Employment of Foreigners in Serbia: Complete Guide to Work Permits, Requirements, and Application Process (2025)

Are you a foreign national looking to work legally in Serbia? Or perhaps an employer planning to hire international talent for your business? In both cases, understanding how employment of foreigners in Serbia works — including how to obtain a work permit, fulfill legal requirements, and navigate the application process — is crucial to avoid delays, penalties, or costly mistakes.

In this comprehensive 2025 guide, you’ll learn:

• How to apply for a single work and residence permit electronically,

• The step-by-step process for labor market testing,

• What documents you need and how to register for social security,

• Key rules about employment contracts, changing employers, and more.

Whether you are an employee or employer, this guide is designed to help you confidently navigate Serbia’s employment laws for foreigners — with clear instructions, expert tips, and up-to-date legal insights.

📌 Table of Contents — Employment of Foreigners in Serbia

Online Portal for Submitting Work Permit Applications in Serbia

Submitting Applications from Abroad or After Entering Serbia

Registering Temporary Residence Upon Entry to Serbia

Online Residence Registration for Foreigners

How to Apply for or Renew a Single Work and Residence Permit

Declaration of Employment Need and Labor Market Test in Serbia

Costs and Fees for Issuing a Work Permit in Serbia

Employment Contracts for Foreigners: Fixed-Term and Open-Ended

Social Security and Insurance Registration for Foreign Workers

Termination of Employment, Change of Work Basis, and Multiple Employers

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) — Foreigners Working in Serbia

Online Portal for Submitting Work Permit Applications in Serbia

If you are a foreigner planning to work in Serbia or an employer looking to hire international talent, understanding the legal framework is essential for a smooth application process. Under Serbian law, a foreigner is defined as any person who does not hold the citizenship of the Republic of Serbia. To work legally, foreigners must obtain the appropriate visa (if required), temporary or permanent residence, and a single work and residence permit, unless otherwise provided by law.

Your journey starts at the official online work permit portal: welcometoserbia.gov.rs. This is the central platform for submitting electronic applications for:

• Visa C (short stay),

• Visa D (long stay),

• Temporary residence,

• Permanent settlement,

• Single permit for work and residence.

The portal is established under Article 3(1)(13v) of the Law on Foreigners and is maintained by Serbia’s eGovernment authority. It allows both individual foreigners and employers to apply securely and efficiently.

📌 Visa C (short-stay visa)

Visa C allows entry and short stays in Serbia for:

• Up to 90 days within any 180-day period, starting from the date of first entry.

• Purposes such as tourism, business meetings, conferences, or transit through Serbia.

⚠ Note: Visa C is not valid for applying for temporary residence, unless specifically permitted by law under exceptional circumstances.

📌 Visa D (long-stay visa)

Visa D is designed for foreigners who:

• Plan to stay in Serbia between 90 and 180 days,

• Intend to apply for temporary residence during their stay.

This visa is commonly issued for:

• Employment,

• Studies or research,

• Family reunification,

• Other justified long-term purposes.

👉 Key function: Visa D serves as the required entry authorization for those seeking to transition to temporary residence.

📌 Temporary residence

Temporary residence is granted for stays longer than 90 days. You can apply based on:

• Employment or business activities,

• Education or language study,

• Family reunification,

• Scientific research or training,

• Religious service,

• Medical treatment or care,

• Real estate ownership,

• Humanitarian reasons,

• Other grounds defined by law or international agreements.

✅ Duration: Typically approved for up to one year at a time, renewable.

📌 Permanent settlement (permanent residence)

Permanent settlement grants foreigners the right to live in Serbia indefinitely.

Conditions include:

• At least three continuous years of temporary residence,

• Fulfillment of other legal requirements (e.g. lawful stay, no security risks).

Foreigners with permanent settlement enjoy rights almost equal to Serbian citizens, except for specific rights like voting or holding public office.

🔑 How to access and use the online portal

• ✅ Employers must register via eGovernment portal.
• ✅ Foreigners applying individually must register at welcometoserbia.gov.rs.
• ✅ Applications can be submitted from abroad or after entering Serbia, depending on visa requirements.

