Employment in Serbia for Ukrainians

Since 2024, Serbia has had a single permit system (jedinstvena dozvola / Single Permit). This means that a foreigner submits one application, which simultaneously gives them the right to:

• temporary residence;
• official employment with a specific employer.

Applications can be submitted:

• through the territorial divisions of the Ministarstvo unutrašnjih poslova (Ministry of Internal Affairs of Serbia);
• or online through the state portal.

👉 Applications can be submitted both while legally residing in Serbia and from abroad.

Who initiates the permit application procedure?

In most cases, the initiator is the employer in Serbia, who:

• prepares an employment contract or an official job offer;
• confirms the need to hire a foreign employee;
• submits or accompanies the submission of documents.

A foreigner may be outside Serbia or already legally in the country at the time of submission.

The main stages of obtaining a permit

1. Preparation of an employment contract by the employer

The contract must contain:

• the position;
• the salary;
• the term of the contract;
• the working conditions.

2. Submission of an application for a single permit. The application is legally submitted by the foreigner, but in practice it is usually prepared and submitted by the employer or an authorized representative of the company.

It is submitted electronically or through the Ministry of Internal Affairs.

3. Verification of employment conditions

The state verifies:

• company registration;
• salary compliance;
• legality of the foreigner's stay at the time of application (if necessary);
• qualification compliance (if necessary).

4. Obtaining a temporary residence card

After the application is approved, you must personally complete the registration procedure:

• undergo biometric registration (fingerprints, electronic signature, and photograph)
• obtain a temporary residence card;
• confirm or register your address of residence in Serbia.

Only after the card is issued do you obtain the full right to official employment.

Required documents

The basic package of documents usually includes: 

• valid foreign passport;
• completed application;
• an employment contract or official job offer;
• information about the employer;
• proof of accommodation in Serbia (rental agreement or letter of guarantee);
• medical insurance;
• proof of sufficient financial means (usually through a contract with a specified salary);
• a certificate of no criminal record;
• documents on education or qualifications (if required by the profession);
• proof of payment of the state fee

- registration fee — 420 Serbian dinars (RSD), fee for issuing a single residence and work permit — 22,700 RSD (approximately €195–200);

• translations of documents into Serbian (with an apostille, if necessary).

📌 Important: for regulated professions (medicine, education, certain technical specialties), an additional procedure for recognition of diplomas is required.

Terms and validity

- The application review period is usually about 15-30 days, but may be longer in case of additional checks.

- The first permit is issued for the term of the employment contract, but for no more than 1 year.

After several years of continuous legal residence, you can apply for long-term residence.

👉 If you are unsure whether your contract meets the requirements of Serbian law, use legal advice from Visit Ukraine — specialists will help you check your employer and prepare the correct set of documents.

In Serbia, the duration of employment does not determine the need for a permit. Even if the contract is for several months, in most cases, a foreigner must obtain a single residence and work permit.

Short-term (project) work

These are temporary jobs for a specific period, for example:

• construction or repair of facilities;
• installation and configuration of equipment;
• production launch;
• technical work under contract.

The permit is issued for the term of the contract and may be extended if there are grounds for doing so.

Seasonal work

Most common in:

• agriculture;
• tourism and the hotel business;
• the service sector.

The employee also receives a residence and work permit for the duration of the seasonal contract.

📌 Please note: seasonal work in Serbia does not mean the ability to work without formal documentation.

When can you work without a permit in Serbia?

Serbian law provides for certain short-term activities lasting up to 90 days that are not formally considered employment. This refers to situations where a foreigner does not enter into an employment contract with a Serbian company — for example, participation in business negotiations, provision of consulting services, or work within an international project without being employed by a local employer.

👉 If you are planning to work temporarily, take out medical insurance in advance — it is mandatory for submitting documents and may be required during inspections. You can take it out online at Visit Ukraine.

Serbia attracts entrepreneurs with its relatively simple administration, opportunities to work with international clients, and moderate tax burden compared to most European countries.

Foreigners can work in Serbia not only under an employment contract but also through their own entrepreneurial activities. In this case, the basis for residence is not employment, but doing business.

The most common forms:

• Company (DOO — equivalent to LLC)

Suitable for startups, IT teams, agencies, online services, and small businesses. Allows you to hire employees and work with clients in Serbia and abroad.

• Entrepreneur (preduzetnik)

A simplified format for freelancers and specialists who work independently: developers, designers, consultants, marketers, online services.

What is required to obtain a residence permit through business?

To obtain a residence permit, you must:

• register your company with the Serbian Business Registration Agency;
• confirm your actual economic activity;
• provide a description or business plan;
• demonstrate that you have sufficient funds to conduct your business and cover your living expenses.

The permit is usually issued for a period of up to 1 year with the possibility of further extension if the business is actually operating.

🫂 Before starting a business in Serbia, it is worth consulting with a lawyer — a Visit Ukraine specialist will help you choose the optimal format (company or entrepreneur) and prepare you to obtain a residence permit.