The fundamental rights and freedoms guaranteed by the Constitution of the Republic of North Macedonia, including property rights, equality before the law, and rights of foreign nationals.
The Constitution of the Republic of North Macedonia (adopted 1991, amended multiple times) establishes the supreme law of the land and guarantees a catalogue of fundamental rights and freedoms to all persons within the Republic's jurisdiction — not only citizens.
Of particular relevance to property owners and expats, the Constitution guarantees the right to property (pravo na sopstvenost): private property is protected and can only be expropriated in the public interest with full, fair compensation. Arbitrary deprivation of property is unconstitutional.
The Constitution guarantees equal treatment before the law regardless of nationality, meaning that foreign nationals and foreign legal entities are entitled to the same legal protections as Macedonian citizens. This is relevant for property ownership, business establishment, and access to courts and administrative bodies.
Fundamental procedural rights — the right to a fair trial, the right to legal representation, the presumption of innocence, and protection from unlawful detention — apply to all persons including expats. North Macedonia's Constitutional Court (Ustavno-sud) can review legislation and acts of public bodies for compatibility with constitutional guarantees.
North Macedonia's constitution-making is an ongoing process under the EU accession framework. The 2019 Prespa Agreement renamed the country (from FYROM) and has been followed by constitutional amendments. Lawyers and expats should be aware that the constitutional framework continues to evolve.
Yes. The Constitutional Court can be petitioned by any person who believes their constitutional rights have been violated by a law, regulation, or government act. Foreign nationals have standing to petition.
Yes. North Macedonia has been a member of the Council of Europe since 1995 and is a signatory to the ECHR. Individuals may petition the European Court of Human Rights in Strasbourg after exhausting domestic remedies.
The Constitution requires that expropriation be in the public interest, authorised by law, and compensated at full market value. Any expropriation decision can be challenged in court. Compensation disputes can also be brought before the courts.
Browse our verified directory of English-speaking law firms across North Macedonia. All listed firms offer English-language legal services to expats and foreign nationals.
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