✉ Quick tip

Prepare all documents (passport, draft employment contract, proof of address) in advance for faster processing of your Serbia work permit application.

Submitting Applications from Abroad or After Entering Serbia

Whether a foreigner can apply for temporary residence and work in Serbia from abroad or only after entering the country depends on their visa requirements.

👉 Key rule:

• If the foreigner comes from a country that requires a visa to enter Serbia and submit a residence application, they must first obtain a Visa D (long-stay visa), enter Serbia, and then apply for temporary residence and a work permit.

• If the foreigner is a citizen of a visa-exempt country (a country that has no visa regime with Serbia), the application for temporary residence and work can be submitted either from abroad or after entry into Serbia.

This distinction ensures that the process complies with Serbian immigration laws and the visa policies that apply to the applicant’s nationality.

🌍 Practical tip

Before making plans, always check:

• Whether your country of citizenship requires a Visa D for entry into Serbia.

• The legal conditions for applying for temporary residence and work permits.

You can check the visa policy and requirements on Serbia’s official government portal.

Registering Temporary Residence Upon Entry to Serbia

When a foreigner enters Serbia, they are legally required to report their temporary address to the local police station within 24 hours of arrival at their place of accommodation. This is a key step in ensuring compliance with Serbian immigration laws and forms part of the application process for a work and residence permit in Serbia.

👉 Where and how to report?

• At the duty office of the local police station covering the area where the foreigner is staying,

• At the regional police department responsible for foreigners’ stay and movement (depending on local organization),

• Or electronically via the eGovernment portal (eUprava).

🏠 Who is responsible for reporting the foreigner’s stay?

• ✅ Accommodation providers (legal entities, entrepreneurs, private individuals offering paid accommodation) — must report within 24 hours of providing accommodation.
• ✅ Hosts (legal entities or individuals with whom the foreigner is staying as a guest) — must report within 24 hours of the foreigner’s arrival.
• ✅ The foreigner themselves — if not staying with a provider or host, must report their own stay within 24 hours of arrival in Serbia or upon changing address.

👉 In some cases, a private host can authorize another person or the foreigner themselves to file the address report.

📋 What documents must be provided?

In case the foreigner reports their own stay:

• Valid passport or ID used to enter Serbia (foreign ID card, foreigner’s ID, asylum seeker card, etc.)

• If lost: confirmation of reported loss or temporary detention of documents by authorities.

• Proof of legal basis for using the property (e.g., lease agreement, purchase contract).

When accommodation providers report:

• Proof of ownership of the property.

• Company or entrepreneur registration data (e.g., tax ID, responsible person’s ID number).

• Proof of license for providing accommodation services.

When private hosts report:

• Their own ID card.

• If the foreigner stays at a different address: proof of legal basis for the property (lease or purchase agreement).

👉 For a complete overview of legal steps, check out: Work in Serbia — complete guide

Online Residence Registration for Foreigners

In addition to in-person reporting at police stations, foreigners and their hosts now have the option to report a temporary address online. This is done through the eUprava portal, offering a faster and more convenient alternative. By leveraging this digital service, you can avoid visiting local police offices and instead handle everything securely over the internet.

👉 The “Temporary Residence Registration” service on the eUprava portal is designed for private individuals (hosts) who need to register the temporary stay of a foreigner on:

• The host’s registered home address (the address listed on the host’s national ID card),

• Or another property owned by the host (even if it is not their official place of residence).

This streamlined service ensures that you can manage compliance with immigration laws without unnecessary travel or waiting in lines. For full support with this and other formalities, consider our personalized client assistance — we guide you through each step of the process.

🖥 How does electronic registration work?

When using the online system, you must provide:

• The mobile phone number and email address of both the host and the foreign guest,

• Accurate details about the address where the foreigner will stay.

Once submitted, the system automatically generates an official confirmation of the temporary residence registration and delivers it to the host’s email. This confirmation serves as proof of compliance with Serbian law.

⚠ Limitations of online reporting

However, this convenient service can only be used under certain conditions:

• The address where the foreigner will stay must be properly registered in Serbia’s Cadastre (Republic Geodetic Authority).

