Immigration
A unified residence and work permit outside the EU framework
As a non-EU state, Serbia applies its own Foreigners Act and Employment of Foreigners Act to all non-nationals. Since 2023 a single application produces a combined temporary residence and work permit.
Key rules
- A single permit covers temporary residence and work in one procedure.
- Work permits for employment generally require a labour-market test.
- Permanent residence is generally available after five years of continuous temporary residence.
Governing law
- Foreigners Act (Zakon o strancima)
- Act on the Employment of Foreigners
In practice
Serbia is visa-free for many nationalities for short stays, but any work requires the permit regardless of visa exemption.