Courier Jobs in Skopje, North Macedonia: What to Know in 2026

North Macedonia is opening its labour market to more foreign workers. The government set a 2026 quota of 10,000 work permits, double the 5,000 of 2023, and delivery and logistics are among the sectors where employers look for staff. This article looks at one of our current offers, a courier position in Skopje, and explains how legal employment works in the country.

The offer in short

The role is a full-time courier position in Skopje. Duties include delivering documents, materials and finished products to clients and business partners, transporting company materials between locations, and supporting the employer’s logistics. Courier experience is an advantage but not required. Requirements are good physical condition, punctuality, basic communication skills and the ability to work alone and in a team.

• Contract: official full-time employment, initial term of 12 months with a possibility of extension
• Residence: temporary residence for the purpose of employment for the contract period
• Schedule: 5 days a week, 8 hours a day (40 hours a week), with a 30-minute break
• Benefits: paid leave as provided by law, registration for social and health insurance, work clothing and equipment supplied by the employer
• Pay: 49,000 MKD net per month (about 800 EUR), paid monthly by the 10th of the following month, with additional payments for overtime, night work and public holidays under the contract

Pay and living costs

For context, North Macedonia’s average monthly net wage was 48,433 MKD in March 2026 according to the State Statistical Office, and the minimum wage since 1 March 2026 is 38,507 MKD gross (26,046 MKD net). Wages in Skopje are above the national average. Accommodation is arranged in Skopje at the employee’s own expense: rent of 5,000 MKD per month (about 80 EUR), a security deposit of 10,000 MKD (about 160 EUR), and utilities paid by the tenant. Meals are not provided.

How legal employment works in North Macedonia

Foreign workers receive a single temporary residence permit for employment, which serves as both residence and work permit. The procedure runs through the employer and has several steps: 1. Employment Agency opinion. The employer applies to the Employment Agency, which checks that legal requirements are met, including the annual quota and the situation on the domestic labour market. 2. Ministry of Interior decision. After a positive opinion, the Ministry of Interior decides on temporary residence once the remaining conditions are met. 3. Visa. Citizens of countries that need a visa receive a decision granting temporary residence together with a long-stay D visa through a North Macedonian embassy or consulate. 4. Arrival. After arrival the worker appears at the Ministry of Interior for registration and biometrics, and the residence permit is issued. 5. Registration of employment. Since the 2025 amendments to the Law on Foreigners, the employer must register the start of employment with the Employment Agency within 30 days of the permit being issued. Law firms report typical processing times of one to three months for the permit itself, and a complete file is essential.

Quota

The 2026 quota is set at 10,000 engagements: 9,750 for employment, 200 for posted workers and 50 for seasonal work. Within employment, 4,500 slots are for first-time hires and 5,250 for extensions. If a category is used up, new applications in it cannot be approved until the quota is reviewed. Between 1 January and 19 August 2026, the Employment Agency issued, for example, 1,837 opinions for Bangladeshi workers, over 1,200 for Turkish workers, 787 for Nepalese workers and 323 for Indian workers.

What changed in 2025

Amendments to the Law on Foreigners took effect on 26 September 2025 and simplified several points:

• Applicants now provide one criminal record certificate from the country where they lived in the last 12 months, instead of separate certificates.
• Proof of financial means and health insurance is no longer required for foreign nationals applying for residence based on employment.
• The employer must submit a notarised statement guaranteeing payment of all costs of the worker’s stay, including potential removal.
• An application for an extension must be filed no earlier than 90 days and no later than 5 days before the permit expires. Late filing is not allowed.
• Incomplete applications have 7 days from notification to be completed, otherwise they are rejected.

Nuances to keep in mind

• The permit is tied to the job. A worker may perform only the work for which temporary residence was granted, and must notify the authority if employment ends before the permit expires.
• Quota can run out. A positive opinion depends on the quota category still being open.
• Documents must be consistent. Names, dates and job details must match across the passport, contract, offer letter and the employer’s justification for employing a foreign national.
• Foreign documents need preparation. Certificates issued abroad usually require apostille or legalisation and a certified translation into Macedonian.
• Timelines are estimates. Document preparation, the Employment Agency opinion, the visa and the permit each add time, so plan for several weeks and avoid resigning or booking non-refundable travel before the permit is issued.
• Decisions are made by the authorities. No visa, permit or job is guaranteed.

How MN IDEAL COMPANY helps

We check the candidate’s documents, prepare the file for the visa and temporary residence procedure, and support the process until arrival. Document preparation takes up to six weeks and delivery up to two weeks, depending on the file. Message us at mnidealcompany.com, and we will check your situation first. Sources: Karanovic & Partners, LB Law, bne IntelliNews, State Statistical Office of North Macedonia (via MIA).