10 Jul How to Get a Serbian Work & Residence Permit The Easy Way
Finding the right person for a job is a huge victory. However, international hires can be a new challenge. This is because you must handle the details of immigration and work permits. For instance, a single missing document can cause weeks of delay. This can frustrate both the company and the new employee.
Thankfully, Serbia has a simple process with its modern Unified Permit system. But even a simple process has key steps. These steps need to be done with care. So, this guide explains the official process. In addition, it shows how our managed service guarantees a smooth and easy outcome for everyone involved.
Table of Contents
What is the Serbian Unified Permit?
The “Unified Residence and Work Permit” (jedinstvena dozvola) is Serbia’s modern answer to international hiring. It combines the right to live (reside) and the right to work. It puts them into a single application and one biometric card.
This gets rid of the old, slow process. For example, you no longer apply for separate visas and permits. In short, it’s one application, one process, and one card. It is also typically valid for up to three years and is fully renewable. Ultimately, it’s designed for efficiency.
For Employers: Your Compliance Checklist
A fast process that follows the rules is very important. This is true for all HR managers and business owners. Your side of the application, for instance, has two key steps.
Step 1: The Labor Market Test
First, before you submit the main application, the company usually runs a “labor market test.” You do this with the Serbian National Employment Service (NES). This is a formal process. Specifically, it shows that a local person could not be found for the job. Some high-demand roles may be exempt from this.
Step 2: The Compliant Employment Contract
Next, you must give the foreign employee an official employment contract. This contract must follow all rules of the Serbian Labor Law. Indeed, this document is a key part of the application.
Navigating these requirements can take a lot of time. That is why our service for employers handles this whole phase. For example, we manage the labor market test and prepare all legal documents. As a result, your HR team can focus on the employee. You can contact us HERE.
For Employees: Your Path to a Quick Approval

As the future employee, you have one main role. That is, you must provide a clear set of personal papers. We guide you through each step. Therefore, there are no surprises.
Step 1: The “White Card” (Beli Karton)
To begin, this is your immediate priority upon arrival. You must register your address with the local police. In fact, you must do this within 24 hours. This registration receipt is required for your permit application.
Step 2: Your Personal Document Dossier
Then, we give you a clear checklist of what you need to gather. For example:
- Valid Passport: It must be valid for at least three months after your permit’s end date.
- “White Card”: This is your proof of address registration.
- Diploma / Proof of Qualifications: These are your educational or professional certificates. They must match the job’s needs. We will advise if you need an official translation or “nostrification“.
- Professional Biography (CV).
Step 3: The Biometrics Appointment
First, we or your employer submit the online application. After that, the government will approve it. Then, you will get an invitation for a short, in-person meeting. You must go to the Ministry of Interior (MUP). Here, you will provide your fingerprints and signature. We help schedule this to make sure you know where to go.
Our Managed Permit Service: Flawless Efficiency
Our service acts as the central planner. In other words, we remove the burden from both the employer and the employee. This ensures a seamless process.
This is how we guarantee an efficient procedure:
- Initial Strategy Call: First, we assess the case with both parties. As a result, we can create a clear timeline and checklist.
- Employer-Side Management: Next, we take full ownership of the labor market test. We also handle all corporate paperwork to ensure compliance.
- Employee-Side Guidance: In addition, we give the employee a simple list of required documents. We then personally review each one to confirm it is valid.
- Centralized Application Submission: Furthermore, we manage the entire online submission. We track its progress and act as the main contact with the authorities.
- Final Steps Coordination: Finally, we schedule the biometrics appointment. We then notify both parties the moment the permit card is ready.
Our goal is simple. We want to make your international hiring process feel easy. So, we handle the complexity so you can focus on your business.
Contact us today to manage the permit process for your next international hire.
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