With Serbia experiencing a shortage of skilled labor, many employers are turning to foreign workers as a viable solution. This shift has been facilitated by the recent updates to the Law on Foreigners, effective from 2024, which have streamlined the process of hiring international talent and attracted numerous companies seeking to address labor gaps.

The Law on Foreigners governs the employment of foreign nationals in Serbia. An amendment to this law in February 2024 introduced several beneficial changes for immigrants. Notably, the new regulations extend the temporary residence period for foreigners to three years. This extension not only allows for a longer stay but also simplifies the path to permanent residency, reducing the required duration of residence from five years to three consecutive years.

Essential Information for Employers Hiring International Workers

Employers looking to hire foreign workers need to meet the following requirements:

1. Obtain a long-term visa for employment purposes.

2. Secure a unified permit, which consolidates both the temporary residence permit and work permit into a single document.

Employment contracts for foreign workers should be consistent with those provided to Serbian citizens. Furthermore, employers must verify that no employees were terminated from the relevant position due to technical, economic, or organizational reasons within the past 90 days before applying for the unified permit.

These updates are designed to make Serbia a more attractive destination for international professionals, helping businesses address their staffing needs more effectively.