Arioch13
English expat in Macedonia
Forum posts
35
Contacts
11
About me
English
Lives in Skopje
Registration: 25 November 2009
Driving license in Macedonia by Armand
Hi all, Can a foreigner take the driving test in Macedonia? What are the formalities to get a drivers licence in Macedonia? Do you need special or extra documents being an expatriate? How much does it cost? Thank you for ...
Hi P. I learned of a prosecution of someone that got into an accident. The case was being conducted on the basis of driving without a license or insurance. The person concerned was under the impression their foreign license was valid to the full ... Read More
Driving license in Macedonia by Armand
Hi all, Can a foreigner take the driving test in Macedonia? What are the formalities to get a drivers licence in Macedonia? Do you need special or extra documents being an expatriate? How much does it cost? Thank you for ...
An update on this: You will need to do the following if you are here longer than six months. Take the driving appropriate medical exam. This is pretty low cost (around 30 Euros) and is a very general bill of good health. Some of the tests seem a ... Read More
Opening a business by October101
How much does an accountant charges to open a business in Macedonia? What is the monthly fee that an accountant charges per month to do a small business accounts and taxes + payroll.
Hi, This largely depends on the type of incorporation. ie. Dooel. Which is similar to a Limited company structure in the UK and much of Europe. OR DOO which is a little like a PLC. A Dooel requires 5,000 Euros in share capital. Though you will ... Read More
Your experience of culture shock in Macedonia by Christine
Hi, Living in a foreign country implies to discover its culture, to learn and master the cultural codes. How did you deal with that? Share with us your culture shock stories where you experienced a funny or awkward moment in Macedonia. What ...
Perhaps the rudeness in some public institutions and banks or the sometimes crazy processes and inefficiency. A small number of individuals in the wrong public positions in key institutions have done more harm to the Macedonian economy than any ... Read More
Considering a move to Skopje by Quezoy
Hey there, Me and my wife are considering a move to Skopje. She is Macedonian, I Slovenian, and currently we live in Slovenia. The situation here is not good however and I see no real chance for improvement in the (near) future. Especially, my wife ...
5000 euros is correct for a DOOEL (single ownership limited liability company) . You can pay yourself on a contract basis at 10% tax. This includes no contributions for health etc but as a foreigner you will need to prove some form of medical ... Read More
The other side of the Macedonian postcard
I think you nailed it there Read More
Places to visit in Macedonia by Julie
Hi, For the ones living in Macedonia, what would you suggest to discover the country? When you have friends or family visiting you, where do you go with them? What are the must-see places in Macedonia, the tourist sites? How to visit the ...
Matka is beautiful, agree with P Coops. Generally getting out into the countryside is great. I like the town Strumica which has a feeling which is slightly different to the rest of Macedonia. Hard to quantify but feels a little bit less ... Read More
Top hiring sectors in Macedonia by Julien
Hi, lets talk about job opportunities in Macedonia. What are the top hiring sectors? And according to you, what are the most promising job sectors, which will keep creating jobs in Macedonia? Thanks in advance for sharing your ...
Do I get a prize for the full reply :)? Read More
Top hiring sectors in Macedonia by Julien
Hi, lets talk about job opportunities in Macedonia. What are the top hiring sectors? And according to you, what are the most promising job sectors, which will keep creating jobs in Macedonia? Thanks in advance for sharing your ...
As a Director of the local British Chambers (The British Business Group Macedonia) we get calls to perform due diligence for many investors from all over the world. This often includes recruitment so my opinion mainly comes from this perspective. ... Read More
Voluntarily paying income tax in Macedonia
theuniversalgroup.net provide these services to ex pats. Read More
Can people with past criminal convictions apply for residency?
Part of the process is proof of no criminal convictions provided by the competent authority of the home nation. I think your going to find it difficult Read More
Citizenship in Macedonia by GuestPoster6584
Hello all, I'm an American married to a Macedonian and living here in Skopje. I'm working and have hit the one year mark (woo hoo)! I am definitely wanting to stick around but I do have a question regarding citizenship. How long do you have to ...
