Serbia Work Visa & Work Permit: The Ultimate Guide for Foreigners

Serbia is emerging as one of Europe’s most promising destinations for foreign professionals and skilled workers seeking legitimate employment. Known for its rapidly developing economy, low cost of living, and strategic position between Central and Southeastern Europe, Serbia offers excellent opportunities for both skilled and unskilled international workers.

This guide provides a comprehensive overview of the Serbia Work Visa and Work Permit process, including eligibility requirements, visa categories, required documents, step-by-step procedures, processing times, and key benefits for foreigners planning to live and work in Serbia.

Why Work in Serbia

1. A Growing European Economy

Serbia’s economy is expanding rapidly, with strong labour demand across construction, manufacturing, IT, agriculture, logistics, and hospitality. Foreign investment continues to drive industrial growth, creating thousands of new jobs for international workers every year.

2. Demand for International Workers

Due to labour shortages and increased foreign investment, Serbian companies are hiring skilled and semi-skilled workers from India, Nepal, Bangladesh, Vietnam, the Philippines, and various African countries. Employers value reliability, technical skills, and international work experience.

3. Gateway to the European Market

Serbia offers a legal entry route to Europe, as it maintains trade and worker mobility agreements with the European Union. Working in Serbia gives foreign nationals valuable EU-region experience and career growth opportunities.

4. Affordable Lifestyle

Serbia provides one of the most affordable living standards in Europe. Housing, transport, and daily expenses are budget-friendly, allowing workers to save a significant portion of their salaries while enjoying a comfortable lifestyle.

5. Safe and Multicultural Environment

Serbia is renowned for its hospitality, safe neighbourhoods, and expanding multicultural workforce. English is widely understood, especially in major cities and workplaces.

6. Pathway to Residence and Stability

Foreigners who work legally in Serbia can apply for a renewable, annually temporary residence permit and eventually qualify for permanent residence after several years of continuous legal stay.

Understanding the Serbian Work Permit

A Serbian Work Permit is a government-issued document that allows a non-EU citizen to work legally for a specific employer in Serbia. It defines your job title, employer, and employment duration. Without it, you cannot apply for a work visa or start work.

Issuing Authority

Work permits are issued by the National Employment Service (NES) in cooperation with the Serbian Ministry of Interior.

Validity

Most work permits are valid for up to one year, with renewals available as long as employment continues.

Types of Work Permits in Serbia

Permit Type	Purpose	Validity	Ideal For
Personal Work Permit	Allows full employment rights and job flexibility	1 year (renewable)	Long-term residents and refugees
Work Permit for Employment	For foreign workers hired by Serbian employers	1 year	Skilled and semi-skilled workers
Work Permit for Secondment	For employees transferred from foreign companies	1 year	Multinational corporate staff
Seasonal Work Permit	For short-term jobs in agriculture or tourism	Up to 6 months	Farm and hotel workers
Self-Employment Work Permit	For foreign nationals starting a business in Serbia	Renewable	Entrepreneurs

Serbia Work Visa Overview

The Serbian Type D Long-Stay Visa is required for non-EU nationals who plan to work and live in the country for more than 90 days. It is issued once a valid work permit or employment authorisation has been approved.

Eligibility Requirements

To qualify for a Serbian Work Visa, you must:

• Have a valid job offer or signed employment contract from a Serbian employer.
• Hold an approved work permit issued by the National Employment Service.
• Possess a passport valid for at least 12 months.
• Provide proof of accommodation in Serbia.
• Have adequate health insurance coverage.
• Show proof of financial means.
• Present a clean criminal record certificate.

Visa Validity

The Type D Visa is typically valid for up to one year and can be renewed concurrently with your work permit and residence authorisation.

Documents Required

From the Employer

• Completed work permit application form.
• Proof of company registration in Serbia.
• Signed employment contract or job offer.
• Proof of government fee payment.
• Labour market test results (if required).
• Evidence of the company’s financial capacity.

From the Employee

• Valid passport (minimum 12-month validity).
• Two passport-sized photographs.
• Approved work permit or job offer.
• Health or travel insurance policy.
• Proof of accommodation in Serbia.
• Bank statement or financial proof.
• Police clearance certificate.
• Visa application form and fee receipt.

