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Guide to the job market in Serbia – all in one place!
We provide you with effective information about offers and demand for jobs. Through various activities, we encourage you to successfully prepare yourself for finding a suitable job. We also use adequate methods to connect you with employers who are looking for quality workers. Our goal is to help you navigate the job market, whether you are new to Serbia or already living here.
Guide for Foreign Workers in Serbia – Rules, Permits, and Important Changes
If you are a foreign citizen working and living in Serbia, it’s important to know that from February 1, 2024, new rules and procedures apply for work and residence in Serbia.
This guide explains the most important information about how the employment process works and what your rights are as a foreign worker.
Work Contract and Your Rights
Once you get the unified permit (called Jedinstvena dozvola), your employer in Serbia can sign a work contract with you – just like with any Serbian citizen. Your rights and duties at work are the same as for Serbian workers.
If your permit expires, your right to work will also end. You have 30 days to sign a new contract. If you don’t, general rules for foreigners’ stay in Serbia will apply.
How Long Can You Stay and Work?
The unified permit can be issued for up to three years. This is new – before, the maximum was one year. Still, the final decision is made by the Serbian authorities, depending on your situation.
Can You Change Your Employer?
Yes. From February 1, 2024, you don’t need a new permit every time you change jobs.
You only need to ask for approval from the National Employment Service (NSZ) if you want to:
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change your employer,
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work for more than one employer,
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change the type of work (for example, from employee to self-employed).
You can send this request online. The decision will be made within 10 days.
If you stay with the same company but switch to another position, no approval is needed.
Can You Start Working Before the Permit Is Approved?
Yes. After you give your biometric data for the permit, you will receive a confirmation. With that confirmation, your employer can register you for social insurance and you can start working – you don’t have to wait for the final permit.
Who Doesn’t Need a Work Permit?
You can work in Serbia without a unified permit if:
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you own real estate (property) in Serbia,
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you are joining a family member who already has a unified permit.
Also, some people are allowed to work without a permit, such as:
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volunteers,
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foreign media representatives,
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company founders who are not officially employed,
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experts working for less than 90 days in 180 days, etc.
If you have permanent residence in Serbia – you also don’t need a work permit.
Important: Work According to Your Permit
If you live in Serbia with a work-based permit, you must actually be working. If you are staying in Serbia without a valid reason, your permit can be denied or not extended.
Also, if you leave Serbia for a longer time, the authorities will check whether the reason for your absence was justified when you apply to extend your permit.
How to Work Legally in Serbia?
To work in Serbia legally, you must have:
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a visa for work, temporary residence permit, or permanent residence,
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a unified work and residence permit (Jedinstvena dozvola).
This permit is issued only online, through the Foreigners Portal. You can apply for a job, self-employment, training, or internships through this portal.
Good news: you no longer need to show proof of health insurance or financial means when applying.
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If you have a doubt or a problem in the field of labor law and employment, our lawyer is here to help you. We recommend that you first check if the same or similar question has already been asked by searching for the question by keyword or area.
