Serbia Work Permit & Work Visa. If you want to work in Serbia in 2025, you must follow the correct process for the Serbia work visa, work permit, and temporary residence permit. Serbia offers growing job opportunities, easy visa rules compared to the EU, and affordable living costs. This guide explains everything you need to know, including requirements, online application, processing time, fees, salary, sponsorship, and visa checking by passport number.
What Is a Serbia Work Visa?
The Serbia work visa allows foreign nationals to:
- Work legally in Serbia
- Live in Serbia on a temporary residence permit
- Travel freely within Serbia
Serbia issues two documents you MUST have:
- Work Permit (issued by National Employment Service – NES)
- Temporary Residence Permit (issued by the Serbian police)
Both are required before starting any job.
Types of Serbia Work Visas
Foreign workers can apply for the following categories:
1. Temporary Residence + Work Permit (Most Common)
For general jobs in industries like IT, construction, hospitality, agriculture, etc.
2. Highly Skilled Worker Visa
For professionals with high-level qualifications (IT experts, engineers, doctors).
3. Seasonal Work Visa
For agriculture, farm labor, tourism, and outdoor work (valid 6 months).
4. Business / Entrepreneur Visa
For people planning to start a business in Serbia.
5. Intra-Company Transfer Visa
For employees transferred from a foreign company to its Serbian branch.
Eligibility Criteria
To qualify for a Serbia work visa, you must:
- Have a valid job offer from a registered Serbian employer
- Hold a passport valid for at least 6–12 months
- Have clean criminal background
- Meet education/skill requirements of the job
- Have sufficient financial means
- Have health/medical insurance
- Have no entry ban in Serbia or Schengen zone
How to Apply for a Serbia Work Visa (Step-by-Step Guide)
Step 1: Get a Job Offer
Find a Serbian employer who agrees to sponsor your work permit.
Step 2: Employer Applies for Your Work Permit
Your employer submits the work permit request at the National Employment Service (NES).
You cannot apply for the work permit yourself.
Step 3: Fill Out the Serbia Work Visa Application Form
Download the form from the Serbian Embassy website and complete it carefully.
Step 4: Submit Documents to the Serbian Embassy
Book an appointment and submit:
- Application form
- Passport
- Photos
- Employment contract
- Work permit approval
- Financial proof
Step 5: Receive Visa Decision
Processing usually takes 15–30 days.
Step 6: Apply for a Temporary Residence Permit in Serbia
After arriving in Serbia, apply at the local police office within 24 hours.
Serbia Work Visa Requirements (Complete Checklist)
Personal Documents
- Valid passport
- Passport-size photos
- Filled visa application form
- Birth certificate
- Police clearance certificate
Employment Documents
- Job offer/contract
- Work permit approval
- Employer registration certificate
- Company tax and business documents
Financial & Accommodation Proof
- Bank statement (3–6 months)
- Proof of accommodation in Serbia
- Travel/medical insurance
Additional Documents (If needed)
- Educational certificates
- CV / resume
- Marriage certificate (for family visa)
Serbia Work Visa Fees (2025 Updated)
| Type | Approx. Fee |
|---|---|
| Work Visa Application | €70 – €100 |
| Temporary Residence Permit | €150 – €200 |
| Work Permit (Employer pays) | €70 – €120 |
| Document Attestation | €20 – €40 |
Serbia Work Visa Processing Time
Average Timeline
- Work Permit: 10–25 working days
- Embassy Visa: 15–30 working days
- Temporary Residence Permit: 15–30 days
Total Time: 1.5 – 2.5 months
Serbia Work Visa Sponsorship
Your Serbian employer must:
- Submit your work permit request
- Provide a job contract
- Show proof that no local applicant was available
Without sponsorship, work visa approval is not possible.
Salary Expectations in Serbia (2025)
| Industry | Monthly Salary (€) |
|---|---|
| IT / Software | €1,200 – €2,500 |
| Engineering | €900 – €1,800 |
| Construction | €600 – €1,200 |
| Factory Jobs | €500 – €900 |
| Hospitality | €500 – €800 |
| Health Sector | €800 – €1,600 |
Average foreign worker salary: €700 – €1,500 per month
Jobs in High Demand in Serbia (Skill Shortage Areas)
- IT Developers
- Software Engineers
- Electricians
- Construction Workers
- Welders
- Mechanical Technicians
- Truck & Delivery Drivers
- Hospitality Staff
- Healthcare Workers
- Agriculture & Seasonal Workers
Serbia Work Visa Duration & Renewal
- Initial validity: 6 months to 1 year
- Can be renewed annually
- After 5 years → apply for Permanent Residency (PR)
Can You Bring Your Family?
Yes, you can apply for a Serbia Family Reunification Visa for:
- Spouse
- Children
- Dependent parents
They receive a temporary residence permit after your approval.
How to Check Serbia Work Visa Status by Passport Number
Currently, Serbia does NOT have an online visa tracking system.
You can check through:
- Serbian Embassy (email or phone)
- Your employer (NES office inquiry)
- Local police office (if you are in Serbia)
Provide:
- Passport number
- Visa application number
- Full name
Common Reasons for Work Visa Rejection
- Incorrect or incomplete documents
- Fake job offer
- Employer not registered
- Missing financial proof
- Criminal record
- Mismatched information on forms
Serbia Work Visa Success Rate
Serbia has a strong approval rate when documents are correct.
Success Rate: 80% – 90%
Cost of Living in Serbia (2025)
| Item | Average Cost |
|---|---|
| Rent (1-bedroom) | €250 – €450 |
| Food | €120 – €200 |
| Transport | €20 – €40 |
| Utilities | €80 – €120 |
Serbia is cheaper than most EU countries.
Conclusion
The Serbia work visa process is straightforward if you have a job offer, complete documents, and employer sponsorship. With a high visa success rate, low living costs, and strong job demand, Serbia is becoming a popular choice for foreign workers. Understanding the requirements, processing time, salary, and application steps will help you apply confidently and increase your chances of success.
