Employment of foreign citizens in the Republic of Serbia involves a clearly defined procedure. For the employment relationship to be fully legal, it is necessary to distinguish between entry into the country and the right to reside and work.
Today, the procedure is based on two key steps: the D visa and the unified permit for temporary residence and work.
1. D Visa – The First Step for Entering Serbia
In most cases, a foreign citizen must first obtain a D visa.
The D visa allows for:
- Entry into Serbia
- Stay for up to 180 days (6 months)
- Entry with a clear purpose – most commonly employment
It is important to know:
- The D visa is not a work permit.
- It is a prerequisite for a foreigner to begin the procedure for obtaining a residence and work permit.
Who submits the application?
The application may be submitted by a foreigner or by an employer on behalf of a foreigner.
Where is it submitted?
The application is submitted by completing the online form on the Foreigners’ Portal, in accordance with the law.
2. The Unified Permit for Residence and Work – The Key Document
After arriving in Serbia (usually with a D visa), an application for the unified permit for temporary residence and work is submitted.
This permit:
- Allows for legal residence in Serbia.
- Grants the right to work for a specific employer.
- Replaces the former separate work and residence permits.
Issued by:
The Ministry of Internal Affairs – Directorate for Foreigners.
Who can submit the application?
- The foreign citizen
- The employer
- An authorized agency
How long is it valid?
Most commonly for up to 1 year, with the possibility of extension (maximum up to 3 years).
What does the entire procedure look like in practice?
The most common scenario:
- Preparation of documentation
- Obtaining the D visa
- Arrival in Serbia
- Submitting the application for the unified residence and work permit
- Commencing work after the permit is approved
Why is it important for the procedure to be led by a professional agency?
Incorrect documentation or an improper sequence of steps can lead to:
- Rejection of the application
- Delays in employment
- Problems with residence and permit extension
Our agency:
- Manages the entire process from the D visa to the unified permit.
- Communicates with the competent institutions.
- Saves time and reduces risk for employers and workers.
Conclusion
For the legal employment of a foreign citizen in Serbia, it is necessary to:
- Obtain a D visa (in most cases).
- Obtain a unified permit for residence and work.
When the procedure is properly managed, employing foreigners can be quick, secure, and without complications.
For more details, please contact us.
