Security Guard Services in North Macedonia

How to Become a Licensed Security Guard in North Macedonia

Private security in North Macedonia is governed by the Law on Private Security. The Ministry of Internal Affairs issues permits to companies and carries out supervision, and the Chamber of the Republic of North Macedonia for Private Security issues licenses and ID cards to persons who complete the training and pass the professional examination.

Competent authorities: Ministry of Internal Affairs (company permits, supervision); Chamber of the Republic of North Macedonia for Private Security (individual licenses). Regulation: Law on Private Security, Official Gazette No. 166/12, amended by Nos. 164/13, 148/15, 193/15 and 55/16, Constitutional Court Decision U.No. 167/2016 (Official Gazette 27/18) and No. 302/20. mvr.gov.mk/mk-MK/legislativa/zakoni

Requirements for Individuals

• Citizen of North Macedonia (Art. 22(1))
• Residence in North Macedonia (Art. 22(1))
• At least 18 years of age (Art. 22(1))
• Medical certificate of general psychophysical fitness, no older than three months (Art. 22(1))
• At least secondary education (Art. 22(1))
• Completed training in physical or technical security, organized by the Chamber and conducted by commissions formed by the Minister of Internal Affairs, at the candidate’s expense (Art. 22, Art. 23)
• Passed professional examination: a computer-based theory test (150 minutes, at least 70% correct answers in at least five subjects) and a practical part covering firearms handling, shooting and self-defense for physical security, or planning and installing technical security systems (Art. 24-b, 24-gj, 24-e)
• The criminal record requirement in Art. 22(1)(5) was struck down by the Constitutional Court (U.No. 167/2016); however, the ID card requires that there be no final judgment or misdemeanor sanction banning the person from practicing a profession, activity or duty (Art. 25(2))
• Exceptions: persons with higher education in security or criminology may take the examination without training within ten years of graduating (Art. 22(2)); persons with at least three years of service as authorized officials in the Ministry of Internal Affairs or the Ministry of Defense are exempt from training and the examination (Art. 22(3))

Application Steps

1. Complete the physical or technical security training organized by the Chamber (Art. 23)
2. Pass the theory and practical professional examination; a partially passed examination may be retaken within six months (Art. 24-b, 24-gj)
3. Submit an application to the Chamber for a security license, with proof of citizenship, residence, age, education and the medical certificate (Art. 20, Art. 22)
4. After the officer is hired by a licensed security company, the employer applies to the Chamber for a security ID card within 30 days of employment (Art. 25)

Company Permits

Companies must hold a security permit issued by the Ministry of Internal Affairs, which decides within six months (Art. 16); the company must begin operating within six months of issuance, otherwise the Ministry may determine that the permit has ceased to be valid (Art. 11). Physical security companies must have registration in the Central Register, at least 15 licensed physical security officers, a confirmation from the Chamber, a responsible person who meets the requirements, acts on job classification and on uniforms, business premises and at least two motor vehicles; technical security companies must have at least three licensed technical security officers (Art. 13). In-house security requires at least ten licensed physical security officers (Art. 14). The responsible person must be a citizen residing in the country, be at least 18 years old, have a recent medical certificate, have no final conviction for a criminal offense (except negligent endangerment of traffic) and not be subject to criminal proceedings (Art. 13(3)). Officials of the Ministry of Internal Affairs supervise the Chamber and the companies at least once a year (Art. 66).

Only firearms owned by the company may be used, on the basis of a written carry order issued by the company (Art. 29); a company may own firearms for up to half the number of its security officers (Art. 28); officers may not carry personal firearms on duty (Art. 30). Carrying is generally limited to the protected premises, with exceptions for certain tasks such as cash transport, close protection of persons and patrols (Art. 29). Control shooting organized by the Chamber is mandatory at least once a year (Art. 31). Use against visibly pregnant women, children and elderly persons is prohibited unless they directly threaten life, and use at public gatherings and events is also prohibited (Art. 55(5)).

The consolidated text of the law does not set a period of validity or a renewal procedure for the individual license, the ID card or the company permit; continuous compliance with the requirements is required, and the ID card must be revoked if the officer ceases to meet the requirements (Art. 25).

Sources

• Ministry of Interior of North Macedonia: laws page listing the Law on Private Security and its amendments
• Law on Private Security, consolidated text (PDF, Ministry of Interior)
• Law Amending the Law on Private Security, Official Gazette 302/20 (PDF, Ministry of Interior)

Requirements change. Confirm current rules with the competent authority before applying. This summary is general information, not legal advice. Last reviewed November 2026.