Serbia: Certain Work, Residence Permit Changes in Force Earlier than Expected

• Foreign nationals filing a Temporary Residence Permit application based on employment in Serbia and their family members no longer need to prove their means of subsistence or provide proof of health insurance. UPDATE: This change went into effect on August 4, 2023, earlier than originally anticipated.
• Foreign nationals are now eligible for permanent residence status after three years of continuous residence in Serbia (down from the previous five-year requirement). However, this fast track does not apply to most foreign nationals holding a Temporary Residence Permit based on their studies, subject to limited exceptions. UPDATE: This change went into effect on August 4, 2023, earlier than originally anticipated.
• Foreign nationals eligible for a D visa can now work under their D visa for up to 180 days and no longer need to apply for a work permit in Serbia before starting work. However, this change has not yet been implemented in practice; as such, at this time, D visa holders should still  obtain a work permit prior to their start date. UPDATE: This change went into effect in February 2024.

Certain work and residence permit changes are scheduled to come into effect sooner than expected. Effective August 4, 2023, temporary residence permits will be valid for three years (up from the current one year), with a right of renewal for a further three years. This will effectively extend the validity of those work permits that are linked to a residence permit. Additionally on this date, it will be possible to sign indefinite-length (as opposed to fixed-length) foreign worker employment contracts, and such contracts will not be dependent on the validity of the related residence permit. Originally, these changes were scheduled for commencement in the first quarter of 2024.