What Should an Employment Contract in North Macedonia Include?
An employment contract in North Macedonia should include the following details:
- Full names and contact details of both the employer and the employee.
- The employee’s official title and job responsibilities, including any specific duties or performance expectations.
- Start and end dates of employment if the contract is for a fixed term, along with conditions for renewal or extension.
- The days of the week and working hours required, including overtime policies and any flexibility in working arrangements.
- Salary details, including base pay, bonuses, incentives, and any other forms of financial compensation.
- Terms regarding paid leave, sick leave, and other statutory benefits the employee is entitled to.
- Specific conditions and procedures for contract termination, including notice periods, severance pay, and grounds for dismissal.
- A confidentiality clause if necessary, particularly for roles involving sensitive business information.
Employment contracts in North Macedonia must be in writing and signed by both parties. Employers must ensure that all agreements comply with local labour laws, and employees should carefully review all terms before signing to avoid misunderstandings.
Types of Employment Contracts in North Macedonia
There are three main types of employment contracts in North Macedonia:
1. Employment Contracts
Several employment contracts regulate employer-employee relationships in North Macedonia:
- Indefinite-term contracts: These contracts are for permanent positions without a fixed expiry date. They can be terminated by either party, subject to contract terms and local labour laws. The contract must be in writing, and employees must be registered for health and pension insurance before starting work.
- Fixed-term contracts: These contracts have a set duration and may be renewed or extended upon mutual agreement. They are typically used for temporary or seasonal jobs, expiring upon work completion or a specified event. The maximum duration for a fixed-term contract is five years.
2. Author’s Contracts
Author’s contracts are agreements related to literary, scientific, or artistic works. These contracts outline the scope of work, author rights and obligations, publisher responsibilities, and payment terms.
3. Service Contracts
A service contract is an agreement between a service provider and a client specifying the terms of service. These are commonly used for project-based or ongoing service arrangements.
How to Hire Employees in North Macedonia
Hiring employees in North Macedonia requires strict adherence to labour laws, including employment contracts, minimum wages, working hours, and employee benefits. However, these regulations are not overly complex, making compliance relatively straightforward. Since North Macedonia is a foreign jurisdiction, UK businesses face minimal employer risk, as their legal obligations are primarily governed by local Macedonian regulations rather than UK employment laws.
Businesses can either recruit employees independently or collaborate with a company like NearWork, which has an established network, a solid reputation, and an in-depth understanding of the Macedonian workforce and legal requirements. Generally, companies must register as a legal entity with the Macedonian government to obtain a unique identification number.