Serbia: Amendments to the Law on Residence and Employment of Foreigners have entered into force

Amendments to the Law on Residence and Employment of Foreigners have entered into force. The following novelties were introduced:

1. Electronic submission of applications

It is possible to send an electronic Application for temporary residence and work permits. The Ministry of Internal Affairs of the Republic of Serbia (MUP RS) decides on these applications within 15 days.

2. Single work permit

The Ministry of Internal Affairs of RS is to issue a single permit for temporary residence and work, valid for up to three years with the possibility of extension for the same period. In addition to employees, employers will also be able to apply for this permit.

3. Merger of procedures

The proposed amendments to the law merged previously separate procedures for obtaining a temporary residence and for issuing a work permit into one harmonized procedure that is conducted solely before the Ministry of Internal Affairs (MUP).

4. Application period for temporary residence

The application period is defined in relation to the period of residence that is longer than 90 days from the day of entry. Provisions are made for foreigners with granted permanent residence in Serbia to be able to freely seek employment without the need for a personal work permit.

5. Simplified procedure for certain categories of foreigners

The amendments provide for a simplified procedure for certain categories of foreigners who apply for temporary residence, such as students, scientific researchers, volunteers and others. There will be no need for them to submit proof of means of support and health insurance during their stay in Serbia.

6. The right to work regardless of a permit

Amendments to the law clearly provide that certain categories of foreigners can work in Serbia without a special work permit, including those with approved temporary residence based on real estate ownership or family reunification with a Serbian citizen.

Read more about these changes in the TSG Newsletter no. 131 contributed by our colleague Teodora Veruović. If you have any queries about the changes to the Law on Residence and Employment of Foreigners, please reach out to us at: teodora.veruovic@tsg.rs.

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