Guide to posting workers in Serbia

1) Immigration procedures for posting workers in Serbia

Although Serbia has been a candidate for European Union membership since 2009, it is not part of the EU. As such, all foreign nationals, regardless of their nationality, are subject to the same immigration procedures.

Since 1 February 2024, foreign nationals working in Serbia must hold a single permit, which covers both residence and work. This application can be submitted from abroad or from within Serbia (except for certain nationalities such as Indian, Kazakh, Nepalese, Sri Lankan, and Filipino nationals, who must first apply for a D visa).

The EU posted workers framework does not apply in Serbia. However, Serbia provides two types of single permits for posted workers:

• Assignment: when the sending and host entities are not part of the same group
• ICT transfer: when the sending and host entities belong to the same group

In both cases, it is mandatory to rely on a host entity registered in Serbia. This may be a group entity or a client.

Depending on the duration of the stay, different rules apply:

● Stay of up to 90 days within a 180-day period

A single permit is not required for foreign nationals staying in Serbia for up to 90 days within a 180-day period from the date of first entry, provided they perform work based on a contract for the supply of goods, or the purchase or lease of machinery or equipment, including delivery, installation, assembly, repair, or training related to such equipment.

The duration of stay under this exemption depends on the worker’s nationality. For some nationalities, visa exemption only covers 14 or 30 days.

If the activity does not fall within the exemption categories, a single permit is required, even if the assignment is shorter than 90 days.

● Stay exceeding 90 days

In this case, a single permit is mandatory.

Please note the following key requirements for obtaining a single permit:

• Seniority: at least 1 year with the sending entity
• Accommodation: secured accommodation in Serbia is mandatory (rental agreement, proof of ownership, landlord’s ID), even if the application is submitted from abroad
• Employment conditions: the rights and working conditions of posted workers must not be less favourable than Serbian labour law minimum standards. The assignment letter must confirm compliance (minimum wage, annual leave, working hours, meals, transport and accommodation allowances, health and safety)
• Commercial agreement: required between the sending and host entities if they are not part of the same group
• Address registration: mandatory for all foreign nationals entering Serbia until a residence permit is issued. Registration must be completed within 24 hours of arrival by the hotel or landlord. Employees should ensure this step has been properly completed

Procedure for obtaining the single permit:

1. Document collection
2. Submission of the single permit application (processing time: 20 to 45 days)
3. Arrival in Serbia
4. Address registration within 24 hours (by hotel or landlord)
5. Biometric appointment (appointment within approx. 7 days – applicant must attend in person)
6. Collection of the single permit (processing time: approx. 7 days – applicant must attend in person) → work can begin

2) Insurance and Social Protection obligations

Serbia has signed several bilateral Social Protection agreements to ensure coordination of posted workers’ rights. France and the United Kingdom are among these countries.

For postings between France and Serbia:

• Certificate of Coverage (CoC) issued in the country of origin
• Compliance with health and safety obligations
• Obligation to inform and train employees on risks related to their assignment

For postings between the United Kingdom and Serbia:

• Certificate of Coverage (CoC) issued in the country of origin
• Compliance with health and safety obligations
• Obligation to inform and train employees on risks related to their assignment

3) Summary of obligations by nationality and duration of posting in Serbia

French & UK nationals	Less than 3 months	More than 3 months	Comments
Visa	❌	❌	For other nationalities, requirements must be checked
Single permit	❓	✅	Verify whether the assignment falls under an exemption; otherwise required even for short assignments
Posting declaration	❌	❌
CoC certificate	✅	✅	Issued in the country of origin (employment contract)
Compliance with employment law	✅	✅	Working conditions, safety, rest periods
Document retention	❌	❌
Local registration	✅	✅	Within 24 hours of arrival (responsibility of hotel or landlord)