How Long Does It Take to Employ a Foreign Worker in Serbia?
Bringing a foreign worker into your team is an investment in your company’s future. One of the key questions employers ask is: “How long will all this take?” Understanding the timeframes is crucial not only for project and production planning but also for reducing uncertainty and stress. The average duration of the entire process, from the decision to hire a foreign worker to their legal employment and start of work, ranges from 8 to 16 weeks. However, with expert guidance and perfectly prepared documentation, this timeframe can be significantly shortened.
Detailed Overview of Phases and Their Duration
To better understand the timeline, let’s break down the process into key phases:
1. Preparation of Documentation and Employment Contract (1–3 weeks)
The employer and the future employee sign an employment contract or a job offer, which serves as the basis for applying for the D visa.
2. D Visa – Entry into Serbia (2–6 weeks)
The foreign citizen submits an application for a D visa with the signed employment contract. The D visa allows a stay of up to 6 months but does not grant the right to work.
3. Unified Permit for Residence and Work (2–4 weeks)
Upon arrival in Serbia, an application for the unified permit is submitted to the Ministry of Internal Affairs (MUP). This permit enables legal residence and work.
4. Commencement of Work
The employment relationship begins after obtaining the unified permit and registering for mandatory social insurance.
How ICONIC MANPOWER VISION Optimizes the Process and Saves Time?
Our core value is transparency and predictability. Instead of you facing a labyrinth of regulations, we provide you with a clear map and guide you through it.
- Preventive Document Check: Our experts review all your documents before submission, eliminating the most common cause of application rejection and deadline extension – an incomplete or incorrect file.
- Active Monitoring: We have established communication channels with the relevant institutions. We do not wait passively; we actively track the progress of each application.
- Dedicated Contact Person: You and your future worker are assigned a support person who answers all questions and resolves any uncertainties, eliminating time wasted searching for information.
In short, our role is to make the entire procedure faster, safer, and painless for all parties involved, allowing you to focus on what you do best – running your business.
Conclusion
The duration of the process of employing foreign workers is not fixed, but with the correct approach and expert help, it is entirely manageable. The key to success lies in precise preparation, knowledge of regulations, and proactive communication. If you would like to get a more concrete time estimate for your specific situation and learn how we can help you shorten it, we are at your disposal.
If you are interested in how we can optimize and speed up the hiring process for your company, feel free to contact us for a free consultation.