• The address must exist in Serbia’s official Address Register. If not, the system will not allow submission through eUprava.

If your situation is complex — for example, if the property is not yet registered — we strongly recommend seeking expert guidance. Our client service team is ready to assist you in resolving such issues efficiently.

How to Apply for or Renew a Single Work and Residence Permit

If you’re a foreigner seeking to work in Serbia, or an employer looking to hire international talent, understanding the process for applying or renewing a Single Work and Residence Permit is crucial. This permit combines the right to reside and work in Serbia in one document, significantly simplifying legal formalities. For personalized guidance on preparing your application, visit our client assistance page.

📌 Eligible grounds for applying

A foreigner can apply for or renew a Single Work and Residence Permit based on:

• Employment with a local company,

• Assignment as a posted worker (upućeno lice),

• Intra-company transfer within a business group,

• Independent professional work,

• Training, internship, or professional development,

• Self-employment in a business owned or controlled by the applicant.

👉 Each of these grounds requires specific supporting documents, as outlined in the Rulebook on the Issuance of the Single Permit for Temporary Residence and Work of Foreigners. The National Employment Service (NES) evaluates whether all legal conditions are met before issuing the permit.

⚙ How to submit an application

Applications for issuance or renewal are submitted exclusively online, through:

• ✅ The foreigner themselves (via the Foreigners’ Portal — after registration),
• ✅ The employer on behalf of the foreigner (via the eGovernment portal), after registering as a legal entity or entrepreneur,
• ✅ Or a representative authorized by either the foreigner or the employer, with a notarized power of attorney.

Once registered, applicants receive a Unique Electronic Mailbox (eSanduče) for all communications and instructions related to their application.

🌟 Learn more about your options and get step-by-step assistance at Work in Serbia.

📝 Required documents

When applying, the following are submitted electronically (original or digitized form):

• A valid passport or ID (if applicable for entry into Serbia),

• Documents proving the justification for the specific type of permit (employment contract, intra-company transfer papers, etc.),

• Proof of address in Serbia (registered residence or, if applying from abroad, a lease contract or statement of intended address),

• A color photo (35 x 45 mm).

👉 All foreign-issued documents must be translated by a certified court interpreter if not in Serbian.
👉 The address provided should correspond to where the applicant actually resides in Serbia or intends to live (for initial applications from abroad).

🌍 Apply from abroad or locally

Good news: The Single Work and Residence Permit application can be submitted from abroad (before arriving in Serbia) or after entry. This flexibility helps streamline your relocation or hiring process. For a smoother experience, see how we can support your application and ensure everything is handled correctly.

Declaration of Employment Need and Labor Market Test in Serbia

Before hiring a foreign national in Serbia, employers must demonstrate a genuine need for foreign labor. This is done by filing a Declaration of Employment Need and successfully completing a Labor Market Test (test tržišta rada). These steps ensure that no qualified candidates are available in Serbia’s domestic workforce for the given role.

How and where to submit the request?

You can submit the labor market test request:

• 💻 Online via the eUprava portal — quick, secure, and accessible.

• 🏢 Directly to the local National Employment Service (NSZ) branch — for in-person assistance.

👉 Tip: It is highly recommended to use the online method for faster processing!

When must the test be initiated?

✅ If the employer or their authorized representative is applying for the single work and residence permit on behalf of a foreigner, the labor market test request must be submitted at the same time as the permit application, through the official Portal for Foreigners.

✅ If the foreigner applies independently, their future employer must still file the labor market test request. This must be done:

• at the latest, on the same day as the work permit application,

• and at the earliest, 60 days before applying.

Once the request is registered, the system generates a unique ID code (known as ID PPZ). This ID must be included in the work permit application. If you already have a valid ID PPZ, you can reuse it without launching a new labor market test.

Group applications

If you are hiring multiple foreigners for the same job title and description, you can submit a single labor market test request. The scope of the request and the application must align.

Required documents

To support your request, be ready to provide:

• 📄 A draft employment contract or equivalent agreement.

• 📋 A job classification act excerpt or, for small businesses (fewer than 10 employees), a detailed job description including qualifications and any special conditions.

