Notaries and Fees in North Macedonia: The Complete Guide

Published on October 3, 2025 and written by Cyril Jarnias

Exploring the Nuances of Notary Fees in North Macedonia

Exploring the nuances of notary fees in North Macedonia is essential for anyone considering a real estate transaction or legal process in this region. Notaries play a crucial role in the Macedonian legal framework, providing not only legal security but also indispensable expertise in managing complex documents and administrative procedures.

This article unveils a structured guide to notary fees, highlighting associated costs and key factors influencing these rates, to provide readers with a comprehensive and practical understanding for optimizing their budget during important transactions.

Understanding the Notary’s Role in Real Estate Purchases in North Macedonia

The notary plays a central and indispensable role in the real estate purchase process in North Macedonia. Their intervention ensures the legal, administrative, and financial security of the transaction.

Legal and Administrative Responsibilities:

• The notary acts as an impartial public officer, protecting both the buyer and the seller.
• They ensure all parties are fully informed, consenting, and that the deed strictly complies with local laws.
• They conduct a thorough verification of property titles to ensure there are no disputes or undisclosed charges on the property in question.

Notary Responsibility	Description
Document Verification	Analysis of property titles, land registry certificates, administrative compliance
Sales Contract Preparation	Drafting of the authentic deed ensuring clarity and absence of ambiguity
Compliance with Local Laws	Ensures all procedures comply with Macedonian law

Documentary Verification:

• The notary checks all documents related to the property (land titles, potential mortgages).
• They ensure tax payments are made.
• If any irregularities are detected during verification, they immediately inform their clients so they can make an informed decision.

Financial Security & Property Transfer:

• Funds required for the acquisition pass through an escrow account managed by the notary, ensuring traceability and security until the actual transfer.
• The notary communicates with involved financial institutions to guarantee proper payment execution.
• They oversee the legal property transfer with competent authorities once all conditions are met.

“The notary will formally validate tax payments, conduct a thorough examination Their role is to ensure all clauses required for party protection are present. They also handle communication with your financial institution…”

Associated Costs in North Macedonia:

Country	Notary Fees (% of property value)
North Macedonia	0.10% – 1%
France	Approximately 7% – 8% (includes registration fees)

Fees are therefore particularly moderate in North Macedonia compared to European standards. Note that additional fees such as:

• Contract drafting fees
• Registration fees
• Various additional legal fees

Using a notary thus represents a minimal investment compared to the guarantees provided throughout the real estate process.

Assessing Notary Fees for a Real Estate Purchase

Notary fees for a real estate purchase in North Macedonia include several components, such as the notary’s remuneration, various taxes, and additional fees. Here are the essential elements to consider:

Fee Elements	Percentage or Typical Cost	Comments
Notary Fees	0.5% to 1%	Scale proportional to purchase price
Transfer Taxes (DMTO)	2% to 4%	Varies by locality and property type
Administrative Fees	Approximately 0.1%	Real estate publication fees
Various Disbursements	Fixed amount (€100–300)	Deed copies, cadastral consultations

Concrete example:
For a residential apartment purchased at €100,000, the buyer might pay:

• Notary fees: approximately €1,000
• DMTO taxes: approximately €3,000
• Administrative fees: approximately €100
• Various disbursements: for example €200

Total estimated notary fees and taxes for this transaction:

Variations by Property Type

• For commercial properties or agricultural land, rates may be slightly higher (up to ±5%) due to specific applicable rights.
• Residential properties generally benefit from standard rates.

Other Anticipated Costs for the Buyer

• Bank fees related to mortgage loans
• Mandatory home insurance
• Potential real estate agency fees
• Costs related to technical diagnostics or expert assessments

Possible Assistance or Reductions

Certain buyer categories may benefit from specific advantages:

• First-time buyers:
  In some cases (particularly occasional government programs), a partial reduction in transfer taxes may be granted to first-time buyers for their primary residence.
• Young buyers / Large families:
  Temporary exemptions or tax relief sometimes exist locally; therefore, it’s always advisable to consult with the notary before signing.

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Key takeaway:
Total fees during a real estate purchase represent between 2% and over 5% of the property price depending on its nature. It is crucial for any potential buyer in North Macedonia to include these amounts in their financial plan to avoid any surprises during finalization.

Identifying Hidden Costs When Buying in North Macedonia

When purchasing real estate in North Macedonia, several hidden costs can increase the buyer’s initial budget. Here are the main additional fees to anticipate:

• Real Estate Agency Commissions: Typically between 2 and 3% of the property price, these commissions are not always displayed in listings and can vary by region or negotiation with the agent. In some cases, they can reach up to 6% or more for specific properties.
• Notary Fees: Set by law, they generally represent between 0.10% and 1% of the property value in North Macedonia. Other sources mention a range up to 2 to 3%, particularly for transactions involving more administrative procedures.
• Administrative and Legal Fees: They include sales contract drafting fees, registration costs with local authorities, and various additional legal fees.
• Local Taxes: Depending on the municipality or region (e.g., Skopje vs. secondary cities), specific taxes may be added to the total amount payable at purchase.
• Condominium Fees (for an apartment): Often due upon acquisition, but their amount can vary by building type or neighborhood.

Fee Type	Approximate Amount	Observations
Agency Commission	2–6%	Negotiable; often depends on geographic area
Notary Fees	0.10–1%	Sometimes higher for complex cases
Deed Drafting/Registration	Variable	Depends on service; request detailed quote
Local Taxes	Variable	Some regions apply different rates

The intervention of a local notary is essential, as this professional will:

• Identify all mandatory costs related to your acquisition
• Provide an accurate and comprehensive estimate before any signing
• Ensure all legal obligations are met

Consulting a notary thus helps avoid any financial surprises during the purchase.

Regional Differences

Commissions and taxes vary significantly by:

• City (capital vs. province)
• Local real estate dynamics
• Agency business practices

In high-demand areas like Skopje, it’s not uncommon for some fees to exceed national standards.

Practical Tips for Foreign Buyers

To avoid unexpected additional costs:

• Always request a written quote detailing each budget item before any financial advance;
• Carefully verify all property-related documents (land titles, legal history);
• Be accompanied by an independent notary who may speak your language;
• Inquire about the tax regime applicable to non-residents in each targeted municipality.

⧉ In summary, anticipating these different budget items through rigorous verification protects against any hidden costs that could significantly increase the real estate investment in North Macedonia.