The employment of foreigners

The employment of foreigners in the Republic of Serbia has become increasingly attractive over the years. In order for a foreign citizen to enter an employment agreement, he/she has to comply with certain conditions and procedures.

In particular, it is necessary to obtain a temporary residence and a work permit. A temporary residence permit is a prerequisite for obtaining a work permit. If a foreigner is allowed to enter and stay in the Republic of Serbia based on a visa-free regime, the foreigner has to report his/her stay within 24h as of entering the Republic of Serbia, at the local police department. After registering for the stay, the foreigner may submit a request for a temporary residence permit. Foreigners who are not allowed to enter and stay in the Republic of Serbia on the basis of the visa-free regime have to obtain a long-term visa by submitting a request at the Serbian Embassy/ Consulate or electronically.

In both cases, if the foreigner intends to stay in the Republic of Serbia for more than 180 days, it is necessary to submit an application for a temporary residence permit (”Application”). Depending on the legal basis of temporary residence, the documentation for approval of temporary residence differs. The Application is submitted to the competent police department, depending on the foreigner’s address of residence. In addition, the Application may be submitted electronically, which speeds up the entire procedure. The temporary residence permit is issued for a period of one year. However, foreigners who intend to stay in the Republic of Serbia for more than one year may submit an application for an extension of the temporary residence permit.

After obtaining a temporary residence in Serbia, the final step is to obtain a work permit by submitting an application to the Serbian National Employment Service (“National Employment Service”). The procedure and the necessary documentation for issuing a work permit differ depending on the type of work permit that is being obtained.

The employment of foreigners is an area with complex procedures and nuances that differ from case to case. Each individual has its own requirements and it is necessary to carefully consider and analyze all possibilities in consultation with a lawyer before submitting an application.