Goldstein's senior playing opportunities were set to be severely limited if he remained at Arden Street next year, with Tristan Xerri, who played the final eight games of the season, set to be first-choice ruckman.
The 35-year-old was dropped in round one but earned a reprieve after Xerri, 24, was injured in the season opener.
Goldstein, who has played 315 games and booted 157 goals for North since his 2008 debut, including winning their best and fairest in his All-Australian 2015 season, hasn't named a destination club of choice.
As an unrestricted free agent, Goldstein does not need to be traded to reach his preferred club.
"It's been a really tough decision," Goldstein said in a statement.
"I've been talking to my manager and my family about what's going to be best for us going forward … and I think that's to look for other opportunities elsewhere.
"It's probably time for the club to have a clean break and give Tristan the opportunity to shine in the number one ruck role."
Goldstein's departure follows the retirements of veterans Ben Cunnington, Jack Ziebell and Aaron Hall.
"Goldy has been a loyal and decorated servant of the club so it's naturally sad to see him go," North Melbourne football boss Todd Viney said.
"It's a credit to him that he has been able to play over 300 games at the one club and it'll be strange to see him in different colours."
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