Living in Skopje, North Macedonia. Neighborhoods, coworking, and what to expect.
Planning to work remotely from Skopje, North Macedonia? This in-depth guide covers neighborhoods, coworking spaces, cost of living, and local culture, with monthly cost of living around $1,126 and average internet speeds of 111 Mbps. Everything you need to know about living and working in Skopje as a digital nomad.
As a digital nomad, I’ve had the pleasure of calling Skopje, North Macedonia, my home for several months. This vibrant city has a unique blend of ancient history, cultural richness, and natural beauty that makes it an attractive destination for remote workers. With a population of 474,889, Skopje offers a great balance between urban excitement and small-town charm. The city’s Nomad Score of 55/100 might not be the highest, but its affordability, rich culture, and stunning surroundings make it an excellent choice for those looking for a unique digital nomad experience.
Skopje’s city vibe is a fascinating mix of old and new, with ancient ruins, Ottoman-era architecture, and modern buildings standing side by side. The city’s central location in the Balkans makes it an ideal hub for exploring the region. As a Skopje digital nomad, you’ll have plenty of opportunities to connect with like-minded individuals, enjoy the local food scene, and experience the city’s vibrant nightlife.
When it comes to choosing a neighborhood in Skopje, digital nomads have several options to consider. Here are three areas that I highly recommend:
The cost of living in Skopje is relatively low compared to other European cities. Here’s a breakdown of typical expenses for a digital nomad:
Overall, the cost of living in Skopje is around 20-30% lower than in other European cities, making it an attractive destination for digital nomads on a budget.
Skopje has a relatively fast internet speed of 48 Mbps, making it easy to stay connected and productive. There are several coworking spaces in the city, including:
In addition to coworking spaces, Skopje has a vibrant cafe scene, with many cafes offering high-speed internet and a comfortable working atmosphere. Some popular options include Cafe Trend, Cafe Barista, and Kafeteria Kuko.
Skopje has a growing digital nomad community, with many like-minded individuals and groups to connect with. Some popular meetups and events include:
Skopje has a rich cultural scene, with a mix of traditional Macedonian culture and modern influences. The city is home to many historic landmarks, including the Old Bazaar, Kale Fortress, and Mustafa Pasha Mosque. The local food scene is also worth exploring, with popular dishes including shopska salad, tavche gravche, and burek.
When it comes to dating and nightlife, Skopje has a vibrant scene, with many bars, clubs, and restaurants to choose from. Some popular areas for nightlife include the Old Bazaar and Debar Maalo neighborhoods.
As a digital nomad in Skopje, you’ll have plenty of opportunities to connect with locals and other expats, and to experience the city’s unique culture and lifestyle. One insider tip is to try some of the local rakia (fruit brandy) at a traditional Macedonian tavern, where you can enjoy live music and traditional food.
As a digital nomad, you’ll need to consider visa requirements when planning your stay in Skopje. North Macedonia offers a tourist visa that allows visitors to stay in the country for up to 90 days. For longer stays, you may need to apply for a residence visa, which can be obtained through the Ministry of Internal Affairs.
Unfortunately, North Macedonia does not currently offer a specific digital nomad visa, but the government is considering introducing one in the near future. For now, digital nomads can apply for a freelance visa, which allows them to work remotely in the country for up to a year.
Here are some practical tips for digital nomads planning to visit Skopje:
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