Step-by-Step Process for Serbia Work Visa

1. Secure a Job Offer
   You can find a legally registered Serbian employer willing to offer you employment.
2. Employer Applies for Work Permit
   Your employer submits your application to the National Employment Service (NES).
3. Work Permit Issuance
   The NES reviews your documents and issues your work authorisation.
4. Apply for Type D Visa
   With your work permit, apply for a Type D Long-Stay Visa at the Serbian Embassy or VFS Global in your country.
5. Visa Processing
   The embassy processes your application and issues the visa within 15–30 working days.
6. Travel to Serbia
   Once approved, you can travel to Serbia and commence employment in accordance with your contract.
7. Apply for Temporary Residence Permit
   After arriving, register with the Ministry of Interior to obtain your Temporary Residence Card, which will enable you to stay in the country for an extended period on a legal basis.

Processing Time

Stage	Estimated Duration
Work Permit Application	30–45 working days
Embassy Visa Processing	15–30 working days
Temporary Residence Card	1–3 months
Total Estimated Duration	45–90 working days

Fees and Costs

Service	Average Fee (€)	Paid By
Work Permit Application	100–150	Employer
Type D Visa	80–100	Employee
Embassy / VFS Fee	20	Employee
Residence Card	150	Employee

Additional costs include insurance, translation, and legalisation of documents.

Top Industries Hiring Foreign Workers in Serbia

Industry	Common Roles	Average Monthly Salary (€)	Permit Type
Construction	Welders, Electricians, Labourers	1,000–1,500	Work Permit
Manufacturing	Machine Operators, Assemblers	1,000–1,600	Work Permit
Logistics	Forklift Drivers, Packers, Loaders	900–1,400	Work Permit
Agriculture	Farm Workers, Pickers	800–1,200	Seasonal Permit
Hospitality	Cooks, Waiters, Cleaners	900–1,300	Seasonal Permit
Healthcare	Nurses, Caregivers	1,500–2,500	Work Permit
IT & Engineering	Developers, Technicians	2,000–3,800	Work Permit
Transportation	Truck Drivers, Delivery Workers	1,200–2,000	Work Permit

Benefits of Working in Serbia

• Legal and verified employment opportunities.
• Access to healthcare and social security.
• Fair and safe working conditions.
• Pathway to temporary and permanent residence.
• Opportunity for family reunification.
• Affordable cost of living and housing.
• Freedom to travel regionally within Schengen-associated zones.
• High demand for skilled and semi-skilled workers.

Official Government Resources

• Ministry of Interior: https://www.mup.gov.rs
• National Employment Service: https://www.nsz.gov.rs
• Ministry of Foreign Affairs: https://www.mfa.gov.rs
• Visa Information Portal: https://www.serbia.com

Serbia Immigration & Work Permit Services | Moving2Europe.eu

Serbia is rapidly becoming a preferred destination for international workers and investors due to its growing economy, strong industrial sectors, affordable living costs, and strategic location between Europe and the Balkans. However, Serbia’s immigration procedures—work permits, residence approvals, company sponsorships and documentation requirements—can be complex without proper guidance.

Moving2Europe.eu provides structured, reliable and legally compliant support for individuals, families and employers navigating Serbia’s immigration and work permit system.

Complete Serbia Work Permit & Residence Solutions

We assist with all key Serbian immigration categories, including:

• Serbian Work Permit (Employer-Sponsored)
• Temporary Residence Permit for Employment
• Long-Stay Visa (Visa D)
• Seasonal Employment Authorisation
• Self-Employment & Business Residence Permit
• Highly Skilled Worker Permits (where eligible)
• Investor & Company Registration Residence Routes
• Student, trainee & internship permits

Our solutions cover both individuals applying independently and companies hiring non-local workers.

Serbia Immigration Services for Individuals

1. Work Permit & Residence Application Handling

We support foreign nationals with:

• Employer-sponsored work permits
• Temporary residence permits for employment
• Long-term & short-term employment authorisations
• Self-employment and entrepreneur permits
• Pathways to long-term residence

2. Documentation & Embassy Support

Our services include:

• Tailored document checklists
• Full file review for accuracy
• Legalisation & sworn translations
• Visa application preparation
• Embassy / VFS appointment scheduling
• Interview support when needed

3. Arrival & Compliance Support in Serbia

We guide applicants after arrival with:

• Entry & border formalities
• Local police registration
• Biometrics for residence cards
• Health insurance requirements
• Employer reporting & legal compliance

Serbia Family & Dependent Visa Services

We assist families relocating to Serbia through:

• Spouse residence permits
• Dependent child permits
• Family reunification applications
• Long-term residence for family members
• School admission support & relocation guidance

We make the move straightforward and stress-free for your family.

