North Macedonia previously had a citizenship-by-investment program, but the transcript states that there is currently no active North Macedonia CBI program. The discussion focuses on clearing up confusion caused by outdated or inaccurate claims online and explains that the earlier program became defunct after political changes and has not been restarted.
North Macedonia had previously discussed and promoted a citizenship-by-investment option.
Before the official announcement, unofficial and unconfirmed figures circulated for a long time. The amounts mentioned ranged from approximately €200,000 to €400,000.
The transcript says the official version later promoted by the government was a €200,000 donation route. Agencies and marketing firms were reportedly informed to promote the program at that price.
Some people became interested and some reportedly applied.
Unclear outcome for earlier applicants
The transcript says there were unconfirmed reports from marketing agencies about:
- approvals in principle;
- letters being issued;
- progress on some applications.
However, it states that there were no confirmed cases of applicants receiving actual passports through the program.
Several points remain unclear:
- whether any applicants were fully approved;
- whether passports were ever issued;
- what happened to application funds;
- how the program was administered;
- who was responsible for running it;
- what happened after the program stopped accepting applications.
The transcript emphasizes that there is not enough credible, confirmed information to say what happened to those earlier applications.
No current North Macedonia CBI program
The main practical point is that North Macedonia does not currently have an active citizenship-by-investment program.
According to the transcript, the earlier program became defunct after a change in regime. It stopped accepting new applications and was surrounded by confusion over administration and implementation.
The transcript states clearly that there is no new North Macedonia citizenship-by-investment program.
Concerns about the country as an option
The transcript also expresses caution about North Macedonia as a destination.
It says the country is generally “closed” and refers to reports from some foreigners and tourists who allegedly had negative experiences there. These comments are presented as personal opinion and anecdotal impressions rather than confirmed policy analysis.
The transcript does not describe North Macedonia as universally unsuitable, but it says that, even if a CBI program existed, the speaker would personally avoid it.
Alternative citizenship routes
For people looking for citizenship options, the transcript suggests considering other categories instead of relying on inactive or unclear programs.
Possible alternatives mentioned include:
- countries with active CBI programs;
- natural residency-to-citizenship routes;
- flexible residencies that can later lead to citizenship;
- citizenship by exception;
- other routes depending on personal circumstances.
The transcript states that flexible residency routes require careful scheduling. The applicant must plan time in the country and structure the process properly to get the intended citizenship benefit.
Citizenship by exception is also mentioned, but the transcript notes that it is not suitable for everyone. The applicant must be the right type of person and meet the specific criteria for that country.
Practical takeaway
North Macedonia’s previous CBI program was promoted around a €200,000 donation, after earlier unofficial figures ranging from €200,000 to €400,000 circulated. But the transcript says the program is now defunct, no new applications are being accepted, and there is no active North Macedonia citizenship-by-investment route.
Anyone considering citizenship planning should avoid relying on outdated claims about a restarted North Macedonia CBI program and instead evaluate active, legally clear options such as formal CBI programs, residency-to-citizenship routes, or properly documented citizenship-by-exception pathways.
