North Macedonia currently operates a programme that allows applicants to obtain citizenship on economic grounds. One of its key features is the possibility of accelerated naturalisation without a requirement to reside in the country beforehand. However, the programme currently has specific investment thresholds: €400,000 in a new business that creates at least 10 jobs, or €200,000 through an investment fund.

The authorities now plan to remove the minimum investment requirement and assess each applicant on an individual basis. Economic contribution to the country would remain one of the grounds for obtaining citizenship through an accelerated procedure.

The European Commission strongly opposes the move. In the long term, such a decision could potentially lead to the suspension of visa-free travel between North Macedonia and the Schengen Area.