicant has stable accommodation or the conditions to obtain stable accommodation.
(4) Volunteer work contract (based on the agreement between the applicant and the Macedonian volunteer work organizer).
(5) Volunteer work project.
(6) Permit from the Ministry of Labor and Social Policy.
(7) A fully completed application form for signing/extending a temporary short-term stay permit in Macedonia (Form 2, Ministry of Interior).
(8) Health insurance proof for family members (a legal Macedonian translation of the original document, translated by an officially designated legal translation company).
(9) A criminal record certificate issued by the authorities of the applicant's country of nationality or country of long-term residence (a legal Macedonian translation of the original document, translated by an officially designated legal translation company).
(10) A certificate issued by the authorities of the applicant's country of nationality or country of long-term residence stating that there are no pending criminal proceedings against the applicant (a legal Macedonian translation of the original document, translated by an officially designated legal translation company).
(11) Clear personal color photograph with a white background (3.5 cm × 4.5 cm).
(12) Proof of payment of 70 Euros.