• 🎓 A diploma, certificate, or another official proof of the required qualifications.

• ✅ A certificate (issued ex officio by NSZ) confirming that no employees were laid off from the same position within the last 90 days.

• 🏢 An excerpt from your company’s registration in Serbia.

Need help?

Navigating Serbia’s labor market test and work permit process can be complex. 👉 Get expert guidance now — our team helps employers and foreign professionals streamline their applications and avoid common pitfalls.

Costs and Fees for Issuing a Work Permit in Serbia

If you’re planning to hire a foreign employee in Serbia or apply for your own work and residence permit, understanding the costs involved is essential for proper budgeting and compliance.

👉 Who pays for the work permit?
Under the current Law on Employment of Foreigners (effective 1 February 2024), the cost of issuing a single work and residence permit is borne by the applicant. This could be:

• the employer (if they are submitting the application), or

• the foreigner (if applying personally).

💡 Important: It’s up to the employer and employee to agree whether the employer will later reimburse the costs paid by the foreigner. This flexibility reflects the principle of equal treatment between Serbian and foreign workers.

💰 Overview of Typical Government Fees (2024)

Below is a table summarizing key fees for work permits, visas, and residence documents:

💡 Note: All fees are payable at the time of submission and are non-refundable.

💡 What employers need to know

Previously, employers were required by law to cover work permit costs and could not transfer these to the employee. However, this obligation has been removed in the new law. Now:

• ✅ The applicant pays (employer or foreigner).
• ✅ Costs can be reimbursed later if agreed in the employment contract or arrangement.
• ✅ The foreigner can switch employers during the permit’s validity, with NSZ approval, without needing a new permit (only approval for change of employer).

📌 Get Support and Clarity

Avoid hidden costs and paperwork delays! 👉 Partner with us for expert assistance in managing work permit applications, fee payments, and regulatory compliance.

Exemptions and Reductions for Work Permit and Residence Fees in Serbia

When applying for a work permit, visa, or residence in Serbia, most applicants are required to pay government fees for each service or document issued. However, several categories of foreigners are fully or partially exempt from these fees, in line with Serbian law.

General Rule

💡 For every official action under this fee schedule, a corresponding administrative fee applies.
👉 This includes the issuance of residence permits, ID cards for foreigners, visas, and travel documents.

Since November 1, 2019, the issuance of biometric ID cards for foreigners or biometric temporary ID cards is also subject to the prescribed administrative fee.

Who is exempt from paying the residence or work permit fee?

Foreign students on government scholarships ✅

• Foreigners staying in Serbia as government-sponsored students (for education or study purposes) do not pay the temporary residence fee.

Invitees of Serbian government bodies or organizations ✅ 

• Foreigners visiting Serbia for activities related to scientific, technical, cultural, or educational cooperation are exempt from the temporary residence fee.

Family reunification cases ✅

• Foreigners approved for temporary residence based on family reunification with a Serbian citizen pay 50% of the standard temporary residence fee.

Participants in official events ✅ 

• Foreigners invited by government bodies for bilateral or multilateral meetings, or coming as part of organized international competitions or gatherings, or those directly connected to participants, are exempt from:

  • Visa C (short-stay visa) fee for single entry at the border (valid up to 15 days).

Clergy and religious workers ✅ 

• Foreign priests and religious staff serving in their churches or religious communities in Serbia are exempt from the temporary residence fee.

Victims or presumed victims of human trafficking ✅

• Foreigners identified as victims or presumed victims of human trafficking do not pay for temporary residence.

Special humanitarian and legal cases ✅

• No fee applies for foreigners:

  • Who could not be deported from Serbia for over a year.

  • Cooperating with police or judiciary.

  • Required to stay for a criminal procedure (e.g., as a witness or injured party).

  • Abandoned minors who are victims of organized crime or without parental care.

  • Performing humanitarian activities.

Readmission cases ✅ 

• Foreigners receiving a travel document for foreigners issued under a readmission agreement (for forced removal from Serbia) do not pay this fee.

Final Tip

If you’re unsure whether you qualify for a fee exemption or reduction, it’s best to consult professionals. 👉 Our team can guide you through exemptions and cost-saving options.

