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Immigration to Serbia

Foreign nationals coming to Serbia may need a visa, temporary residence, or a Unified Permit, depending on the purpose and length of stay. We help individuals, employers, and families understand the available options and navigate the relevant procedures for lawful entry, residence, and work in Serbia.

Visa

Whether a foreign national needs a visa to enter Serbia first depends on their nationality and the applicable visa regime. For those who require a visa and plan a longer stay, a long-stay visa (Visa D) allows stay in Serbia for 90 to 180 days and is often relevant before applying for residence-related status in Serbia.

Unified Permit

If a foreign national plans to live and work in Serbia, the unified permit is the only option for doing so legally. It combines temporary residence and work authorization in a single permit. It may be granted to a foreign national who holds a long-stay visa, where required, or who may enter Serbia without a visa under the applicable visa regime, and it can be approved for a period of up to three years.

Temporary Residence

Temporary residence is intended for foreigners who plan to stay in Serbia for a longer period on a lawful basis such as family reunification, studies, property ownership, or other justified grounds. The application may be submitted in person or electronically, including from abroad in certain cases.

Permanent Residence

Permanent residence may become available to foreigners who have lawfully stayed in Serbia for a longer continuous period and meet the legal requirements. It represents a more stable long-term status in Serbia.

Work in Serbia

A foreign national who intends to work in Serbia must obtain a unified permit on the appropriate legal basis. This permit combines temporary residence and work authorization in one document and represents the legal basis for lawful residence and work in Serbia. Depending on the circumstances, the relevant basis may include employment, movement within a company or group, posting, or self-employment. Applications are submitted electronically through the unified portal.

Employment in Serbia

This legal basis applies when a foreign national is hired by a Serbian employer. It is typically used where the individual enters into an employment or other work-related arrangement with a company registered in Serbia.



Assignment to Serbia

This legal basis applies when a foreign national remains employed by a foreign company but is sent to Serbia to perform work for a local partner, client, or affiliated company. It is commonly used for temporary work on projects or cross-border service arrangements.


Movement Within a Company

This legal basis applies when a foreign national is transferred from a foreign company to its branch, subsidiary, or affiliated company in Serbia. It is most commonly used for managers, specialists, and trainee employees moving within an international corporate group.




Independent Professional Engagement

This legal basis applies when a foreign national comes to Serbia to provide services as an independent expert, without being employed by a Serbian company. It is usually relevant for consultants, specialists, and other professionals engaged under a service agreement.


 



Training or Professional Development

This legal basis applies when a foreign national comes to Serbia for training, internship, professional practice, or other forms of professional development. It is used where the main purpose is gaining practical experience, knowledge, or skills.


Self-Employment in Serbia

This legal basis applies when a foreign national intends to work independently in Serbia. It is typically used where the individual plans to establish and operate their own business or entrepreneurial activity.



Business in Serbia

Starting and running a business in Serbia can be seamless with the appropriate legal and practical support. Whether you are establishing a limited liability company, registering as an entrepreneur, hiring local or foreign staff, or obtaining industry-specific approvals, each step must comply with Serbian corporate, regulatory, tax, and employment laws. Company incorporation is conducted through the Serbian Business Registers Agency (APR). After incorporation, businesses typically move forward with opening a bank account, registering     beneficial ownership, ensuring  employment compliance, and obtaining any necessary sector-specific licenses. 

Establishment in Serbia

We assist foreign individuals and companies in choosing the most suitable form of business presence in Serbia, most commonly a limited liability company (LLC) or entrepreneurship structure, depending on the planned activity, liability exposure, and tax considerations. We provide support throughout the establishment procedure before the Serbian Business Registers Agency (APR), including preparation of incorporation documents, review of the ownership structure, and coordination of the registration process.

 Bank Account Opening

After the company is established, the next step usually involves opening a corporate bank account in Serbia. We assist with preparing and reviewing the documentation required by banks, coordinating with the selected bank, and aligning the account-opening process with the company’s ownership and operational structure.

Beneficial Ownership Registration (UBO)

Entities registered in Serbia are generally required to register their beneficial owners with the Central Records of Beneficial Owners. We assist clients in identifying the relevant beneficial owners, preparing the necessary supporting documentation, and completing the registration in accordance with applicable compliance requirements.

Employment and Workforce Matters

Doing business in Serbia requires properly regulated employment matter. We assist with employment documentation for local employees, engagement of foreign nationals, labour-law compliance, internal HR documentation, and other employment-related matters necessary for lawful day-to-day operations.



Regulatory Permits and Operational Compliance

Depending on the nature of the business, additional approvals, permits, notifications, or operating conditions may be required before operations can begin. We assist clients in identifying the applicable regulatory requirements and navigating the relevant procedures before competent authorities.




Tax Aspects of Doing Business

We also assist clients in reviewing the tax aspects of doing business in Serbia, including the implications of the chosen business model, expected transactions, employment-related tax treatment, and the general tax treatment of ongoing operations. This helps foreign investors and founders align their structure and business activities with Serbian tax and regulatory requirements from the beginning.




Investment Incentives in Serbia

Serbia offers investment incentives for eligible projects, particularly in manufacturing and certain service activities, subject to statutory conditions and the procedure before the Development Agency of Serbia (RAS). We assist clients in assessing whether a planned investment may qualify for incentives and in structuring the application strategy accordingly.


Our support includes preparation and review of the application package, coordination of the business plan and supporting documents, communication with RAS and other competent authorities, and assistance during the negotiation and conclusion of the incentive agreement.


We also advise clients after approval, including on reporting obligations, compliance with investment and employment commitments, and other legal and practical issues that may arise during implementation and disbursement of incentive funds.