The minimum wage in North Macedonia is the lowest legal salary that employers must pay to workers. It is set by the government and updated regularly to match living costs and economic conditions. The wage applies to both local and foreign employees working under legal contracts.
North Macedonia follows a national minimum wage system, meaning the same base salary rule is valid across all cities and sectors.
Current Minimum Wage Level
As of the latest update, the minimum wage in North Macedonia is:
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Around 36,000 MKD gross per month
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Around 24,000–25,000 MKD net take-home salary
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Equal to approximately €390–€400 net
The exact amount can change slightly each year after government negotiations with trade unions and employers.
Does the Minimum Wage Apply to Foreigners?
Yes, foreign workers have the same salary rights as Macedonian citizens. Any employer hiring international staff must respect:
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Official minimum wage rules
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Legal employment contracts
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Social insurance contributions
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Equal treatment under labor law
No company can pay a foreigner less than the national minimum wage.
Sectors That Commonly Pay Minimum Wage
Entry-level salaries close to the minimum wage are common in:
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Hotels and restaurants
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Retail shops
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Cleaning and housekeeping
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Agriculture
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Manufacturing
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Security services
Skilled sectors such as IT, engineering, or healthcare usually pay much higher than the minimum.
Working Hours and Overtime
The standard work schedule in North Macedonia is:
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40 hours per week
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8 hours per day
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Overtime paid extra
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Paid annual leave and public holidays
Employers must follow these rules for both local and foreign employees.
Is the Minimum Wage Enough to Live?
North Macedonia has a relatively affordable cost of living compared to Western Europe.
Typical monthly expenses:
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Rent: €150–€250
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Food: €120–€160
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Transport: €20–€30
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Utilities: €50–€70
Many workers can manage basic living on minimum wage, especially outside the capital Skopje.
How the Wage Is Paid
Salaries must be paid:
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Through bank transfer
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With official payslip
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After tax and insurance deductions
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Once per month
Cash payments without registration are illegal.
Tips for Foreign Job Seekers
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Always sign a written contract
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Check the net salary amount
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Confirm social insurance registration
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Avoid offers below legal minimum
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Ask for overtime policy
Future Wage Increases
The government reviews the minimum wage almost every year. Increases usually follow inflation and economic growth, so workers can expect gradual improvements over time.