Serbia is becoming one of the preferred destinations for companies looking to expand their business. The skilled professionals and cost-effective hiring solutions have started attracting many businesses in the country and outsourcing companies in Serbia. 

However, to hire employees successfully in Serbia, businesses must understand employment laws, work contract types, the interview process, and recruitment strategies. Where can they 

• Indefinite/Permanent Contracts:

It is the most common type of contract in Serbia that doesn’t have a fixed termination date and also ensures long-term job security.

• Fixed-Term Contracts:

These contracts are applicable for projects or jobs that are done for a specified period. Based on the law of employment in Serbia, such contracts can be extended in some circumstances.

• Part-Time Contracts:

These are suitable for workers who work fewer hours than the normal full-time. It also provides proportional rights and benefits to the employees.

• Temporary Contracts:

It is applicable for employment that is not more than 120 working days within a calendar year. It is usually made for seasonal work or short-term work assignments.

• Service Contracts:

It engages workers to do things that are not part of the employer’s main business activities, e.g., independent projects or expert services.

• Contracts on Professional Training and Development:

Intended for individuals who are doing internships or professional exams, these contracts aim to give them practical training and experience.

Work Permits and Visas for Foreign Employees

Foreign workers wishing to work in Serbia need to acquire both a Serbia work visa and a work permit before commencing work.

• Work Visa (Type D) – A long-term work visa for entry into Serbia for work purposes.
• Work Permit – A mandatory permit that grants permission to foreign nationals to work within Serbia.

Key Requirements for a Work Permit:

• An original job offer from a Serbian employer.
• Documentation of qualifications and experience.
• Consent from the National Employment Service that no local applicants are qualified for the job.

Serbia’s National Employment Service (NES) controls the grant of employment permits, giving preference to local employees unless a business proves that no Serbian candidates are suitable for the position. The work permit is usually for one year with renewal possibilities.

Types of Work Permits in Serbia:

• Personal Work Permit – It is for permanent residents or refugees with full employment rights.
• Employment Work Permit – Provided to foreigners who will be working for a Serbian employer, and have a valid employment contract.
• Renewal or Extension – Work permits are usually valid for one year and can be renewed later.
• Self-Employment Permit – Offered to foreigners who want to establish their business and operate within Serbia.

Where to Find the Best Talent in Serbia

Serbia has an increasing number of skilled professionals and therefore businesses planning to hire can make use of the below options to get the most qualified candidates as per the requirements:

• Job Portals & Recruitment Sites – Well-known websites such as Infostud, Poslovi.rs, and HelloWorld.rs provide employers with access to job hunters.
• University Collaborations – Partnering with Belgrade University, Novi Sad University, and Niš University provides openings to recently graduated experts in specialized areas.
• LinkedIn & Professional Networks – Most Serbian professionals leverage LinkedIn for job vacancies.
• Recruitment Agencies – When it comes to recruitment agencies in Serbia, Oman Agencies is one of the best in the market. Their highly efficient team assists businesses in finding suitable candidates efficiently.
• Networking & Career Fairs – This is an effective approach to meeting potential candidates by attending industry conferences, start-up events, and career expos.

Through these platforms, employers can effectively identify and recruit the top talent in Serbia.

Outsourcing vs. Direct Hiring in Serbia

In Serbia, businesses have two options for hiring foreign workers: outsourcing and direct recruitment.

Outsourcing

• It is the best option for businesses looking to reduce administrative tasks.
• Suitable for jobs related to IT, customer support, and production work.
• It can be handled through third-party agencies or outsourcing companies.
• Helps in reducing time on payroll management, compliance, and human resource management.
• Less control over team handling and work culture.

Direct Hiring

• Employers have complete control over the recruitment process and management of employees.
• It is suitable for long-term job employment.
• Requires adherence to Serbia’s labor law, taxation, and social contributions.
• Provides stability but needs greater administrative efforts.
  
  Selecting the Appropriate Approach:
• Outsourcing is appropriate for short-term business projects or businesses that are new to Serbian labor laws.
• Direct hiring is appropriate for businesses seeking dedicated and long-term employment.

Salary Expectations and Employee Benefits in Serbia

Salaries and benefits in Serbia differ according to the sector, job roles, and level of experience. Though the cost of labor is lower compared to Western Europe, employee benefits and rights are regulated strictly under Serbian labor law.

Salary Expectations:

According to the Statistical Office of the Republic of Serbia, the average gross monthly remuneration for December 2024 amounted to RSD 148,428 – about €1,266. It should be noted that earnings vary depending on the field where an individual serves, work experience, and the job level in the firm.

Mandatory Employee Benefits in Serbia

• Minimum Salary: in 2024 the minimum wage in Serbia will be at 271.00 RSD gross per one working hour.
• Social Security Contributions: Employers are responsible for 12% of the state pension fund as well as 5.15% of the state health fund making a total of 17.15% on top of the employee’s gross salary.

• Paid Leave: An employee can have at least 20 days off according to the annual calendar after the employer has worked for 30 days.
• Sick Leave Pay: Workers are entitled to 30 days of sick leave per annum. If an employee takes sick leave, they are entitled to receive 65% of their basic salary; however, if the sickness is due to occupational reasons, an employee is entitled to full salary.
• Maternity Leave: Women are allowed to take paid maternity leave of 365 days, and their benefits are paid at a rate prescribed by law.

Remote Hiring and Employer of Record (EOR) Services in Serbia

There are good experts from Serbia who want to work remotely in IT, marketing, and consumer support among other positions. Ordinarily, there can be ways to hire employees in Serbia for an indefinite period or remotely. 

This may seem easy, yet it comes with requirements like payroll, tax, and compliance issues with the employees settled in Serbia, however, it is far from easy.

To facilitate the employment process, the majority of organizations opt for Employer of Record (EOR) services, which assist in all aspects of the business while removing the need for a local presence. 

In this way, the businesses in Serbia do not breach the country’s labor regulations and at the same time do not exert much effort on managing such country’s labor regulations.

EOR services help companies to hire Serbian talent easily and legally, without the need for a physical presence.

Best Practices for Hiring in Serbia

To hire employees in Serbia follow the below practices:

• Ensure that work agreements, working hours, and benefits are appropriate according to Serbian labor laws.
• Use recruitment channels like job portals, LinkedIn, and employment agencies to find the right candidate.
• Allow and provide Competitive Salaries and Perquisites with standards within which the best candidates can be recruited.
• Streamline the interview process to reduce hiring time.
• Take the help of Employer of Record (EOR) Services as they can handle legal and HR compliance on your behalf.
• Highlight company culture and growth opportunities to attract skilled professionals.

Effortless Hiring With Us

Oman Agencies is a highly professional recruitment agency that provides skilled professionals to organizations of diverse industries. With years of industry experience, we provide end-to-end hiring solutions in Serbia that includes candidate sourcing, screening, interviewing, and visa processing for local as well as international candidates.

Our extensive database of qualified professionals helps companies to identify the right candidate for permanent, temporary, or project-based roles. By collaborating with us, firms can streamline their recruitment process, save costs, and have an effortless recruitment experience.