The legal framework governing criminal investigations, prosecutions, and trials in North Macedonia, including the rights of suspects and the role of the courts.
Criminal procedure (krivična postapka) in North Macedonia is governed primarily by the Law on Criminal Procedure (Zakon za krivičnata postapka), which sets out the rules for investigation, prosecution, trial, and appeal of criminal offences.
North Macedonia operates an adversarial criminal justice system. Investigations are conducted by the Public Prosecution (Javno obvinitelstvo) with support from the police. The Public Prosecutor decides whether to press charges and carry the burden of proof at trial beyond a reasonable doubt.
Expats arrested or detained in North Macedonia have the right to be informed of the charges against them in a language they understand, the right to remain silent, the right to legal representation (and to have a lawyer appointed if they cannot afford one), and the right to notify their consulate.
For property-related criminal matters — including real estate fraud, forgery of title documents, and cadastre-related offences — North Macedonian prosecutors and courts have jurisdiction over crimes committed on Macedonian territory regardless of the nationality of the perpetrator or victim.
North Macedonia has made significant reforms to its criminal justice system as part of EU accession reforms, improving judicial independence and prosecutorial accountability. However, case backlogs and procedural delays remain challenges in practice.
File a criminal complaint (krivična prijava) with the police or directly with the Public Prosecution. Simultaneously pursue civil remedies through the courts to recover your loss. A Macedonian lawyer can assist with both tracks simultaneously.
Under North Macedonian law, a person can be detained for up to 24 hours by police without a court order. A judge must then decide within 24 hours whether to order pre-trial detention for up to 30 days, extendable in serious cases.
North Macedonia cooperates with international law enforcement bodies and participates in mutual legal assistance treaties (MLAT). Criminal records may be shared with foreign authorities in the context of extradition or judicial cooperation proceedings.
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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