Serbia: Certain Work, Residence Permit Changes in Force Earlier than Expected
August 1, 2023

- 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.
This alert is for informational purposes only. If you have any questions, please contact the global immigration professional with whom you work at Fragomen or send an email to [email protected].
Explore more at Fragomen
Media mentions
Partner K. Edward Raleigh commented on proposed changes to US entry requirements.
Video
Business Immigration Consultant Marisa Gizzi from Fragomen explains everything about the Schengen C Visa: who needs it, how to apply and key travel tips to stay compliant in the Schengen Area.
Media mentions
Partner Rick Lamanna discussed Canada’s $1B plan to attract global researchers.
Blog post
Manager Alex Hood, Senior Associate Kimberley Ong and Immigration Paralegal Ataa Rajput explain the final extension and settlement deadlines for UK Tier 1 Investor visa holders and outline who can still qualify and why early action is essential.
Media mentions
Partner K. Edward Raleigh on how the $100K H‑1B fee factors into hiring international talent.
Media mentions
Managing Director Magdalene Tennant and Director Kitty Lo highlight Hong Kong as an attractive destination for global investors.
Blog post
IPM Business Process Manager Hazel Yaman outlines key visa, work authorisation and border considerations for athletes, media, event staff and spectators travelling to Italy for the Milan–Cortina 2026 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games, including the impact of the EU’s new Entry/Exit System.
Media mentions
Corporate Services Director Elena Caron highlights key considerations for UK nationals moving to the UAE.
Media mentions
Associates Charlotte Roberts and Karina Casey highlight how the UK’s earned settlement proposal may influence global talent and HR planning.
Media mentions
Blog post
Associate Alejandro Hernandez analyses new F and J visa screening practices, including social media vetting by US consulates and proposed DHS changes that could significantly alter admission periods for students and exchange visitors.
Awards
Fragomen Ireland is accredited with IBEC’s KeepWell Mark™, recognizing the practice’s commitment to wellbeing, inclusion and responsible business.
Media mentions
Partner K. Edward Raleigh commented on proposed changes to US entry requirements.
Video
Business Immigration Consultant Marisa Gizzi from Fragomen explains everything about the Schengen C Visa: who needs it, how to apply and key travel tips to stay compliant in the Schengen Area.
Media mentions
Partner Rick Lamanna discussed Canada’s $1B plan to attract global researchers.
Blog post
Manager Alex Hood, Senior Associate Kimberley Ong and Immigration Paralegal Ataa Rajput explain the final extension and settlement deadlines for UK Tier 1 Investor visa holders and outline who can still qualify and why early action is essential.
Media mentions
Partner K. Edward Raleigh on how the $100K H‑1B fee factors into hiring international talent.
Media mentions
Managing Director Magdalene Tennant and Director Kitty Lo highlight Hong Kong as an attractive destination for global investors.
Blog post
IPM Business Process Manager Hazel Yaman outlines key visa, work authorisation and border considerations for athletes, media, event staff and spectators travelling to Italy for the Milan–Cortina 2026 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games, including the impact of the EU’s new Entry/Exit System.
Media mentions
Corporate Services Director Elena Caron highlights key considerations for UK nationals moving to the UAE.
Media mentions
Associates Charlotte Roberts and Karina Casey highlight how the UK’s earned settlement proposal may influence global talent and HR planning.
Media mentions
Blog post
Associate Alejandro Hernandez analyses new F and J visa screening practices, including social media vetting by US consulates and proposed DHS changes that could significantly alter admission periods for students and exchange visitors.
Awards
Fragomen Ireland is accredited with IBEC’s KeepWell Mark™, recognizing the practice’s commitment to wellbeing, inclusion and responsible business.
