What is the average gross salary? What is it comprised of?


The average gross monthly salary in Macedonia is €430, one of the lowest in Europe. This amount includes the net salary, personal income tax (10%) and social contributions for:
- pension and disability insurance;
- health insurance;
- employment insurance; and
- additional health insurance.

On average, what is the skill set that a candidate would possess?


The average Macedonian worker possesses good linguistic, interpersonal, and teamwork skills. In general, Macedonian education is concentrated on providing a broad set of knowledge to the future workforce.

What percentage of the population speaks English? What other languages are in use?


Every child in Macedonia begins to learn English in the first grade of primary school. In the sixth grade a second foreign language is introduced as mandatory, and a third as optional. Two foreign languages are mandatory in high school as well: English, and one of German, French, or Russian. Also, the system of higher education entails two years of professional English. Regional languages (Serbian, Bulgarian and Albanian) are widely understood and spoken.

What is the availability of skilled labor in Macedonia?


 Unemployed labour force by level of education, Q3.2008 (in %)
 
 University level education
  8.0%
 Higher education
  2.3%
 4 years of secondary education
 39.4%
 3 years of secondary education
 14.1%
 Primary and lower secondary education
 30.0%
 Incomplete primary and lower secondary education
  4.6%
 Without education
  1.6%
   

Source: State Statistical Office

Unemployed population by age group

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Graduated students 2003-2007

   2003 2004  2005   2006    2007
 Graduated Students 4,404 5,010 5,397 6,213  8,360
 Technical Fields  940 976 1,103 1,288  1521
           
Source: State Statistical Office

Are there any international schools in Macedonia?


Numerous private international educational institutions exist in Macedonia, both European and American, starting from pre-school all the way to university. The Ministry of Education maintains a listing of accredited educational institutions.

How do I find the right Macedonian staff for my business?


Numerous HR companies and recruitment agencies operate in Macedonia. Invest Macedonia can provide useful contacts upon request.

Who can I work with to train staff?


Universities in Macedonia are open and willing to collaborate with incoming investors in meeting the investors’ particular skills needs by co-creating and implementing customized training programs. Invest Macedonia can provide appropriate contacts. Also, training programs can be implemented through HR and training agencies.

What do I need to be aware of when hiring staff?


All issues related to employment are regulated by the Labor Relations Law, the respective collective agreements, other legal acts, and the individual contract between the employer and the employee that should be in accordance with the Law.

Is there a minimum wage?


The minimum basis for the payment of social contributions is calculated as a portion of the average salary paid in the economy published by the State Statistical Office, as follows:
- 50% for health insurance; and
- 65% for pension insurance.

What are the different modes of employment in the country?


There are two general forms of the employment contract:
- Permanent employment – for a period of time that has not been previously determined; and
- Temporary employment – for a period of time that has previously been determined.

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