Serbia: Proposed Law to Create Single Permit, Other Immigration Improvements
May 4, 2023
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At a Glance
A proposed law would, among other changes:
- Implement a Single Permit;
- Create a longer validity period for Temporary Residence Permits;
- Create a faster path to permanent residence; and
- Create a biometric permit.
The proposed law will likely come into effect in the first quarter of 2024.
The situation
A proposed law would create improvements in the immigration process in Serbia, which would make the country a more attractive destination for foreign workers.
A closer look
|
CHANGE |
DETAILS | IMPACT |
| Single Permit | The Residence Permit + Work Permit are being combined into a Single Permit. |
Applicants will benefit from one application instead of two in order to enter the country for work (fewer administrative tasks and costs). Foreign nationals and their authorized representatives will be able to file the application online, another benefit from the current process which requires personal appearances by the foreign employee. |
|
Temporary Residence Permit |
|
Longer temporary residence permit validity and an easier application process means more foreign nationals will be temporary residents, which offers benefits such as fewer costs when renewing permits. |
| Permission to work for students, volunteers, etc. | Foreign nationals who obtain a Temporary Residence Permit for studying, volunteering, family reunification or any other purpose will be allowed to work (whereas currently, they cannot work under this status). | This will provide work opportunities for new groups of foreign nationals and will open the pool of workers in Serbia. |
| Quick path to permanent residence | Foreign nationals will be eligible for permanent residence status after three years of continuous residence in Serbia (down from the current five-year requirement). | Foreign nationals will be eligible for permanent residence faster, which provides benefits such as fewer renewals. |
| Faster work start date for D visa holders | Foreign nationals eligible for a D visa will be able to work under their D visa for up to 180 days and will no longer need to apply for a work permit in Serbia before starting work. | Eligible foreign nationals can start work immediately upon entry to Serbia. |
| Biometric permits | Temporary residence permits and single permits will be issued in the form of a biometric document, which will replace the temporary residence sticker in the passport. | Foreign nationals with temporary residence permits will benefit from a scannable permit, which will mean it will be available in a separate card instead of as a sticker in the passport. |
| Decreased processing time for Work Force Demand Applications | Work Force Demand applications, which are a test of the labor market, will now be processed in four days, down from the current 10 days. | The shorter processing time will speed up the overall work permit processing time, allowing for foreign nationals to be hired more quickly. |
Background
The government’s intention with these changes is to improve and simplify the immigration system to attract foreign nationals and foreign workers to improve the economy.
Looking ahead
The Serbian Parliament must vote on the law, after which it would be passed and would come into effect around the first quarter of 2024. We will report relevant developments.
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].
