To obtain a work permit in Serbia, your employer needs to first request the National Employment Service to conduct a labor market test to verify that there are no suitable Serbian candidates available for the position. If no suitable candidates are found, the employer can then apply for a work permit. The processing time for a work permit may take one to two weeks.

Yes, foreign nationals holding a D visa can work in Serbia for up to 180 days without a separate work permit, although it is still recommended to secure a work permit before starting work. This provision is expected to be formally implemented in February 2024​.

Effective August 4, 2023, temporary residence permits now have a three-year validity with the possibility of renewal for another three years. This change also extends the validity of associated work permits. Additionally, it is now possible to sign indefinite-term employment contracts with foreign workers, independent of the validity of their residence permits​.

To apply for a work permit, the required documents include a completed application form, a valid passport, an invitation letter from the employer in Serbia, proof of health insurance, a passport-sized photo, evidence of sufficient funds for the stay in Serbia, and proof of visa fee payment. All documents should be translated into Serbian​.

A residence permit application must be submitted to a Serbian embassy or consulate in the applicant’s current country of residence. It is necessary to have a job offer before applying for a temporary visa for employment purposes. Once the temporary residence visa and work permit are approved, the employee can travel to Serbia and commence work​.