Skopje, 21 October 2025 (MIA) - The Skopje-based Criminal Court said Tuesday that the criminal and penal records of foreign nationals will now be verified through the Interior Ministry, no longer requiring foreign nationals to independently obtain the two certificates from the courts when regulating their residency status.

“The Criminal Court informs foreign nationals residing in the Republic of North Macedonia that, according to new procedures, checks of criminal and penal records required for regulating residence will no longer be conducted through the courts, but directly by the Interior Ministry. Specifically, foreign nationals are no longer required to independently obtain certificates from the courts. The Interior Ministry will carry out these checks ex officio as part of the procedure for approving or extending residence,” the Court said.

The change, according to the Court, enables a faster and simpler implementation of procedures for regulating the residence of foreign nationals, reducing the time needed to obtain the required documentation.

MIA file photo