Work permits and visas in Serbia: an employer’s guide

Employers who hire workers globally must make sure they adhere to the immigration laws of each nation. If you have found a candidate in Serbia that meets your requirements, and you wish to hire them, they must have the correct work permit and visa to live and work in the country. The same applies if you want to relocate an existing team member to another country or if an employee would like to be a digital nomad, working over countries over time.

This article will go through the visa types that are available to individuals wishing to relocate to or work in Serbia. It will also take you through the visa application process and how using an employer of record can ensure compliance for companies and assist with the relocation of their transferring or moving employees.

The importance of immigration compliance in Serbia

To help their team members live and work legally in Serbia, an employer must be familiar with Serbian immigration laws and policies, relocation processes, and the procedure for obtaining the relevant visa.

With the rise of remote work and digital nomadism, governments are starting to enforce immigration measures to make sure individuals don’t work on a tourist visa or work without a proper work permit. If an employee or employer does not obtain the proper visa or overstays their visa, there might be financial charges and legal consequences. In addition, the employee can face deportation, or a lifetime ban from returning to the nation.

Additionally, employers run the risk of having future visa applications denied or receiving hefty fines. Compliance with immigration laws can be improved by working with an employer of record (EOR). An EOR like Remote has a team of employment specialists who can make it quick and easy to hire abroad. From handling global benefits and payroll to ensuring compliance with tax practices, immigration legislation, and employment laws — Remote makes it simple.

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Do non-citizens need a work visa or work permit in Serbia?

The government of Serbia allows for visa-free entry, for up to 90 days within six months to visa holders from the U.K., the U.S., the Schengen zone, World Trade Organization member states, those with residence permits in the EU, and other countries.

Other foreigners who are not visa-exempt wishing to visit and work in Serbia must get both a temporary or permanent residence permit and a Serbia work permit. Foreigners who are visa-exempt for 90 days wishing to stay longer than 90 days must get a long-stay visa.

A personal work permit is issued to those with permanent residence, those with Serbian family connections, and refugees. The simple work permit for employment is the type of work permit for digital nomads who will stay in the country temporarily.

Once a work permit is acquired, an employee who is not visa-exempt wishing to enter Serbia to work would then get a visa for the appropriate length of time they intend to stay.

How is the Schengen Visa applicable?

The Schengen Visa permits travelers to stay in Schengen nations for up to 90 days for tourism, business, and various other reasons. The governments of the nations in this zone have signed the Schengen Agreement, which permits people of member countries to travel and visit other member countries without showing their passports or stopping at the border. These nations can all provide Schengen visas.

Serbia is not in the Schengen zone. However, the Serbian government allows citizens from the Schengen zone to enter and work in Serbia without a visa for up to 90 days within in a six month period.

What are the eligibility requirements for a work visa in Serbia?

Certain documents will be needed to apply for a work permit, including:

• Valid passport

• Temporary visa

• Employment agreement

• Education credentials

The requirements for visas include:

• Valid passport

• Letter of invitation from a friend or company in Serbia

• Completed visa application form

• 3.5cm x 4.5cm photo

• Itinerary or return ticket

• If traveling by car, proof of insurance and driver’s license

• Proof of sufficient funds

• Health insurance

• Visa fee

• Employment contract

Applicants can be denied a visa if they do not have proof of good health, if they have a criminal record, or if there is reasonable doubt that the visit will not be used for the intention that was declared.

What are the long-stay visa types in Serbia?

The Type-D visa is a long-stay work visa that is valid for a duration between 90 and 180 days after arrival. The Type-D visa also allows for temporary residence. After the Type-D visa expires, a temporary residence permit can be obtained that is valid for one year.

How do you get a work visa for Serbia?

Work permit application

The applicant can apply for a work permit along with supporting documentation. Employers also must register their employees for Serbian social security. The proof of payment for a work permit is sent along with a visa application. The National Employment Service in Serbia approves work permit applications.

Visa application

Employers need to apply for visas for their employees. The Type-D visa is the visa for work purposes. If the employee intends to stay in Serbia longer than 180 days, they will need to apply for a temporary residence permit.

What is the process for employee work visa sponsorship in Serbia?

Employers must help team members obtain a work visa if they wish to live and work in Serbia. The worker is permitted to relocate to Serbia for employment after obtaining the necessary work permits and visas. In addition to assisting with onboarding and sponsorship, Remote can assist employees with obtaining work visas and work permits and other tasks during the relocation process. To find out more about work visa sponsorship options in Serbia, contact our team for guidance and advice.

What are the visa requirements for digital nomads in Serbia?

There isn't yet a specific visa for digital nomads in Serbia, although there are incentives in the works, such as allowing nomads earning over 3,500 EUR per month to stay and work in the country for up to one year.

Although there is no visa specifically named for digital nomads, those who identify as digital nomads can use the Type-D visa to live and work in Serbia for up to 180 days. The procedures and requirements for applying for work permits and visas for digital nomads are the same as those listed above.

How Remote makes compliance in Serbia so much easier

Work visas for Serbia are simple to understand, and the application procedure is straightforward. But, for employees to be able to work legally in the country, employers must make every effort to ensure that they have the appropriate work visa and that all immigration rules are followed.

Remember, relocation can be challenging for both the employee and the company. Immigration, visas for digital nomads, and other issues can be frequently complicated. Even though every circumstance is unique, learning more about relocation, what to look for, and how to complete the immigration paperwork can make your life easier.

Remote can assist you with benefits, compliance, foreign payroll, visas, and other processes involved in global employment. Check out Remote’s handy Relocation Guide for more information. Learn how businesses can help their employees relocate in the guide, as well as how they can get help from an employer of record like Remote to handle human resources responsibilities such as payroll processing and benefits administration. 

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