Who is covered by temporary protection?
Citizens of Ukraine and their family members who:
A) enter the territory of North Macedonia because of war, threat to life, or escalation of hostilities against the civilian population;
B) are in the territory of North Macedonia and cannot return to the territory of Ukraine due to war, threat to life, or escalation of hostilities against the civilian population.
What documents are required to cross the border?
North Macedonia is not an EU member state, but it has simplified the requirements for entering its territory for Ukrainian citizens as much as possible. Thus, you can cross the border without a foreign passport. All you need is a national identity document, such as a Ukrainian passport or birth certificate.
If you are crossing the border with a minor, you should have documents confirming your family or other relationship with the minor (birth certificate, parental consent to accompany and depart the child).
How to obtain temporary protection in North Macedonia?
In order to obtain temporary protection in North Macedonia, you need to apply to the Ministry of the Interior - Sector for Foreigners (Sector za stranci) of the Ministry of the Interior in Skopje (address: 9 Goce Delcev Street, MTV Building, 9th floor, room 927), or to an inspector for foreigners at police stations in other cities for a temporary residence permit for humanitarian reasons.
For how long is temporary protection granted?
The Government Decision No. 41-6564/3 of July 30, 2024, which entered into force on August 09, 2024, extended the validity of temporary protection for one year until August 08, 2025.
These citizens who have been granted temporary protection are entitled to
- residence for a period of 1 year with the possibility of extension
- financial support in the RMG, in accordance with the economic capabilities of the country (as of 07.08.2024, no financial assistance was provided to Ukrainian citizens due to lack of funding);
- employment, pension and disability insurance;
- basic medical services;
- primary and secondary education.
Legal assistance from Visit Ukraine
When applying for temporary protection in North Macedonia, a variety of legal issues may arise: from the correct filling of documents to labor relations and social benefits. To avoid problems, Visit Ukraine lawyers offer professional legal assistance for Ukrainians in Macedonia.
You can choose one of the following options:
Contact Visit Ukraine lawyers to get qualified support at every stage of your stay in North Macedonia.
Accommodation
After arriving in North Macedonia, one of the first things you will need to do is to find accommodation. Of course, you can organize this process yourself, or stay with friends or relatives.
If you do not have a place to live, we recommend that you contact the head of the community of Ukrainians in the Republic of North Macedonia ( Facebook page) or the Red Cross branch at your place of residence (contacts can be found here).
Medical care
After obtaining a residence permit for humanitarian reasons, you will be entitled to state medical care.
Contacts of state medical institutions can be found here (tab “Institutions”).
Employment
A humanitarian residence permit gives you the right to work without obtaining a special permit.
To find a job and get more detailed information, we recommend contacting the Employment Service of the Republic of North Macedonia
Useful links:
Website of the Embassy of Ukraine in the Republic of North Macedonia
Facebook page of the Embassy of Ukraine in the Republic of North Macedonia
Information portal “International Headquarters for Assistance to Ukrainians”, where you can get information on staying abroad
What should I do if my passport expires?
According to the Resolution of the Cabinet of Ministers of Ukraine 170 dated 28.08.2022, starting from March 1, 2022, the validity of passports of Ukrainian citizens for traveling abroad may be extended for up to 5 years. Passports are extended by the territorial bodies of the State Migration Service of Ukraine, embassies and consular offices of Ukraine. In case of expiration of a passport for traveling abroad, such period may be extended for up to five years on the basis of an application of a person or his/her legal representative. Information about the extension of the validity period of a passport for traveling abroad is entered into the passport free of charge on the day of the application of the person in whose name the passport is issued or his/her legal representative.
1. Who can be granted temporary protection?
Temporary protection in North Macedonia is available to Ukrainian citizens who were forced to leave the country due to war or humanitarian disaster. Their family members can also apply.
2. How long is temporary protection valid for?
Temporary protection in North Macedonia is granted for a period of up to one year. This period can be extended depending on the situation in Ukraine and the decision of the North Macedonian authorities.
3. How to apply for temporary protection?
An application for temporary protection can be submitted to local migration authorities. The applicant must apply to the migration service or representative office, where he or she will be registered and issued a temporary status.
4. What documents are required to apply for temporary protection?
To obtain temporary protection, you must provide:
- A valid foreign passport or other identity document.
- Documents confirming legal residence in Ukraine before the war (for family members),
- Birth certificates for children.
5. Can I work after receiving temporary protection?
Yes, persons with temporary protection have the right to work in North Macedonia. To do this, you need to register with local authorities and obtain a work permit.
6. Does the state provide assistance with housing?
Yes, the state can provide assistance in finding temporary housing. There are also charitable organizations and programs that can help with accommodation.
7. How much does it cost to rent a house?
The cost of renting a house in North Macedonia varies from city to city and from region to region. In the capital, Skopje, renting a one-bedroom apartment can range from 200 to 400 euros per month, while in smaller cities, prices can be lower.
8. Is medical care available for persons with temporary protection?
Yes, persons with temporary protection are entitled to basic medical care. It is recommended to register with the local healthcare system in order to receive the necessary services.
