Published on May 1, 2026 and written by Cyril Jarnias

North Macedonia offers numerous opportunities for entrepreneurs looking to establish themselves in this Balkan country with a growing economy. Whether you are searching for a commercial space, an office, or a warehouse for your business, here is a comprehensive guide to help you with your efforts.

Best Strategies for Finding the Ideal Space

Finding the perfect space for your business in North Macedonia requires a methodical approach. Here are some tips to optimize your search:

Use local real estate agencies: Industry professionals know the market well and can offer you properties that match your criteria. They will save you valuable time in your search.

Check online listing sites: Many real estate portals like Reklama5 or Pazar3 are full of commercial rental offers across the country. Remember to set up alerts to be notified of new listings.

Explore industrial and commercial zones: Go directly to business districts in major cities to spot vacant spaces. Do not hesitate to contact property owners, even if no sign is posted.

Leverage your network: Word of mouth remains an excellent way to find good opportunities. Talk about your project to those around you; you might get valuable information.

Contact chambers of commerce: The Chamber of Commerce and Industry of North Macedonia can help you with your search and connect you with property owners.

Key Agencies for Your Space Search

Several reputable real estate agencies can assist you in your quest for the perfect space in North Macedonia:

Forton International: This well-known agency offers a wide selection of commercial properties across the country, especially in Skopje. Their multilingual advisors will guide you effectively.

CBS International: A subsidiary of the Cushman & Wakefield group, CBS International has in-depth expertise in the business space market in North Macedonia.

Colliers International: Present in Skopje, this global agency offers comprehensive services for renting offices and warehouses.

ERA Macedonia: A member of the ERA Real Estate network, this local agency is well-versed in opportunities in the country’s main cities.

Macedonia Properties: Specializing in commercial real estate, this agency offers many commercial and industrial spaces for rent.

• Do not hesitate to contact several agencies to compare offers and services.
• Ensure the chosen agency has the necessary licenses to operate in North Macedonia.
• Ask for references from foreign companies that have used their services before.

The Perfect File to Convince Property Owners

To maximize your chances of securing the desired space, carefully prepare your rental file. Here are the documents generally required in North Macedonia:

Commercial register extract: Provide a certified copy of your company’s registration in the Macedonian central register.

Company statutes: Present the statutes translated into Macedonian by a sworn translator.

Financial statements: Property owners will appreciate seeing your company’s financial strength through the latest balance sheets.

Business plan: A summary of your business project in North Macedonia will reassure the landlord about your intentions.

Bank guarantees: A letter from your bank attesting to your solvency can be a major asset.

Identification documents: Copies of passports of the directors and persons authorized to sign the lease.

References: If possible, provide references from previous landlords abroad.

• Have all documents translated into Macedonian by a sworn translator to facilitate understanding.
• Prepare several copies of your file to be able to respond quickly to opportunities.
• Do not hesitate to include a cover letter explaining your project to set up in North Macedonia.

Budget to Plan: How Much Does Renting a Professional Space Cost?

Rental costs vary significantly depending on the city, neighborhood, and type of space. Here are some indicative price ranges to help you budget your project:

Offices in downtown Skopje: 8 to 15 euros/m²/month Commercial spaces in Skopje: 15 to 30 euros/m²/month Warehouses on the outskirts of Skopje: 3 to 6 euros/m²/month Offices in Bitola or Ohrid: 5 to 10 euros/m²/month Commercial spaces in secondary cities: 8 to 20 euros/m²/month

In addition to the rent, plan for the following charges:

Security deposit: Typically equivalent to 2 or 3 months’ rent Agency fees: About one month’s rent Operating expenses: Vary depending on the lease type, but expect 10 to 20% of the rent Property tax: Paid by the owner, unless otherwise stated in the lease Insurance: Mandatory, to be taken out with a local company

Attractive Cities for Setting Up at Lower Cost

While Skopje, the capital, concentrates most commercial opportunities, other cities offer interesting conditions for setting up at a lower cost:

Bitola: The country’s second city, Bitola has a dynamic economy and attractive rents. Its university makes it a talent pool for businesses.

Ohrid: This tourist town on the shores of the eponymous lake offers interesting opportunities for companies in the services and tourism sectors.

Tetovo: Located near the Kosovo border, Tetovo benefits from a strategic position for companies targeting the Albanian-speaking market.

Strumica: This city in the southeast of the country has an attractive free zone for industrial and logistics companies.

Kumanovo: Close to Skopje, Kumanovo offers more affordable rents while remaining well-connected to the capital.

• Study transportation infrastructure and the availability of skilled labor before choosing your location.
• Inquire about local economic development projects that could enhance your location in the medium term.
• Some municipalities offer tax incentives to attract businesses; do not hesitate to ask local authorities.

Don’t Miss These Aids to Reduce Your Rental Costs

North Macedonia offers several schemes to support businesses in their establishment:

Rental subsidy program: Some municipalities offer subsidies that can cover up to 50% of the rent during the first years of establishment.

Tax exemptions in TIDZs: Companies setting up in Technological and Industrial Development Zones benefit from corporate income tax and property tax exemptions.

Hiring aids: Subsidies are available for companies creating jobs, which can indirectly reduce rental costs.

Subsidized loans: The Development Bank of North Macedonia offers loans at preferential rates for acquiring or renting professional spaces.

Innovation support: The Innovation and Technological Development Fund offers grants that can cover part of the setup costs for innovative companies.

To benefit from these aids:

• Contact the Invest North Macedonia agency, which can guide you through the process.
• Reach out to local authorities in the city where you want to set up to learn about specific schemes.
• Get support from a local consulting firm specializing in foreign business establishment.

Finding the ideal space for your business in North Macedonia may seem complex, but with good preparation and the right contacts, you can find the perfect location to grow your business in this country with many economic advantages. Do not hesitate to get support from local professionals to optimize your setup and benefit from the best conditions.