Skopje, February 22 — Turkish citizens top the list in the number of temporary residence permits issued in Macedonia in 2024, according to data received by Skopje.IN from the Ministry of Interior.
A total of 5,644 people from Turkey received these permits, with the most common reasons being studying (2,408 people) and employment (2,247 people). Additionally, 578 permits were issued for family reunification, and 219 on family members grounds.
A total of 14,151 foreigners from 125 different countries were granted temporary residence permits in 2024.
Which countries lead?
Aside from Turkey, a significant number of permits were issued to citizens of Kosovo – a total of 1,426. In this case, the structure is different: nearly half (734 people) obtained permits on family members grounds, while the rest were mostly for employment (286) and studying (262).
From Serbia, 948 people received temporary residence permits, with 640 granted on family members grounds and 138 for employment. A similar pattern is seen with Albania – 934 people received such permits, with 585 people granted on family members grounds, 144 for family reunification, and 133 for employment.
Employment and family member basis – The most common grounds for residence
The largest number of temporary residence permits issued in Macedonia in 2024 were granted for employment – a total of 4,943.
As mentioned, Turkish citizens received the most (2,247), but a significant number were also granted to nationals from Nepal (425), Bangladesh (375), India (362), Kosovo (286), Serbia (138), and Albania (133).
The total number of permits issued on family member grounds reached 3,619, with the highest numbers granted to citizens of Kosovo (734), Serbia (640), and Albania (585).
In 2024, 2,816 foreign nationals received temporary residence permits for studying, with 85.5% of them coming from Turkey. Other notable numbers include Kosovo (114), Pakistan (69), Albania (59), and Serbia (40).
The previous year, 399 people received residence permits on humanitarian grounds, with the highest numbers from Ukraine (255), Afghanistan (64), and stateless individuals (47).
Under the Law on Foreigners in Macedonia, temporary residence durations differ depending on the specific purpose of the stay. Permits granted for different grounds—such as employment, education, or seasonal work—each come with distinct time limits and renewal conditions.