Serbia Immigration Solutions for Employers & Recruiters

Many Serbian industries rely on international talent, including:

• Construction & civil engineering
• Manufacturing & industrial production
• Agriculture & seasonal workforce
• Logistics, drivers & warehousing
• Hospitality & tourism
• IT & technical services
• Healthcare & nursing support roles

We support employers with:

• Employer sponsorship guidance
• Work permit & residence preparation for employees
• Labour market documentation support
• Coordination with HR and legal departments
• Large-scale foreign worker recruitment programs
• Compliance with Serbian immigration regulations

We ensure foreign employees receive valid Serbian permits in a timely and legal manner.

Executive Mobility Services for Serbia

For executives and senior-level professionals, we offer:

• Priority case planning
• Confidential file handling
• Corporate relocation support
• Accelerated document preparation
• Integration with company HR & legal teams

Digital Serbia Immigration Tracking System

Our digital platform provides:

• 24/7 application status tracking
• Secure online document uploads
• Step-by-step milestone updates
• Renewal reminders & compliance alerts
• Immigration guides and updates

Ideal for both applicants and employer HR teams.

Why Choose Moving2Europe.eu for Serbia Immigration?

• Extensive experience with Serbian work permits & residence laws
• Accurate, compliant and professional visa preparation
• Dedicated case managers
• Full support for workers, families and employers
• Clear guidance at every step
• Access to a 170+ country global immigration network
• Deep expertise in Balkan & European immigration systems
• Organised, transparent and technology-supported case management

We turn Serbia’s immigration procedures into a smooth and predictable process.

Start Your Serbia Work Permit Process Today

Whether you’re a skilled worker, relocating with your family, or hiring international employees, Moving2Europe.eu ensures a reliable, efficient and fully compliant Serbia immigration experience from start to finish.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. What are the main types of Serbian work permits?

Serbia issues Work Permits, Temporary Residence Permits for Employment, Self-Employment Permits, Seasonal Work Permits, and Business Residence Cards. Each permit depends on job type and contract duration.

2. What is the Serbian Temporary Residence Permit for Employment?

It allows non-Serbian citizens to live and work in Serbia for longer than 90 days. It is typically issued for 1 year and is renewable if employment continues.

3. What documents are required for a Serbian work permit?

A passport, job contract, employer request letter, police clearance, qualifications, health insurance, and accommodation proof are required. Some documents may need Serbian translation.

4. How long does the Serbian work permit process take?

Processing usually takes 2–6 weeks, depending on the workload at the local immigration office. Complete documentation speeds up approval.

5. Do I need a job offer to get a Serbian work visa?

Yes, a confirmed job offer or signed employment contract is required for most work permit categories in Serbia.

6. What is the Serbian Work Permit?

A document issued by the National Employment Service that authorises foreigners to work in Serbia legally. It is tied to a specific employer.

7. Can I apply for a Serbian work permit from abroad?

Yes, the employer applies for the permit in Serbia, while you complete visa formalities at the Serbian Embassy in your home country.

8. Can Serbian employers hire foreign workers?

Yes, employers can hire non-EU nationals if no local candidate is available. They must prove compliance with Serbian labour laws.

9. What is the minimum salary for a Serbian work permit?

The salary must follow Serbia’s legal minimum wage and industry norms. Skilled roles may offer significantly higher pay.

10. Can students work in Serbia?

Yes, international students may work part-time with employer approval and a valid student residence permit.

11. What are Serbia’s shortage occupations?

Construction, manufacturing, hospitality, agriculture, IT, drivers, and skilled trades. These sectors frequently hire foreign workers.

12. Can I bring my family to Serbia while working?

Yes, once you hold a valid residence permit, spouses and children can apply for family reunification visas.

13. Do dependents have work rights in Serbia?

Dependents can work after obtaining their own work permit or residence permit for employment purposes.

14. What is the Serbia Self-Employment Permit?

This permit allows foreigners to run their own business or work independently in Serbia. It requires a business plan and financial proof.

15. Can I change employers after receiving a Serbian work permit?

Yes, but a new work permit must be issued for the new employer. You cannot work until you receive approval.

16. Do I need Serbian language skills to work in Serbia?

Not mandatory, but basic Serbian helps in daily communication. Many hospitality and service companies accept English speakers.

17. Is health insurance required in Serbia?

Yes, private or employer-sponsored health insurance is required before obtaining a residence permit.

18. What is the Seasonal Work Permit in Serbia?

This is a short-term permit valid for seasonal roles in agriculture, food processing, and hospitality. It is suitable for unskilled workers.

19. Can seasonal workers apply for long-term residence?

No, seasonal permits do not count toward permanent residence. A full-time employment contract is required.

20. How do I register my address in Serbia?

You must register your residential address with the local police station. This step is required for the issuance of a residence card.

21. Can I apply for permanent residence in Serbia?

Yes, after 5 years of continuous legal residence. Permanent residence offers long-term security and wider work rights.