I got mine here recently and the rules at the time were that one must have been resident here for 3 years. 3 years from the time I first registered under my foreign visitors ID. Many of my fellow expats seem to simply stay under a 10 year ID. You ... Read More
Relocating to Macedonia by Roka44
Hi Me and my partner are thinking of moving to Macedonia and planing to open B&B for foreign visitors.We already found the perfect house,close to Bitola.Im a macedonian so the language is not a problem and my partner is a chef(very good one:))He is ...
I know of someone that did something similar but that did not last. I think it could have but the problem they had was advertising and getting repeat business. Been to MK once and there isn't a whole lot more to see. Where to find the sort of ... Read More
5 good reasons for living in Macedonia by Julien
Hi, if someone asks you the best reasons for making the choice to live and stay in Macedonia, what would be your top 5? Thanks in advance for participating, Julien
Not sure I agree with the night life being good by any description. This is a country where you cant buy a bottle of wine in a shop after 7PM for over half the year too. One of the popular misconceptions I come across is that this is "Eastern ... Read More
Rent a flat or a house in Macedonia by Christine
Finding a place to live is a priority when settling in Macedonia. Your experience will be of a great help for the members who want to settle in Macedonia. Therefore, we have prepared some questions for you: Which kinds of accommodation are ...
Agreed. Of course it depends on the area and what you consider appropriate to your needs. I was thinking more of the Vodna area or somewhere central. Most of my mates tend to stay in the centre or around Vodna so this is the area I know. I am ... Read More
Learning Macedonian
I am an Englishman living in Skopje and I share your challenge. I am finding it very difficult indeed and have come to the conclusion that structured learning is the only way I will ever get proficient. Good luck. Read More
Healthcare in Macedonia by Julien
Hi, how does the healthcare system work in Macedonia ? Is it efficient ? What are the main differences between public and private sectors? Is it recommended to purchase private health insurance in Macedonia? Thanks in advance for sharing ...
I agree with much of the comments mentioned by the previous poster in term of private care being so low in price it seems largely pointless to worry about going to a GP. However, that is because I feel I am a guest here and I expect to pay my way. I ... Read More
Expat blog gatherings in Macedonia
The various business groups such as our own British Business Group also organise regular events and gatherings in Macedonia. If anyone is interested in joining the BBG then feel free to send me a mail. We regularly organise social and business ... Read More
Driving license in Macedonia by Armand
Hi all, Can a foreigner take the driving test in Macedonia? What are the formalities to get a drivers licence in Macedonia? Do you need special or extra documents being an expatriate? How much does it cost? Thank you for ...
Personally, I just use my English (EU format) license and this is perfectly acceptable here. I have never had an issue with that. I suspect if you have a non EU license it would need a local test. There is a written theory and practical aspect ... Read More
New Member
Some great mountain bike shops in the center if you get stuck in Kumanovo. Being such a small country, it's not that far if you don't find what you need locally. Good luck in your move. I hope you like it here. If you need any assistance or ... Read More
5 good reasons for living in Macedonia by Julien
Hi, if someone asks you the best reasons for making the choice to live and stay in Macedonia, what would be your top 5? Thanks in advance for participating, Julien
1. Taxation is far lower than many other European countries. So if your used to the more painful taxation of Belgium, France, UK etc then the reasonable taxation in Macedonia is a blessing. 2. If you live in Macedonia and have a reasonable income ... Read More
Doing business in Macedonia by Julien
Hi, are foreign investors welcome in Macedonia? Is it complicated to register a company in Macedonia? What is the procedure? What is the corporate tax rate in Macedonia? Is it easy to recruit? Any advice you would share with ...
Doing business in Macedonia are foreign investors welcome in Macedonia? Broadly speaking yes, very welcome. However, the benefits are "hard" benefits such as reasonable taxation etc. You WILL need someone to help you that can speak ... Read More
Rent a flat or a house in Macedonia by Christine
Finding a place to live is a priority when settling in Macedonia. Your experience will be of a great help for the members who want to settle in Macedonia. Therefore, we have prepared some questions for you: Which kinds of accommodation are ...
