From this month, a Single permit is issued to foreigners who want to work and stay in Serbia according to a new procedure, whereby foreigners submit only one application for both purposes – work and residence. Those who need a visa to enter Serbia and plan to stay and work there must apply for a long-term visa (Visa D).

Amendments to the Law on the Employment of Foreigners should simplify and speed up the processes related to the work and residence of foreign workers in Serbia. And the change occurred due to a significant increase in foreign workers in Serbia: from 35,180 work permits issued to foreigners in 2022, to more than 51,000 in 2023.

Obtaining a Single permit for temporary residence or ‘Visa D’

After completing an electronic request and providing the necessary supporting papers, the unified procedure has been expedited, allowing for the Single permit (Unified permit) to be issued in 15 days. Instead of allowing one year of permitted residence, a Single permit will be issued for a maximum validity duration of three years. The ability to change jobs while the Single permit is in effect is one further advantage available to foreign nationals.

Those from other countries who require a visa in order to enter Serbia and who plan to remain and work there must apply for a longer-stay visa, often known as a Visa D. Similar to the Single Permit, Visa D will allow foreign nationals to reside and work in Serbia as of February 1, 2024, albeit for a shorter duration of 90–180 days. Foreign nationals who wish to stay and work in Serbia after their Visa D expires can apply for either the Single Permit or a temporary residence permit.

For legal assistance in obtaining a single permit or visa, or to learn more about the latest updates regarding temporary residence permits, the right to work without a single permit, and permanent residency, please get in touch with us at office@vujinovicpartners.rs.