Get Birth Certificates in North Macedonia

A birth certificate (izvod od matična knjiga na rodените, or извод од матична книга на родените) in North Macedonia is a fundamental civil document required for obtaining a unique identification number (EMBG), applying for a passport, enrolling in school, and accessing public services. This guide explains how to get birth certificates in North Macedonia, including in the capital Skopje and the city of Bitola.

How Birth Registration Works in North Macedonia

In North Macedonia, birth registration is handled by the local registry offices (matičar) under the municipalities and the Ministry of Justice. When a baby is born in a hospital, the hospital issues a birth notification. Parents must then register the birth at the local registry office (matičar) of the municipality where the birth occurred, within 30 days.

Upon registration, the child is assigned an EMBG (Единствен матичен број на граѓанинот — Unified Civil Registration Number), a 13-digit unique identifier equivalent to the JMBG used in former Yugoslav countries. This number is used in all official documents throughout the person’s life in North Macedonia.

Documents Required for Birth Registration in North Macedonia

To register a birth and obtain a birth certificate extract in North Macedonia, parents need:

Hospital birth notification (potvrda od bolnica)
Identity documents of both parents (North Macedonian ID card or passport)
Marriage certificate (izvod od matična knjiga na venčanite) if married
If unmarried: a declaration of paternity recognition before the registrar

The first certified extract (izvod) is issued at no cost. Additional certified copies have a small administrative fee. North Macedonia has been developing its e-Government portal (uslugi.gov.mk) to expand digital access to civil registry services.

Getting a Birth Certificate in Skopje

Skopje is the capital of North Macedonia. The city is divided into multiple municipalities, each with its own matičar office. The birth must be registered at the registry office of the municipality where the birth took place. The Skopje Center municipality houses the main city civil registry office, while other municipalities like Čair, Karpoš, and Aerodrom have their own offices.

Skopje residents can also visit the Ministry of Justice service centers for civil registry matters. Birth certificate extracts in Skopje are typically issued on the same day or within a few working days after registration. Subsequent certified copies can be obtained from any matičar in North Macedonia.

Getting a Birth Certificate in Bitola

Bitola is the second-largest city in North Macedonia, located in the southwestern part of the country. Births in Bitola are registered at the local matičar office of the Bitola municipality. The procedure is the same — parents present the hospital birth notification and identification, and the birth certificate extract is issued.

Bitola residents can obtain subsequent copies of birth certificates from the Bitola municipal registry office or from any other matičar in the country. North Macedonia’s national civil registry database allows copies to be issued from any office regardless of where the original registration took place.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the EMBG in North Macedonia?

The EMBG (Единствен матичен број на граѓанинот) is the 13-digit unique civil registration number assigned to every citizen of North Macedonia at birth. It is equivalent to the JMBG used in neighboring former Yugoslav countries and appears in the ID card, passport, and all official records.

What is the deadline to register a birth in North Macedonia?

Births must be registered within 30 days at the local matičar. Late registration is possible but may require additional documentation and a fee.

Can a North Macedonian birth certificate be apostilled?

Yes. North Macedonia is a member of the Hague Apostille Convention. Apostilles for civil registry documents are issued by the Ministry of Justice of North Macedonia.

Can I get a North Macedonian birth certificate from abroad?

North Macedonian citizens living abroad can contact the nearest North Macedonian Embassy or Consulate to request certified copies of civil registry documents, including birth certificates.

Conclusion

Getting a birth certificate in North Macedonia requires registering at the local matičar within 30 days of birth. Whether in Skopje or Bitola, parents present the hospital birth notification and identification to receive the birth certificate extract and EMBG. The certified izvod is the cornerstone of civil identity and is needed for all major life events in North Macedonia.