Serbia Work Permits & Visas: Employer Guide to Types & Sponsorship

Who Needs a Work Permit in Serbia?

A work permit is required for any non-Serbian national intending to work in Serbia, regardless of the industry or position. Employers seeking to hire foreign employees must ensure that these employees obtain the necessary work permits before commencing employment. This applies to full-time employees, contractual workers, and expatriates relocated to Serbia for business purposes. Short-term business visits and intra-company transfers may be exempt depending on the duration and nature of the work.

Types of Work Visas in Serbia

Serbia offers several types of work visas to accommodate different categories of foreign workers. Employers should select the appropriate visa based on the employee's role and the nature of the work.

Type A: Temporary Residence Visa

The Temporary Residence Visa is issued to foreign nationals planning to stay in Serbia for more than 90 days for work-related purposes.

This visa serves as the entry pathway for employees intending to live and work in Serbia long-term. It is usually a prerequisite for obtaining a work permit and is tied to the individual’s employment or business activity in the country.

Employers sponsoring foreign workers must provide supporting documentation (such as an employment contract or assignment letter) to demonstrate the purpose of stay.

💡 Best option if: Your business needs to bring a foreign employee to Serbia for a stay exceeding 90 days, whether for a new hire, an assignment, or long-term project work.

Type B: Work Permit for Employment

The Work Permit for Employment is required for foreign nationals hired directly by a Serbian employer under a Serbian employment contract.

This is the most common employer-sponsored option, ensuring full compliance with Serbian labor law. Employers must typically complete a labor market test to prove that no qualified local candidates are available before hiring a foreign worker.

It is particularly suitable for companies establishing or expanding operations in Serbia that require specialized skills not readily available in the domestic workforce.

💡 Best option if: Your company is hiring a foreign employee directly under a Serbian employment contract for long-term employment.

Type C: Self-Employment Permit

The Self-Employment Permit is granted to foreign nationals intending to run their own business or work independently in Serbia.

While less common as an employer-sponsored option, this permit is valuable for entrepreneurs, consultants, or freelancers who establish a legal entity in Serbia. Employers may benefit indirectly when engaging such independent contractors for specialized services.

💡 Best option if: You are an entrepreneur or independent professional planning to establish and run your own business in Serbia, or if your company wishes to collaborate with a foreign contractor legally based in Serbia.

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Work Permit Application Process in Serbia (Step-by-step)

In Serbia, the work authorization process usually combines a temporary residence permit for employment with a work permit issued for a specific employer and position. Your company and the employee will need to coordinate closely to ensure all documents are complete and submitted in the correct order.

• Step 1: The employer defines the role and confirms eligibility to hire a foreign national. This includes preparing a detailed job description, confirming salary and working conditions, and checking whether the position can be filled locally under Serbian labor market rules.
• Step 2: The employer gathers corporate documentation. This typically includes company registration extracts, tax identification details, proof of no outstanding tax debts, and, where relevant, sector-specific licenses to demonstrate that the business is legally operating in Serbia.
• Step 3: The employee collects personal documents. These usually include a valid passport, CV, diplomas and professional qualifications, proof of work experience, police clearance from the country of residence, and proof of health insurance and accommodation in Serbia.
• Step 4: Application for temporary residence permit for employment is submitted to the Ministry of Interior or a Serbian consular post, depending on the case. The application must include the employment offer or contract, supporting corporate documents, and evidence that the employee meets the role requirements.
• Step 5: After or in parallel with residence approval, the employer applies for a work permit with the National Employment Service (NES). The NES assesses labor market conditions, the nature of the role, and whether the foreign national’s qualifications match the position.
• Step 6: Authorities review the application and may request clarifications or additional documents. During this stage, both employer and employee should respond promptly to any queries to avoid delays or rejection.
• Step 7: Once the work permit and temporary residence permit are approved, the employee can start work in Serbia in the approved role. The employer must register the employee for social security and ensure ongoing compliance with Serbian labor, tax, and immigration regulations.

Requirements and Eligibility for a Work Permit

Eligibility for a Serbian work permit is based on both the employer’s status and the foreign national’s qualifications and purpose of stay. Authorities will verify that the employment is genuine, lawful, and aligned with labor market and immigration rules.

Common requirements include:

• Valid employment offer or contract: The foreign national must have a signed employment contract or binding job offer with a Serbian entity, specifying job title, duties, salary, and duration of employment.
• Registered and compliant employer: The sponsoring company must be properly registered in Serbia, up to date with tax and social security obligations, and authorized to conduct the business activities related to the role.
• Relevant qualifications and experience: The employee should hold diplomas, professional licenses, or equivalent experience that match the job requirements, and authorities may request translations or recognition of foreign qualifications.
• Proof of sufficient income and working conditions: The offered salary and working conditions should comply with Serbian labor law and any applicable collective agreements, demonstrating that the role is not exploitative.
• Clean criminal record and security checks: Applicants are often required to provide a recent police clearance certificate, allowing authorities to assess any security or public order concerns.
• Health insurance and accommodation: Evidence of health insurance coverage in Serbia and proof of accommodation (such as a lease agreement or employer-provided housing) is typically required for temporary residence based on employment.
• Compliance with labor market tests where applicable: For certain categories, the NES may check whether suitable Serbian or other eligible local candidates are available before approving a foreign hire.