Employment Contracts for Foreigners: Fixed-Term and Open-Ended

When hiring foreign nationals in Serbia, it’s essential to understand how employment contracts work in relation to their single work and residence permit.

Can a foreigner have a fixed-term or open-ended contract?

✅ Yes — both contract types are allowed.
Under Serbian law, employers may sign:

• A fixed-term (temporary) employment contract, or

• An open-ended (permanent) employment contract
  with a foreign worker, depending on the needs of the business and the duration of the foreigner’s work permit.

Key legal points you should know

📌 Connection to work permit validity
According to the Law on the Employment of Foreigners (Article 9(2) and (3)):

• A foreigner’s employment automatically ends when their single permit for work and residence expires, regardless of the type of contract.

• This means that even if you have a permanent contract, the employment ends with the permit’s validity unless renewed.

📌 Fixed-term contract rules
Under Article 37(4)(3) of the Labour Law:

• A fixed-term contract with a foreigner can only last up to the expiry date of their work permit.

• The contract duration must not exceed the validity period of the permit.

📌 Open-ended contracts are possible
Although the law does not explicitly state this in every section, the current legal framework allows foreign nationals to:

• Enter into open-ended employment contracts.

• Work under such contracts as long as their single permit is valid and renewed on time.

👉 Important: If a foreigner’s work permit expires and is not renewed, the employment contract automatically terminates, even if it is open-ended.

👉 For a deeper dive into employment rights, obligations, and contract structures, explore our Ultimate Guide to Serbian Labour Law. This guide offers detailed insights for both employers and employees on compliance and best practices.

What this means for employers and foreign workers

Employers should:

• Align the contract term with the validity of the foreigner’s permit.

• Plan ahead for permit renewal to avoid disruptions.

Foreign workers should:

• Monitor their permit expiration date.

• Start the renewal process early to maintain their right to work in Serbia.

Get expert assistance

📌 Need help structuring contracts or managing work permit renewals? 👉 Talk to our team today for tailored support!

Tips for employers and foreign workers

✔ Employers: Align contract terms with the work permit’s validity and plan for timely renewal.
✔ Foreigners: Keep track of your permit’s expiry date and begin renewal procedures well in advance.

🌍 Social Security and Insurance Registration for Foreign Workers in Serbia

If you are employing foreign nationals in Serbia or you’re a foreign worker yourself, it’s important to understand the mandatory process for social security and insurance registration. This step is crucial for ensuring legal employment and access to Serbia’s social protection system.

📌 What is required for registration?

Every foreigner working in Serbia must be registered in the Central Registry of Compulsory Social Insurance (CROSO). This registration is done using the foreigner’s identification number, which is assigned by the Ministry of Internal Affairs.

👉 The identification number for foreigners (evidencijski broj stranca) is generated either:

• Automatically by the authorities (ex officio), or

• Upon the foreigner’s or employer’s request.

📝 How is the foreigner’s ID number structured?

The structure of the ID number depends on the foreigner’s status:

This ID appears on:

• The Single Work and Residence Permit (kartica jedinstvene dozvole),

• The foreigner’s ID card (biometric or temporary).

⚙ The social insurance registration process

Once the foreign worker’s biometric data is collected and verified:

• ✅ The foreigner reviews and approves the accuracy of their personal data.
• ✅ The foreigner receives a certificate confirming the permit process has started.
• ✅ This certificate contains the ID number needed for social security registration.

💡 Employers must use this ID number to submit the insurance registration via the Central Registry, as required by the Law on the Central Registry of Compulsory Social Insurance.

🔑 What data does the central registry include?

The central database of insured persons records:

• The foreigner’s ID number,

• The employer’s contribution obligations,

• All essential details required for social insurance compliance.

🌟 Final tip for employers

Don’t wait — once your foreign employee receives their confirmation certificate, ensure you promptly file the insurance registration. This protects both your company and the worker, and it’s a legal obligation in Serbia.

👉 Need help with the process?
Visit Work in Serbia for expert guidance on foreign employment compliance.

