Notice: Please check that you have a true project that can be considered as valuable by the local authorities. A business plan and a viable business model are basic requirements if you intend to setup your company in Serbia.
Combining affordability, business opportunities, investment incentives, a strong industrial base, government support, and a high quality of life, Serbia is a favorable destination to live and work.
Nevertheless, individuals from other countries looking to work and live in the country require a residence and work permit. And Serbia, not being a part of the EU, requires nationals of EU countries and several other countries to have these permits.
- Residence Permit in Serbia
In order to get a work permit in Serbia, it is essential to have a temporary or permanent residence permit or a visa that regulates the applicant’s stay. The issuance of residence permits in Serbia is done by the Ministry of Interior.
Temporary residence permits can be applied for online, but physical presence in Serbia is required to receive the permit, which is placed in the passport.
Temporary residence permit
The temporary residence permit is granted to non-Serbia citizens who wish to reside in the country for a over 90 days, or less than 90 days within 180-days if they plan on working.
It can be valid for up to one year and can be extended multiple times if the conditions for temporary residence still apply.
Documents required for a temporary residence permit application include an application form, passport copy, photos, proof of financial means, proof of accommodation, health insurance, employment-related documents, and proof of fee payment. The permit is usually issued within 30 days, and a residence sticker is placed on the passport.
- Extending temporary tesidence permit
In Serbia, to extend a temporary residence permit, a request must be submitted between three months and 30 days before its expiration. The process requires less evidence and is simpler compared to the initial application.
Permanent Residence Permit
The permanent residence permit can be obtained by foreign individuals who have continuously lived in Serbia for a minimum of 5 years without significant interruptions. This will enable them to avoid renewing their temporary residence permit.
Certain conditions must be met, including not staying in Serbia mainly for educational purposes.
The application procedure for a permanent residence in Serbia permit equals that of a temporary residence permit, but it includes extra requirements.
Also, permanent residence permits in the country offer more extensive work permit rights.
- Work Permit in Serbia
Work permits in Serbia are issued by the National Employment Agency (NEA). In order to qualify for a work permit, it is necessary to hold a temporary or permanent residence permit or a Visa D associated with employment. There exist two categories of work permits in Serbia:
- personal work permits and
- regular work permits.
Personal work permit
This permit allows foreigners to work for any employer, be self-employed, and have certain unemployment rights. It is available to those with permanent residence permits in Serbia. Required documents include a passport copy and proof of fee payment.
Regular work permit
The regular work permit is granted upon the request of the employer in Serbia, specifically for the designated job and duration specified in the temporary residence permit or Visa D.
The employer takes responsibility for the associated fees, and the permit must be renewed annually in addition with the residence permit.
Special types of employment permit
These are permits that are issued for independent professionals, temporary assignments, intra-group mobility, as well as training and educational purposes. These permits are requested by the Serbian employer or business partner and are usually valid for up to one year.
- Permits for Investors and Entrepreneurs in Serbia
Foreign individuals who doesn’t need a Serbian visa and intend to stay in the country for a period less than 90 days within 180 days are not required to obtain a temporary residence or work permit. However, this exemption applies only if they are registered as a representative or owner of a Serbian company. But for stays longer than 90 days, both permits are required.
Foreign CEOs of Serbian companies or registered entrepreneurs can apply for a temporary residence permit based on employment by providing an excerpt from the Business Register Agency confirming their status. When extending the temporary residence permit, an existing work permit must be submitted.
To ensure compliance with Serbian regulations, all foreigners must register their place of stay in Serbia within 24 hours of entry, unless they are staying in a hotel or other accommodation where the owner handles the registration.
But obtaining a temporary residence permit can simplify this process and eliminate the need to register the place of stay repeatedly.
- Work permit for self-employment
Foreigners intending to engage in self-employment in Serbia can obtain a simplified work permit for self-employment, provided they possess a Visa D or temporary residence permit.
The application requires documents such as a passport copy, a statement on planned activities, proof of qualifications, a lease agreement or proof of office premises, and payment of administrative fees.
The validity and extension rules for this work permit are similar to regular work permits, with slightly simplified documentation requirements for extension.
- Visa D in Serbia
Visa D is a long-term visa that allows foreigners to stay in Serbia for a period ranging from 90 to 180 days. Foreign nationals who are not obliged to obtain a visa to ener the country but have intentions to work there can acquire a Visa D based on employment.
This visa enables them to complete the work permit application process before arriving in Serbia, allowing them to start working immediately upon arrival. However, the Visa D-based work permit has a maximum validity of 180 days, after which the foreigner must apply for a temporary residence permit and an extension of the work permit based on the residence permit.
The Serbian Ministry of Foreign Affairs is responsible for issuing Visa D. It is also possible to apply online.
When applying for this visa, it is important to clearly state the intended purpose of employment.
- Other grounds for getting temporary residence permit in Serbia
Besides employment and business reasons, temporary residence permits in Serbia can be obtained for various other reasons, such as education, language learning, participation in exchange programs, scientific research, family reunification, medical treatment, property ownership, or other reasons defined by Serbian regulations or international treaties.
In all cases, applicants must provide the necessary evidence to support their grounds for temporary residence.
To obtain a residence permit in Serbia, contact Damalion now and let us help.
