Temporary Residence and Work Permits in Serbia
In recent years, Serbia has positioned itself as a strong economic and technological hub in the region, which has led to a massive influx of foreign nationals. Whether IT professionals, foreign investors opening companies, or workers in the construction and hospitality sectors, the need for legalization of residence and employment of foreigners in Serbia is at an all-time high.
As we are now in2026, procedures for foreigners have been significantly modernized and digitalized. The most significant change relates to the introduction of theSingle Permit, which has completely replaced the formerly complicated two-stage process in which residence was first sought from the police, and then a work permit from the National Employment Service.
In this article, we explain in detail how the integration of temporary residence and work permits functions today, what the statutory requirements are, and how legal support accelerates this process.
What is the Single Permit for Temporary Residence and Employment?
The Law on Foreigners and the Law on Employment of Foreigners have introduced a unified administrative procedure.The Single Permitenables a foreign national to obtain, through a single application submitted entirely electronically, authorization for both temporary residence and employment in the Republic of Serbia.
This procedure is conducted before the Ministry of Internal Affairs (MUP), but in close electronic cooperation with the National Employment Service (NSZ), which performs the so-called "labor market test" to determine that there are no domestic nationals with the same qualifications on the local market.
Key advantages of the new system:
Digitalization:The application is submitted exclusively electronically via the eUprava portal.
Speed:The statutory decision-making deadline has been reduced to15 daysfrom the date of submission of a complete application.
Longer duration:The Single Permit may be granted for a period ofup to three years(previously the maximum was one year), with the possibility of extension for the same period.
Biometric document:Foreigners no longer receive paper stickers in their passports, but rather a modern biometric card (identity card for foreigners).
Most Common Grounds for Obtaining Temporary Residence and Employment
For a foreign national to successfully apply for a Single Permit, there must be a statutory basis. In practice, foreigners most commonly arrive under the following categories:
1. Employment with a Domestic Employer
This is the standard employment contract. A domestic company (or entrepreneur) engages a foreign worker. Before initiating the procedure, the employer must undergo a labor market test through the NSZ (which takes 10 days). If no domestic worker is found, the conditions for applying for a foreign national are met.
2. Establishing a Company or Sole Proprietorship (Self-Employment)
Foreign nationals who register their own company (d.o.o.) or register as sole proprietors with the Business Registers Agency (APR) are entitled to temporary residence and employment on the basis of self-employment. The labor market test does not apply to them, as they create their own employment.
3. Family Reunification
If one family member (e.g., spouse) has been granted temporary residence or is a citizen of Serbia, immediate family (spouse and minor children) are entitled to temporary residence on the basis of family reunification. It is important to note that foreigners who obtain residence on this basis automatically have the right to work in Serbia, without the need for special market tests.
What the Procedure Looks Like: Step by Step
Although the process has been moved online, it still requires exceptional legal precision in preparing documentation. Any error in the contract or application leads to rejection of the application.
Preparation of documentation:Depending on the basis, employment contracts are gathered, evidence of qualifications (diplomas translated by a court-certified translator), proof of ownership of a company, extract from the cadastre or lease agreement for an apartment in Serbia (as proof of secured accommodation).
Submission of application on the portal:An attorney as authorized representative or the foreign national themselves submits the application electronically, attaching digitalized and certified evidence. Prescribed administrative fees are also paid.
Providing biometric data:After the MUP electronically approves the application, the foreign national must personally go to the competent police department (for Pančevo, this is PU Pančevo) to have fingerprints taken and be photographed for the biometric card.
Collection of the card:The foreign national is issued the Single Permit in the form of a card, with which they may freely work, reside, and cross the border of Serbia.
Frequently Asked Questions and Pitfalls in the Procedure (FAQ)
May a foreign national work in Serbia while awaiting the decision on the Single Permit?
Yes.If the application for a Single Permit has been submitted on time (during the validity of visa-free stay or the validity of a previous permit), the foreign national may completely legally reside and work in Serbia until the procedure is conclusively completed.
What is the "White Card" and is it still mandatory?
Yes, registration of a foreign national's residence (the so-called white card) is still the first obligation. Every foreign national, or the landlord with whom the foreign national is staying, is required within24 hoursof entering the country to register residence with the competent police station. This can also now be done electronically.
What are the penalties for working illegally?
Penalties for employers who engage foreigners without a Single Permit are draconian and can reach up to800,000 dinarsfor a legal entity, while the foreign national themselves risks a monetary penalty, premature termination of stay, and a measure of expulsion from the country with a ban on entry.
Why Engage Advokatska kancelarija Miković-Bosilj Pančevo?
Although eUprava facilitates submission, administration in the field of immigration law still requires strict adherence to formalities. Employers often do not have time to follow complicated electronic procedures, while foreigners encounter a language barrier and misunderstanding of local tax and labor regulations.
Advokatska kancelarija Miković-Bosilj from Pančevoprovides complete legal support to companies and foreign nationals:
Detailed consultation and selection of the most optimal basis for residence (employment, establishing a company, family reunification).
Complete management of the e-procedure and submission of applications for the Single Permit via the eUprava portal.
Drafting of employment contracts, lease agreements, and accompanying corporate documentation in accordance with the Labor Law and the Law on Foreigners.
Conducting the "labor market test" procedure before the National Employment Service.
Assistance in opening companies with the APR for foreign founders and entrepreneurs.
Support in procedures for extending permits and applying forpermanent residencein Serbia after the expiration of statutory deadlines.
Leave the administrative burden to professionals and ensure fully legal business operations and residence in Serbia.Contact usto begin the procedure for your employees or your personal residence.