Serbia streamlines processing for temporary residence and work permits

Serbian Government has streamlined application processes for foreign nationals wishing to obtain Serbian residence and/or work permits

The latest amendments to law (Amendments to the Foreign Nationals Act, introduced on April 29th) broaden the eligibility criteria for relatives of Serbian citizens or residents applying for temporary residence in Serbia to include parents of resident minors, as well as, under certain conditions, siblings and other relatives.

To further secure the importance of family life which has a high value confirmed by numerous international agreements. These legislative amendments aim to uphold the principle of family reunification in accordance with international convention standards.

Electronic Application and Processing

Most April law amendments are expected to come into force on 1 January 2020. On-line applications can be lodged outside Serbia.

As of 1 December 2020, it will also be possible for foreign nationals to lodge joint applications for residence and work permits.

Working up to 180 days no longer requires a Residence Permit

Foreign nationals applying for the right to work in Serbia for no longer than 180 days will enjoy a significantly streamlined application process.  Whilst the current procedure requires a separate application for temporary residence to be made on arrival in Serbia, the new, streamlined procedure coming into force on 1 January 2020 allows applicants wishing to work in Serbia for less than 180 days to apply for work permits at Serbian consular offices abroad, together with their Longer Stay visa (“the D visa”) applications. “D visa” holders will no longer be required to apply for temporary residence on arrival in Serbia.

1 January 2020 will also see important changes to documentation requirements for foreign nationals coming to Serbia to work as assigned staff (1) (article 19 of the Foreign Nationals Act).


(1) foreign national assigned to work in Serbia on behalf of a company based outside Serbia

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