🌐 Termination of Employment, Change of Work Basis, and Multiple Employers

When employing a foreign national in Serbia, it’s crucial to understand that Serbian labor laws apply equally to foreign and domestic workers. Employers must follow all legal procedures set by the Labour Law of Serbia when terminating an employment contract. This means that, just like with Serbian nationals, proper notice, documentation, and adherence to employment rights are mandatory.

📌 When Does Employment End for Foreigners?

In addition to standard reasons for termination under Serbian law, a foreigner’s employment automatically ends if their single work and residence permit (Jedinstvena dozvola) expires. This rule ensures that foreigners only work in Serbia with valid authorization.

👉 Key obligation: After their employment or contract ends, a foreign national must sign a new employment contract within 30 days if they wish to continue working legally. If this doesn’t happen, immigration laws regarding stay and return will apply.

🔄 Changing Employer, Work Basis, or Working for Multiple Employers

Good news: Serbian law allows flexibility! During the validity of their single permit, a foreign national or their employer can apply to:

• ✅ Change the basis of work (e.g., from training to employment)
• ✅ Change employer
• ✅ Work for multiple employers simultaneously

👉 All requests are submitted electronically via the official foreigner portal. The National Employment Service (NSZ) must approve these changes, so a formal application for consent is required. NSZ will evaluate:

• The labor market situation (via labor market test report)

• All supporting documents required for the specific work basis

The process is identical to applying for an initial single permit.

⚠ Important Employer Responsibilities

• Employers must not hire or engage foreign nationals who lack legal stay or work authorization.

• Failing to comply exposes employers to serious penalties and fines.

💡 Need help managing terminations or work permit changes?

Our team at STATT can guide you through:

• ✅ Proper contract terminations
• ✅ Applications for changing work basis or employer
• ✅ Compliance checks to avoid legal risks

❓ Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) — Foreigners Working in Serbia

1️⃣ What is the single permit for work and residence in Serbia?

The single permit (Jedinstvena dozvola) combines temporary residence and work authorization into one document. It simplifies the process for foreigners who want to work legally in Serbia.

👉 Learn more in our guide: Work in Serbia

2️⃣ Who submits the work and residence permit application — the employer or the foreigner?

Both options are possible:

• The employer can submit the application on behalf of the foreigner.

• The foreigner can submit their own application, especially if they are self-employed or switching employers.

All applications are submitted online via the Welcome to Serbia portal.

3️⃣ Is the labor market test always required when hiring a foreigner?

Yes, in most cases employers must initiate a labor market test to confirm no suitable domestic candidates are available.
⚠ Exceptions apply for shortage occupations and specific government-approved cases.

4️⃣ Can a foreigner work for multiple employers in Serbia?

Yes — but only if the National Employment Service (NSZ) grants consent. A formal request must be submitted electronically, and approval is based on labor market conditions and supporting documents.

5️⃣ What happens if a foreigner’s single permit expires?

The employment contract automatically ends when the single permit expires. The foreigner has 30 days to sign a new contract or risk violating immigration laws.

6️⃣ Who pays the cost of a work and residence permit?

Under current law, either the employer or the foreign worker can bear the cost — it depends on their agreement.
👉 Tip: Always clarify this in the employment contract or service agreement.

7️⃣ Can the application be submitted from abroad?

✅ Yes! Foreigners can submit their application for a single permit before entering Serbia, provided they have the necessary visa or visa-free entry rights.

8️⃣ Do family members of Serbian citizens get fee reductions?

Yes — foreign nationals applying for residence on the basis of family reunification pay only 50% of the standard fee.

9️⃣ Do religious workers or humanitarian volunteers pay for residence permits?

No — clergy, religious workers, and those engaged in humanitarian activities are typically exempt from residence permit fees.

1️⃣0️⃣ What is required for social security registration?

Foreigners must have a valid foreigner ID number (evidencijski broj stranca), issued by the Ministry of Interior, which the employer uses to register them for social security via the central registry.

1️⃣1️⃣ Where can I get expert help with permits, contracts, and compliance?

👉 The STATT team offers full support for:

• Work and residence permits

• Employment contracts

• Labor market tests

• Regulatory compliance