Hiring international employees in Serbia is beneficial for companies since this will enable them to have a broader base of skills, resulting in more innovation and a global outlook. Organizations must handle various legal regulations and administrative procedures while respecting cultural norms to facilitate compliance and effective onboarding. Besides that, the knowledge of the local regulations, temporary residence permits, and work permit requirements is the key when you are thinking about doing business or hiring the best from abroad.

This blog will deliver detailed information about the hiring process and essential legal requirements for hiring international employees in Serbia.

Understanding Serbia’s Work Visa and Immigration Laws

Serbia, a non-EU country, requires foreign nationals (including EU citizens) to obtain work permits and, in most cases, temporary residence permits to work legally. If oyou are planning to hire international employees in Serbia, you need to be well-acquainted with the visa and immigration regulations. 

Visa D: The visa is issued by the Republic of Serbia to foreign citizens intending to stay in the country for 90 to 180 days. For people who are applying for temporary residence, it is a necessary document.

Unified Permit: The National Employment Service introduced the combined permit on February 1, 2024, as a merger of the two visas into one document. 

Immigration Laws

– Digitization of Procedures

The digitalization of the whole process has improved the efficiency and transparency of hiring international employees in Serbia. Employers can complete the work permit applications electronically through the National Employment Service (NES) portal.

– Update on the Temporary Residence Permit

The application process for temporary residence permits is being integrated with the work permit system to create a “one-stop-shop” experience. This permit is also granted for a maximum of 3 years and can be renewed later. 

Serbia Work Permits

– Temporary Residence Visa: If you’re planning to stay for over 90 days and within 180 days for work, study, or business purposes, then you should apply for a temporary residence visa. 

– Work Permit: This is the most common type, where, legally, foreign nationals are allowed to work in Serbia for the duration of the contract.

– Self-employment Permit: This visa is available to people who aim to open a company in Serbia. 

– Intra-company Transfer Permit: This visa is issued for people who are sent to be part of a Serbian branch by their current employer. 

Recruitment Strategies for Hiring International Talent

– Understand Serbia’s Labor Laws and Requirements

In Serbia, employers and employees, including foreign nationals, receive protection through the established labor regulations. Following these rules will lead to an efficient hiring operation that avoids any legal consequences to hire international employees in Serbia

– Leverage Global Job Portals

To increase your chances of reaching well-qualified international job seekers, make sure to look for local job postings. Consider global job sites such as LinkedIn, Indeed, or Glassdoor. Collaborate with Serbia recruitment agencies, engage in virtual recruiting events, or take part in networking sessions.

– Partner with Recruitment Agencies in Serbia

Work with local agencies that are experienced in attracting international talent and complying with Serbian labor laws. These agencies can also be helpful in senior-level hires or recruiting specialized talent.

– Optimize Job Advertisements

Give priority to the location of Serbia as a European country with low tax rates and to the spreading sectors like IT and automotive to attract applicants. Apart from the above, include services like housing support, language instruction, and relocation assistance as a benefit.

– Simplify the Visa Sponsorship Process

Offer a complete and robust support package to help candidates familiarize themselves with and manage the transition to Serbia, covering cultural adaptation and practical challenges. Make it attractive by paying for travelers, visa applications, and the initial accommodation.

Costs to hire International Employees in Serbia

Employers should remember to take into consideration various costs associated with hiring international employees in Serbia. Payroll is not the only one, there are different hiring costs such as taxes, security benefits, the expenses of recruitment and orientation of the new employees. 

• The Republic of Serbia’s minimum wage is RSD 66,244.94, approximately EUR 560.
• A 10% salary tax is imposed.
• Contributions employers have to pay to the social insurance fund: 0,75% unemployment 24% pension disability 10,3% health.
• Employers may also pay back money spent on travel, meals, and daily allowances in case an employee is away on business.
• Additionally, there could also be some other payments like funeral expenses, compensation for illnesses or injuries sustained at work, and severance pay for retirement or redundancy.

Onboarding and Integrating International Employees

Implementing an effective onboarding strategy proves essential when hiring international employees in Serbia. An effective onboarding and integrating drives long-term engagement, productivity, and retention.

• Ensure Compliance with Serbian labor laws: The first step in onboarding is to confirm that all legal documents are in place. Employers must make sure all valid work permits and documents are available, and employment contracts comply with Serbian labor laws. 

• Relocation assistance: The whole idea of relocation support is to take care of every detail of your immigration and let you relax and find the Serbian side of things. This includes the coverage of health insurance, the reimbursement of the costs of travel, and the payment for a hotel for a limited number of days, among others.

• Implement a Structured Onboarding Program: Specific role-based onboarding strategies assist foreign staff members in achieving immediate integration. The plan includes assigning a mentor or local buddy for 1-3 months while providing multiple language resources.  

• Conduct Role-specific Orientation: New employees need  a clear understanding of their responsibilities together with what they should achieve and how their work supports organizational goals. The  organization can offer translation services together with an optional Serbian language learning program when the need arises.

• Monitor and Provide a Long-term Immigrant: Conduct regular one-on-one meetings in the first six months to have a conversation about the progress, obstacles, and integration. Solve the problems of work permit and cultural misunderstandings quickly. Understand the nuances of the work permit, ask for feedback, motivate people to talk, and provide them with the opportunity for further training.

Challenges and Solutions in Hiring International Employees

When hiring international employees in Serbia, companies can tap into world talent but may face problems with regulation, administration, and integration. Let’s explore these challenges and learn how to navigate them and make your onboarding a smooth experience.

Complex Immigration Process:

Obstacle: Getting work and temporary residence permits is troublesome and bureaucratic. Every kind of permit also has its own documentation requirements, and mistakes can result in delays or denials.

Solution: Partner with recruitment agencies in Serbia or immigration lawyers; they could assist you in applying for and gathering the documents you need, and speed up your visa application.

Barriers to Language and Communication:

Challenges: Non-effective communication can have an effect on team integration and productivity. 

Solution: Enable language learning and/or communication aid such as translation apps; encourage communication culture, and simplify internal jargon.

Testing the Labor Market:

Challenge: Most work permits for employment opportunities require employers to conduct a labor market test to show that no qualified Serbian or EU national was available, making the hiring of foreign employees complex. The process can take up to 30 days. 

Solution: Schedule the exams in a timely fashion. Also, utilize Serbian recruitment agencies, which will help you to be less burdened with the administration that comes with hiring foreigners in Serbia.

Get ahead of the hiring game with Oman Agencies

If you are looking to hire international employees in Serbia, then collaborating with Oman Agencies can be a great way to look for qualified staff quickly. Recruitment agencies in Oman work hard at both finding the right people and dealing with the intricacies of overseas staffing. Take advantage of our support team to simplify your recruitment, save you money and help you avoid the stress. Contact us to hire international employees in Serbia!