Foreign nationals may work in Serbia only with a single permit, except in cases set out by law. Mistakes in the basis of engagement, the contract or the tax treatment can be costly. Our new brochure, 7 Things You Need to Know About Employing Foreign Nationals in Serbia, sets out what employers should know. The 2026 edition reflects the position as of October 2026.
What the brochure covers:
- The costliest mistakes. Employment can be established only for a fixed term, at most until the single permit expires, and an open-ended contract commits the employer to extend the permit in time. Work must not start before the permit is received, and pay must not be disguised as bonuses. The brochure also covers the unregulated status of foreign legal representatives.
- Checks before work starts. Entry conditions and any visa requirement, the basis for the single permit, complete documents, and the rule on earlier redundancies.
- Engaging through an agency. The agency is the employer, but the user employer still directs the work and applies health and safety measures.
- Departure and change of employer. Up to 30 days’ notice, 30 days to conclude a new contract, and when the employer can recover its costs.
- Language, housing and safety. The contract must also be concluded in Serbian, and safety training is always required.
- Penalties and consequences. Fines can reach RSD 2,000,000 for the company and RSD 500,000 for the responsible person. Unpaid taxes and contributions may also lead to criminal liability.
- Three checks before you decide. Right to work, basis of engagement and visa regime.
Download the brochure here (Serbian) or here (English)
