North Macedonia is gaining popularity among foreigners seeking peace, European quality of life, and smart investment opportunities. Buying real estate here offers not only a chance to invest profitably but also to simplify relocation and obtain a residence permit (residency). In this article, we’ll cover all the essentials: prices, neighborhoods, legal process, and immigration options.
What Types of Property Can Foreigners Buy?
Foreigners can freely purchase apartments and flats, but buying land or houses with land requires approval from the Ministry of Justice. Most often, such purchases are arranged through registering a legal entity (company) in North Macedonia — a fully legal way to bypass restrictions.
Available property types:
- Apartments (new developments and secondary market);
- Flats in tourist complexes;
- Private houses (via legal entity);
- Commercial real estate.
Real Estate Prices in 2025
North Macedonia remains one of the most affordable countries in Europe to buy property.
Skopje — the capital and business center
- Apartments in the city center (new builds): from $1,370 to $2,400 per m²
(For example, in the Skopje East Gate complex — from $2,400/m²)
- Apartments in residential areas: from $1,100 to $1,300 per m²
- Average 3-bedroom apartment in the center: around €190,000
- In suburban areas: from €100,000
- One-bedroom apartments: from €46,000
Ohrid — tourist and investment hotspot
· Flats close to the lake: from 20,000 to 70,000 €
· Studios within walking distance of the lake can be found for 20,000-30,000 €
· Flats with lake view: from 70 000 €
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Where to Buy: Top Neighborhoods
Skopje
- Centar — the main administrative and business district, prestigious and central;
- Aerodrom — family-friendly with good infrastructure;
- Kisela Voda — more affordable, developing area.
Ohrid
- A picturesque city on the shores of Lake Ohrid, a cultural and tourist center with year-round potential for short-term rentals.
Other cities
- Bitola, Prilep, and Struga — quieter and cheaper alternatives, great for peaceful living or long-term rental investment.
Legal Aspects of Buying Property
- Due diligence
It's crucial to check the property’s legal status, ownership, and whether any encumbrances exist.
- Sales agreement
Signed at a notary’s office, often with a certified interpreter (if the buyer doesn’t speak Macedonian).
- Payment & registration
- A local bank account is opened;
- Payment is made officially;
- Ownership is registered in the Real Estate Cadastre (Imoten List) within 2–4 weeks.
- Fees and taxes
- Property transfer tax: 2–4% of the cadastral value;
- Notary and legal services: approximately 1–1.5% of the property price.
How to Combine Property Purchase with Obtaining Residency?
Although buying property doesn’t grant automatic residency, it can simplify the legalization process and increase your chances of obtaining a residence permit.
Common strategies:
- Through business registration
Set up a company and buy real estate through it. You can then apply for a residence permit as a business owner. This also enables you to buy land or a house.
- Financial independence
For those not planning to run a business, having property and stable income (e.g., pension or remote work) may be enough to apply for residency as a financially self-sufficient person.
Why Work with Urban Consult?
- We offer comprehensive support: from property selection to legal residence.
- In partnership with Urban Life, we provide access to vetted properties with minimal risk.
- Assistance with company registration, bank accounts, notaries, and translations.
- We speak your language and understand the needs of clients from the CIS, EU, and beyond.
Conclusion
Buying real estate in North Macedonia is a step toward a new life in a peaceful, affordable, and promising European country. It’s a chance to invest smartly, obtain residency, and enjoy a European lifestyle — without unnecessary complications.
Want to learn more or find the right property?
Contact us — we’ll guide you every step of the way, from the idea to the keys in hand.
