Many Macedonians living in Germany, Switzerland, Austria, the United States, Australia and elsewhere eventually face the same situation: a parent or relative passes away, and they need to claim an inheritance in North Macedonia — often without being able to travel back immediately. The good news is that the process does not require your physical presence at every step.
This guide explains how inheritance in North Macedonia works, what heirs living abroad typically need to prepare, and how the process can be managed remotely with proper legal representation.
How the Succession Procedure Works
In North Macedonia, inheritance cases are generally handled through a succession procedure conducted by a notary public acting on behalf of the competent court. The notary identifies the legal heirs, establishes the estate (property, bank accounts, business shares, vehicles, etc.), and issues a decision on inheritance once all heirs have stated their position.
If all heirs agree on how the estate should be divided, the process is usually straightforward. Disputes among heirs — for example, over the value or division of property — can extend the timeline and, in some cases, require court involvement.
Do You Need to Travel to North Macedonia?
Not necessarily. Heirs living abroad can be represented in the succession procedure by a locally authorized lawyer through a power of attorney. This allows the entire process — from the initial hearing to registering ownership in the land registry (Catastar) — to be completed without the heir being physically present in the country.
To grant power of attorney from abroad, it generally needs to be:
- Signed before a notary in your country of residence, or at a Macedonian embassy/consulate
- Apostilled (for countries party to the Hague Apostille Convention) or otherwise legalized, depending on the country
- Translated into Macedonian, if issued in a foreign language
Documents Typically Required
While each case is different, heirs abroad are usually asked to provide:
- A valid ID or passport copy
- Proof of relationship to the deceased (birth certificate, marriage certificate, etc.)
- The death certificate of the deceased
- Power of attorney authorizing a representative in North Macedonia
- Any documents relating to the estate (property titles, bank statements), if available
Common Challenges for Heirs Living Abroad
- Missing or outdated documents — property records or old land titles that were never formally registered
- Multiple heirs across different countries, making coordination slower
- Disputes between heirs over division of the estate
- Uncertainty about tax obligations connected to inherited property in North Macedonia
Working with a lawyer based in North Macedonia from the outset helps identify these issues early and avoids delays caused by incorrect or incomplete documentation.
How Risteski Law Office Can Help
We regularly represent heirs living abroad in succession proceedings in North Macedonia, including:
- Reviewing the estate and confirming heirship rights
- Preparing the power of attorney for signature abroad
- Representing you before the notary and, if needed, the court
- Registering inherited property in the Catastar (land registry)
- Advising on subsequent sale or transfer of inherited property, if desired
You do not need to be in North Macedonia to protect your inheritance rights — our office can manage the full process on your behalf.
FAQ
Do I have to be present in North Macedonia to inherit property?
No. With a properly authorized power of attorney, a lawyer can represent you throughout the entire succession procedure.
How long does the inheritance procedure take?
It depends on the complexity of the estate and whether the heirs agree. Uncontested cases are typically resolved faster than disputed ones.
Is a power of attorney signed abroad valid in North Macedonia?
Yes, provided it is properly certified (notarized and apostilled, or legalized through a Macedonian embassy/consulate) and, where required, translated into Macedonian.
Do heirs pay tax on inherited property in North Macedonia?
Tax treatment depends on the relationship to the deceased and the type of asset. We recommend reviewing this with a lawyer before proceeding with registration or sale.
Need help with an inheritance matter in North Macedonia?
Contact Risteski Law Office at office@lawofficeristeski.com to discuss your case.