Which kinds of accommodation are available in Macedonia? From shed to Mansion and everything in between. Is it hard to find a flat or a house for rent in Macedonia? Very easy to find somewhere appropriate to every pocket and requirement. How to ... Read More
Public transportation in Macedonia by Armand
Hi all, What do you think about the means of transportation in Macedonia ? Is the network of means of transportation well developed? What modes of transport are available? Do you use them? How much is a fare? Are they relatively ...
If I had one criticism of Macedonia it would be the roads. I have travelled in Africa and the Caribbean both of which are notorious for their dangerous roads. Macedonia is somewhere up among my least favourite countries to be on the roads. Since ... Read More
Child care in Macedonia by Armand
Hi, when settling in a new country, working parents are mostly concerned about finding child care services for their children. What can you share with us about the child care system in Macedonia ? How much is daycare in Macedonia? Is the ...
What can you share with us about the child care system in Macedonia ? How much is daycare in Macedonia? There is a huge variety and wide variety in price. In terms of good quality private daycare, 300-450 Euros per month gets you one of the very ... Read More
Buying property in Macedonia
Yes a foreigner can buy property in Macedonia. It does not need to be complicated but you do need to approach the purchase with some common sense caution and preferably with someone who has local knowledge and experience of the banking and legal ... Read More
Opening a bank account in Macedonia by Julien
Hi all, is it difficult for expats to open a bank account in Macedonia ? Which documents are required to open a bank account in Macedonia ? How long does it take to open it ? Is there any restriction for expats regarding the services ...
is it difficult for expats to open a bank account in Macedonia ? Varies by circumstances but no more or less onerous than most other European countries. Which documents are required to open a bank account in Macedonia ? This seems to vary a ... Read More
How to make friends in Macedonia
This is a strange topic when it comes to Macedonia. As an Englishman living here for 3 years now, I would say that making friends here is probably going to be the last thing anyone needs to be concerned about. The people here are extremely open ... Read More
Cost of living in Macedonia by expat.com
Hi everybody, It would be very interesting and useful to exchange informations about the [b]cost of living in Macedonia [/b]. The idea is to help those who would like to live in Macedonia . Don't forget to mention where you are living Let's ...
Update. Its been quite some time since I posted my last message here and as with many things in life a little time brings a little more learning. I have 3 key aspects of living and operating a business out of Macedonia which I would share with my ... Read More
Find a job in Macedonia by expat.com
Hi, You are an expat living in Macedonia? Please share your experience! [b]What is the best way to find a job in Macedonia?[/b] [u]The Internet?[/u] Please tell us which are the most useful / effective websites for job seekers in ...
I made the comment for a couple of reasons. Yes unemployment is high I have seen figures that seem to indicate a unemployment between 28-35%), but this is just one aspect. Employers in Macedonia sometimes do not pay on time or at all. I know many ... Read More
Do and don't in Macedonia by expat.com
Are you living in Macedonia? We need you to share your experience of the local customs :) Is it difficult to adjust to the local customs in Macedonia? Could you please share with us a list of the [b] do's and don't's in Macedonia?[/b] Thanks!
Do... - Be open minded - Be friendly - Be sensitive to economic differences - Learn about the history of Macedonia - Look at investment opportunity in Macedonia. - Research the rules and regulation surrounding your specific business very ... Read More
Find a job in Macedonia by expat.com
Hi, You are an expat living in Macedonia? Please share your experience! [b]What is the best way to find a job in Macedonia?[/b] [u]The Internet?[/u] Please tell us which are the most useful / effective websites for job seekers in ...
I would say forget it. Unless your coming here to invest or you are working for an international agency or corporation with a placement here. Read More
Cost of living in Macedonia by expat.com
Hi everybody, It would be very interesting and useful to exchange informations about the [b]cost of living in Macedonia [/b]. The idea is to help those who would like to live in Macedonia . Don't forget to mention where you are living Let's ...
I am an Englishman living in Macedonia. When I first came here the rate of stirling to Euro made Macedonia seriously good value for people with pounds. Now the Euro is close to the pound it is not quite the bonanza that it was at that time. ... Read More
Living in Macedonia
In my experience most native Macedonians are open, friendly and very welcoming indeed. It is one of the elements which most attracted me to Macedonia in the first place after coming here to meet some of my partner's family. There is an openess ... Read More