Work Permit Processing Time in Serbia

Processing times in Serbia can differ depending on the type of permit, the location of filing, and how complete the application is. Seasonal peaks and additional security checks can also extend timelines.

The typical processing time for a work permit or visa in Serbia can vary depending on whether the application is filed in Serbia or at a consulate abroad, the specific category of temporary residence, and whether authorities request additional documentation. Generally, you can expect the following timelines:

• Temporary Residence or Work Permit: Around 1 to 3 months after all required documents are submitted and any interviews or checks are completed.
• Permanent Residence: Approximately 6 to 12 months or longer, depending on background checks, length of prior lawful stay, and the completeness of supporting evidence.
• Short-Term Business or Work Visas: Typically 2 to 4 weeks, assuming straightforward business visits or short assignments and timely submission of all required documents.

Expected Processing Timeline: Employer vs Employee

While exact timelines vary, you can roughly map out responsibilities and waiting periods over several weeks from initial planning to the employee’s first working day in Serbia.

• Week 1: Employer confirms the role, gathers corporate documents, and issues a draft employment contract or offer letter.
• Week 2: Employee collects personal documents, including police clearance, diplomas, translations, and proof of accommodation and health insurance.
• Week 3: Employer and employee finalize and submit the temporary residence and work permit applications to the competent authorities.
• Week 4: Authorities conduct initial checks and may request clarifications or additional documents from either the employer or the employee.
• Week 5: NES and the Ministry of Interior continue substantive review; if all is in order, decisions may be issued toward the end of this period or in subsequent weeks.
• Week 6: Employee receives approval, completes any remaining formalities such as residence card issuance, and prepares for relocation or onboarding.
• Week 7: Employee starts work in Serbia under the approved permit, and the employer completes social security registration and internal HR onboarding.

Who Does What During Serbia Work Permit Sponsorship?

• Employers are responsible for: Defining the role, preparing and submitting the work permit application to the National Employment Service, providing corporate documentation, paying applicable government fees, and ensuring compliance with Serbian labor, tax, and immigration rules throughout the employment.
• Employee is responsible for: Providing accurate personal information and supporting documents, attending any required interviews or biometric appointments, maintaining a valid passport and residence status, and complying with the specific terms of the work permit, including employer, role, and place of work.

Work Permit Renewal Periods in Serbia

Temporary residence permits for employment in Serbia are commonly granted for up to one year at a time and can be renewed if the employment relationship and other conditions continue. Work permits are generally aligned with the validity of the temporary residence and the underlying employment contract.

Renewal applications usually need to be filed before the current permit expires, often at least 30 days in advance, to avoid gaps in status; practice may vary by local office and individual circumstances, so you should always confirm current rules with the Ministry of Interior or a qualified local advisor. Employers are encouraged to set internal reminders several months before expiry to collect updated documents, such as a renewed employment contract, proof of continued tax compliance, and any updated personal documents from the employee.

What Are the Fees for a Work Permit in Serbia?

The costs associated with work permits and visas vary depending on the type of permit.

Visa Requirements For Digital Nomads in Serbia

Serbia does not currently have a specific visa for digital nomads, but remote workers can apply for a temporary residence visa if they intend to stay for more than 90 days. Employers may need to guide their remote employees through this process.

• Valid Passport: Must be valid for at least six months.
• Proof of Remote Work: Evidence that the applicant is employed by a foreign company.
• Financial Means: Proof of sufficient income to support their stay.
• Accommodation Details: Proof of residence in Serbia.

Employer Compliance & Obligations in Serbia

Hiring foreign employees in Serbia can come with its own set of challenges.

• Bureaucracy: The application process may involve complex paperwork and long processing times.
• Language Barriers: Many official documents and processes are conducted in Serbian, requiring translation services.
• Compliance: Ensuring all legal and regulatory requirements are met to avoid penalties or delays.

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Hire Global employees without hassle with an EOR solution

Expanding your workforce across international borders is an exciting step, but it can be a logistical nightmare to hire and pay employees in different countries. That’s the advantage of using a trusted Employer of Record like Playroll. They can:

• Handle your international payroll: An EOR will act as your payroll provider, paying your employees on your behalf in the local currency. The company will also have in-depth knowledge of local tax codes, regulatory practices, and everything else that goes into managing global payroll.
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• Hire and pay international contractors: Sometimes a particular project or role doesn’t require hiring a full-time employee. An EOR gives employers the flexibility to also hire contractors as needed, and avoid the potential for misclassification under local labor law.