Applying for a Serbia residence permit is the first step in allowing a foreign national to reside and work in Serbia legally. The unique Serbian resident and work permit can be granted for up to three years and may be extended for the same period.
The application for the issuance of the unique permit is submitted electronically through the competent institution’s official portal. This procedure does not require the physical presence of the applicant in Serbia, as the necessary documentation is submitted online.
If a visa is required for entry into Serbia, it is essential to first obtain a visa, enter Serbia, and then apply for the Serbia residence permit within the validity period of the visa. After applying, the foreign national is allowed legal residence and work until the completion of the procedure for obtaining the Serbia residence permit.
For a foreign national to obtain a permit, they must submit a valid identification document, evidence supporting their application, or the basis for the application, as well as proof of residence address.
The deadline for deciding on the issuance of the permit, according to Serbian law, is within 15 days, although in practice it may take longer due to a high volume of requests. Once the permit is approved, its validity can be up to 3 years, with the possibility of extension.
When it comes to the unique permit, foreign nationals should be aware that it can be issued in the following cases:
When the basis for applying for a permit is employment, before deciding on issuing a unique employment permit, a labor market assessment and employment needs evaluation are conducted.
The National Employment Service (NSZ) assesses the possibilities of employing foreigners in specific sectors, taking into account the state of the labor market and the availability of unemployed Serbian citizens who could perform the offered job.
This assessment enables the issuance of permits following market needs and promotes economic development.