22. Does Serbia hire non-EU foreign workers?

Yes, Serbia actively recruits foreign labour due to shortages in construction, manufacturing, agriculture, and hospitality.

23. What are the most in-demand jobs in Serbia?

Welders, construction workers, drivers, hotel staff, factory workers, IT specialists, cooks, and agricultural labourers.

24. Is it challenging to find a job in Serbia?

Not in labour-shortage sectors. Many employers hire foreign workers willing to relocate quickly.

25. How long can I stay in Serbia with a long-stay visa?

A long-stay visa typically allows 90 days of entry before receiving a residence permit. It is used for initial arrival and processing.

26. Can I renew my Serbian work permit?

Yes, work permits and residence permits can be renewed annually as long as employment continues.

27. What is a Serbian Residence Card?

A biometric card that confirms your right to live and work in Serbia. It must be kept valid at all times.

28. Do I need biometrics for a Serbian visa?

Yes, biometric data is collected when applying for residence permits. It includes fingerprints and photographs.

29. Can you apply for my employer?

Yes, Serbian employers submit work permit applications to the National Employment Service. You apply separately for your visa.

30. Is Serbia part of the Schengen Area?

No, Serbia is not a member of the Schengen Area. A Serbian residence permit does not allow Schengen travel.

31. Can I travel with a Serbian residence permit?

You can travel visa-free to some Balkan countries, but Schengen travel requires a separate visa.

32. What happens if my Serbian permit is refused?

You can go ahead and appeal or reapply with improved documents. Most refusals are due to missing paperwork or employer errors.

33. Does Serbia hire truck drivers and logistics workers?

Yes, the logistics and transport sector has a strong demand for foreign drivers. Employers must follow strict safety standards.

34. Is Serbia suitable for skilled migration?

Yes, skilled workers benefit from affordable living, growing industries, and straightforward work permit procedures.

35. Do you know if my documents need a Serbian translation?

Yes, most foreign documents require official translation into Serbian. Some may need an apostille or legalisation.

36. Can unskilled workers get jobs in Serbia?

Yes, agriculture, factories, hotels, and construction regularly hire unskilled or low-skilled workers.

37. What is the work permit processing time in Serbia?

Most work permits take 2–6 weeks. Residence permit approval may take an additional few weeks, depending on the region.

38. Are healthcare professionals needed in Serbia?

Yes, nurses, caregivers, and medical technicians are in demand, especially in private institutions.

39. Do Serbian employers provide accommodation?

Some employers in hospitality, agriculture, and construction offer shared housing or allowances. Skilled roles may include housing benefits.

40. What is the labour market test in Serbia?

A check to confirm that no local candidate is available. Shortage occupations may bypass this requirement.

41. Can I work while waiting for my permit?

No, you can only work after receiving the work permit and residence approval. Unauthorised work is illegal.

42. Is there an age limit for Serbian work permits?

No official age limit exists, but workers must be physically capable of performing job duties.

43. Can I convert a tourist visa to a work visa?

No, work permits must be applied for from abroad. Serbia does not allow conversion from tourist status.

44. Does Serbia offer unskilled job opportunities?

Yes, sectors like food processing, cleaning, hotels, farming, and factories regularly hire unskilled labour.

45. Are biometrics required after arrival?

Yes, you must provide biometrics at the immigration office to receive your residence card.

46. Does Serbia have a digital nomad visa?

A dedicated digital nomad visa is being discussed, but it has not been officially launched yet. Freelancers may explore business residence options.

47. What are the best-paying sectors in Serbia?

IT, engineering, construction management, hospitality leadership, and manufacturing supervisors earn the highest salaries.

48. Does Moving2Europe.eu assist with Serbian work permits?

Yes, we help with employer sponsorship, documentation, embassy filing, and complete residence permit guidance.

49. Can working in Serbia lead to permanent residence?

Yes, after 5 years of legal residence, foreigners may apply for permanent residence. Continuous employment helps with eligibility.

50. How can I start my Serbia work visa process?

Send your CV to Moving2Europe.eu and choose your job sector. We manage employer coordination, paperwork, and embassy submissions.

Professional Assistance with M2S Group Sp. z o.o.

M2S Group Sp. z o.o. Provides complete support for obtaining Serbian Work Visas, Work Permits, and Residence Cards.

Our expert consultants guide you through every step — from verified job placements to legal documentation and embassy coordination — ensuring a transparent and reliable process.

For trusted, step-by-step guidance, you can contact M2S Group Sp. z o.o. Today, I'd like you to begin your legal employment journey in Serbia with confidence.