Immigration and Work Permits in Serbia

Petrović Mojsić & Partners advises employers, foreign employees, company founders and individuals on immigration and work permits in Serbia. Our Belgrade-based team assists with employment-based Visa D applications, single residence and work permits, temporary residence and the legal aspects of relocating to Serbia.

We assess the applicant’s nationality, existing immigration status, intended activities and supporting documents before recommending an application route. We coordinate immigration requirements with the employer’s obligations and the proposed start of work. For an overview of our practice areas, visit our Legal Services page.

Choosing the Appropriate Immigration Route

The appropriate procedure depends on the purpose and duration of the stay, the applicable visa regime and the activities the foreign national intends to perform. Permission to enter Serbia and permission to work must be assessed separately. Visa-free entry does not, by itself, authorise employment.

We assist with reviewing the available grounds, identifying the competent authorities and preparing a sequence of steps that reflects the applicant’s circumstances. This includes assessing whether an employment-based Visa D, a single permit or another residence basis is appropriate.

Visa D for Employment in Serbia

An employment-based Visa D can authorise entry, stay and work during its validity, for up to 180 days. Whether this route is required or suitable depends on the applicant’s nationality and the proposed engagement. A visa issued for a different purpose should not be treated as an employment authorisation.

Our assistance includes reviewing the employment or assignment arrangements, preparing supporting documents and authorisations, coordinating the application and responding to requests for additional information. Where a longer stay is planned, we advise on the subsequent residence and work permit application. A holder applying on the basis of an existing Visa D must observe the requirement that the residence application uses the same basis as that visa.

Single Residence and Work Permits

The single permit combines temporary residence and work authorisation for the relevant employment basis. Applications are submitted electronically through Serbia’s official portal. A permit may be granted for up to three years, depending on the applicable conditions and supporting evidence; the maximum period is not automatic.

We assist with initial applications and extensions, document review, electronic submissions within the scope of an appropriate authorisation, and communication with the competent authorities. A valid single permit should not be treated as unrestricted permission to work for any employer. Changing the employer, working for two or more employers or changing the employment basis requires the relevant National Employment Service approval. The proposed change must be assessed and approved before the new work begins.

Legal Support for Employers Hiring Foreign Employees

Hiring foreign employees requires coordination between immigration procedures and employment documentation. We help employers plan individual hires and applications involving several prospective employees.

• Assessing the proposed engagement and the appropriate immigration basis.
• Preparing or reviewing employment contracts, job descriptions and employer statements.
• Assisting with labour market test requirements where applicable.
• Reviewing qualifications, supporting evidence and document consistency.
• Coordinating application stages, extensions and relevant changes.

Our immigration work can be coordinated with our Employment Law in Serbia practice, including advice on employment terms and the employer’s obligations.

Founders, Directors and International Assignments

Company founders, directors and employees assigned from abroad may need different immigration arrangements. We assess self-employment, direct employment, intra-company transfers and other relevant grounds against the proposed activities and available documents.

Registering a company or acquiring shares does not, by itself, resolve the founder’s immigration or work status. We coordinate the relevant steps with our Corporate and Commercial Law practice and identify which formalities can be handled through an authorised representative.

Temporary Residence and Family Relocation

We advise on temporary residence applications based on family reunification and other legally available grounds relevant to the client’s circumstances. The residence basis must reflect the actual purpose of the stay and be supported by appropriate evidence.

Some residence statuses provide a right to work without a separate single permit. We assess that right individually rather than assuming that every residence permit has the same effect. Where family members relocate together, each person’s application, documentation and required attendance must be considered.

Documents, Personal Attendance and Extensions

We provide a tailored document checklist after an initial assessment. Depending on the route, relevant materials may include a passport, existing visa or residence permit, proposed employment or assignment documents, employer registration details, qualifications, accommodation documents, and evidence relating to family relationships, insurance or means of support.

We review requirements for certified translations, legalisation or apostilles where applicable. Representation can cover many preparatory and procedural steps, but it does not remove mandatory personal attendance. Foreign nationals must attend the competent authority for biometric data collection when required.

An extension application may be submitted no earlier than three months before expiry and must be submitted no later than expiry of the existing permit. We recommend preparing the file in advance. A timely residence application can preserve lawful stay during the administrative procedure; the right to continue working, change employment or travel must be assessed separately against the person’s status. Official guidance is available on the Welcome to Serbia residence and work permit portal.

Planning an Employer-Sponsored Application

For an ordinary employment route requiring a labour market test, we coordinate the employer’s vacancy registration and test reference with the single-permit application. The job description, qualifications, contract and proposed work must be consistent. Employers applying on behalf of foreign nationals need the appropriate electronic account and authorisation; a company’s registration alone does not complete that setup.

Our working checklist identifies the visa route, employer documents, application authorisations, translations, filing evidence, requests for additional information, biometric attendance and expiry reminders. Group applications do not remove the need to check each applicant’s passport, eligibility and documentation. See the National Employment Service guidance for employment assessments and changes of employer.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can a foreign national work in Serbia after entering without a visa?

Visa-free entry alone is not enough. The person must have an applicable right to work, whether through a single permit, an appropriate employment-based Visa D or another status or statutory exemption. We assess the proposed work and the individual’s status before advising on the next step.

Can the application be prepared while the applicant is abroad?

Many preparatory steps and eligible electronic applications can be handled while the applicant is abroad, including through an authorised employer or representative. The available route depends on the visa regime and application basis. Personal attendance may still be required at later stages.

How long does obtaining a permit take?

The statutory decision period for a complete single-permit application is 15 days from receipt of an orderly application. This is not a guarantee that the whole relocation, visa, biometric and card-issuance process will take 15 days. Document preparation, missing information and separate procedural steps affect the overall timetable. We distinguish the decision period from the proposed employment start date.

Discuss Your Immigration or Work Permit Matter

For assistance with immigration and work permits in Serbia, contact Petrović Mojsić & Partners or email [email protected]. Please indicate the applicant’s nationality, current location and immigration status, the proposed work or residence basis, and any relevant deadline. After an initial review and conflict check, we can propose the scope of engagement and fees.

Legal content reviewed: 4 November 2026. Framework: Law on Foreigners, Law on Employment of Foreign Citizens and applicable implementing rules.