In North Macedonia, many entrepreneurs aim to expand their business portfolios, which is entirely understandable. However, a significant number of companies fall into the same trap: they start a new activity within an already licensed company without realizing the potential risks. This mistake could cost them dearly.
What is a ``business activity code``?
Every company registered with the central registry has two key codes:
Primary business activity code: the activity initially declared during the company’s formation.
Operational business activity code: the actual activity generating the majority of the company’s revenue during the year.
➡️ If your company starts earning more from a new, secondary activity, the central registry automatically updates your operational business activity code.
If this new activity isn’t covered by your existing license, you risk losing your license without any formal warning.
❗ What does changing a business activity code mean in practice?
The central registry determines your dominant business activity based on data from your annual financial statements.
Regardless of the code you initially registered, the system recognizes your new activity as the primary operational basis of your company.
This automatic change can alter your company’s status with regulatory institutions, exposing you to risks such as losing the right to perform specific licensed services.
🛑 Risks of changing your business activity code
❌ Potential invalidation of your license
❌ Compliance issues during inspections by institutions (e.g., tax authorities, licensing bodies)
❌ Loss of rights to operate in specific sectors (e.g., finance, security, brokerage)
❌ Fines, legal liability, and loss of clients
✅ How to protect yourself
The smart solution: avoid mixing activities within the same legal entity. Instead:
Open a new company for the new activity.
The existing licensed company can act as the founder of this new entity.
This approach safeguards both your license and your business operations.
💼 Real-life example
A company licensed for financial brokerage started offering marketing services. When marketing revenues surpassed financial revenues, the central registry updated its operational business activity code. As a result, the company lost its license without any chance to appeal. Restoring its original status took six months and caused significant financial losses.
📣 Don’t let administrative oversights threaten your business
Stay ahead of the system by expanding your activities correctly, securely, and legally protected.
👉 Contact us today for:
Structuring companies and corporate groups
Setting up new companies under the same ownership
License protection and renewal
Accurate legal advice and long-term support
📞 It’s time for professional consultation – not costly mistakes.
