Why Serbia Is Hiring Foreign Workers

In recent years, Serbia has seen a strong increase in foreign workers because many employers cannot fill jobs locally — especially in construction, IT, manufacturing, and services. The government has simplified immigration procedures to attract international workers.

Since the launch of the digital foreigner portal, over 41,000 residence & work permits were approved, showing strong demand for overseas workers.

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🧾 What Is the Serbia Work Permit?

Serbia now uses a single permit system, meaning:

➡️ One application = residence + work authorization.

This system started to simplify and speed up hiring foreign workers and is handled through an online portal.

You usually need:

✔ A job offer from a Serbian employer
✔ A valid passport
✔ Employment contract
✔ Proof of qualifications (depending on job)
✔ Visa D or temporary residence (depending on nationality)

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🛂 Serbia Work Visa (Visa D) Explained

If you need a visa to enter Serbia, you normally apply for a:

➡️ Visa D (long-stay visa) — valid 90–180 days.

This visa allows you to enter Serbia for work purposes while your work permit process continues. Applications can be submitted online through the e-Consulate system.

Important:

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💼 How the Work Permit Process Works (Step-by-Step)

STEP 1 — Get a Job Offer

No job offer = no work permit.

You must first secure employment with a Serbian company willing to hire foreigners.

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STEP 2 — Employer Starts the Process

Your employer or legal representative submits the application online through the foreigner portal.

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STEP 3 — Apply for Visa D (if required)

Some nationalities must obtain Visa D before arrival.

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STEP 4 — Single Permit Approval

Once approved, you receive:

✔ Temporary residence
✔ Legal right to work

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STEP 5 — Move to Serbia and Start Work

After arrival, you register your address and begin employment legally.

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🏗️ Jobs in Serbia for Foreigners (2026)

Foreign workers are especially needed in:

You can search via:

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📊 Good News: Process Is Becoming Easier

Serbia has digitized much of the system:

This makes Serbia one of the simpler Balkan countries for legal work migration.

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⚠️ Important Reality Check (Very Important)

Many community discussions show that workers who start without proper documents can face wage issues or legal risks — including possible deportation if caught working illegally.

So:

❌ Do NOT work without a valid permit
✅ Always use official contracts

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💰 Salary & Cost of Living (Quick Overview)

Average monthly salaries:

Cost of living is lower than Western Europe, which makes Serbia attractive for starting abroad.

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👨‍👩‍👧 Can You Bring Your Family?

Yes — once you have legal residence and stable employment, family reunification is possible under Serbian immigration rules.

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🚨 Common Mistakes to Avoid

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🎯 Final Advice

Serbia is becoming a gateway destination in Europe for many foreign workers because:

✔ Simplified single permit system
✔ Growing demand for labor
✔ Lower relocation costs compared to Western Europe

But remember:

➡️ The KEY is a legitimate employer.

🔗 IMPORTANT LINKS (OFFICIAL)

• Portal for Foreign Citizens (Single Permit System)
• Government update on residence & work permits
• Official Visa D overview
• Residence & Work Permit guide

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🔥 Top 10 Companies Hiring in Serbia (Foreigners Should Watch in 2026)

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1️⃣ Stellantis

One of the biggest automotive employers in the country. The plant in Kragujevac has reportedly sought foreign workers due to labour shortages and production expansion, making it a major target for international applicants.

💼 Good for: factory work, engineering, production roles

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2️⃣ Brose

Brose’s Pančevo site is expanding and aims to grow staffing to over 1,100 employees. They openly promote careers and international development opportunities.

💼 Good for: engineering, electronics, automotive production

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3️⃣ ZF Group

ZF has active recruitment in Pančevo with ongoing hiring for logistics, engineering, and technical roles. Their careers page frequently lists openings.

💼 Good for: logistics, ERP, engineering, manufacturing

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4️⃣ Continental

Major operations in Novi Sad and Subotica, including R&D and production facilities. The company emphasizes hiring and paid internship programs.

💼 Good for: software, automotive tech, factory roles

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5️⃣ NCR Voyix

One of the largest international employers in Belgrade with thousands of employees and frequent English-speaking roles in support and software development.

💼 Good for: IT support, customer service, software roles

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6️⃣ Microsoft Development Center Serbia

A major tech employer in Belgrade. The center is multicultural, with employees from abroad and consistent hiring activity.

💼 Good for: software engineering, AI, cloud roles

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7️⃣ Levi9

A strong IT outsourcing company with offices in Belgrade, Novi Sad, and Zrenjanin. Their talent recruitment pages highlight ongoing hiring.

💼 Good for: developers, QA engineers, cloud specialists

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8️⃣ Schneider Electric

The company runs operations in Novi Sad and frequently posts roles connected to global operations and digital services.

💼 Good for: engineers, energy software, project roles

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9️⃣ Bosch

Their Serbia careers portal actively promotes opportunities across experience levels, including students and professionals.

💼 Good for: engineering, automotive, logistics, tech roles

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🔟 Ubisoft Belgrade

A growing game development studio established in Belgrade, contributing to major AAA titles and hiring programmers and creatives.

💼 Good for: game development, C++ programmers, artists

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