Work & Residence Permit (Single Permit): Integrated Approval for Work and Residence in Serbia

Building upon the foundations of Serbian Visas (C & D) and the various paths to Temporary Residence, the Single Permit (Jedinstvena dozvola) represents the most significant advancement in Serbian immigration law. This unified authorization merges the residence permit and the work permit into a single biometric card, catering to international professionals, investors, and those who have already explored Real Estate Ownership as a base for their relocation. It streamlines the legal requirements for anyone intending to contribute to the Serbian economy.

Grounds for the Single Permit

The Single Permit is the primary gateway for foreign nationals who intend to stay and work in Serbia. Serbian law defines several specific categories for this authorization:

• Employment: For individuals who have secured a position with a Serbian employer.
• Self-Employment: For entrepreneurs and business owners establishing their own operations.
• Special Cases of Employment: This broad category includes intra-corporate transfers (ICT), seconded/delegated employees (upućena lica), and independent professionals.
• Professional Training and Specialization: Specifically for those engaged in structured training or internship programs with a local entity.
• Professional Sportsmen: Tailored for athletes and sports professionals engaged by Serbian clubs or organizations.

The Chronological Journey: From Planning to ID Collection

While the system is designed for efficiency, the “Fast-Track” label can be misleading without proper preparation. Success depends on a well-timed, chronological approach:

1. Pre-Filing and Labor Market Test: Before the application is even submitted, the employer must often initiate a Labor Market Test through the National Employment Service. This ensures no local candidates are available for the role. Strategic communication with the National Employment Service is vital at this stage to secure the necessary ID numbers and documentation.
2. Digital Submission: The application is initiated electronically via the Welcome to Serbia Portal. This can be done by the foreign national, the employer, or an authorized proxy. The filing must include a valid passport, proof of specific professional grounds (such as a labor contract or diploma), evidence of sustenance, and valid health insurance.
3. The Decision Phase: Once submitted, the Ministry of Interior and the National Employment Service conduct an integrated inter-agency assessment. While the legal timeframe for a decision is 15 days from the receipt of a complete application, practitioners should account for variations based on the current administrative workload.
4. Biometrics and Finalization: Following approval, the applicant must personally visit the Administration for Foreigners to provide biometric data (fingerprints and photos). Once processed, a second visit is required to collect the final biometric ID card.

Validity and Renewals

A Single Permit is typically issued for a period of up to three years, depending on the grounds and the assessment of the case. To maintain continuous legal status, renewals must be initiated up to three months before expiry, but no later than the final day of the current permit’s validity. This three-year status is a direct stepping stone toward Permanent Residency, provided the resident meets the continuity requirements.

Change of Residency Ground and Job Loss

In the dynamic world of international business, circumstances can change. If a contract is terminated or a foreign national wishes to change employers, the legal framework provides clear pathways to maintain a lawful stay:

• Change of Employer: While a permit is valid, a request for consent to change an employer may be filed electronically. This request must be filed before the change occurs, though it is exceptionally manageable if submitted within 20 days of the termination of the previous labor contract.
• Change of Residence Grounds: If transitioning from work to another status, such as family reunification, a new application is required. In such cases, it is essential to highlight the continued right to work to ensure the new permit remains “unified.

The Value of Professional Oversight

Although the online procedure has improved accessibility, the complexity of inter-agency communication and the strict documentation standards remain significant. Missing a deadline or providing inconsistent evidence can lead to a gap in residency, which resets the “clock” for permanent residency eligibility. Consulting with an experienced professional ensures that every administrative layer—from the initial labor market test to the final biometric appointment—is handled with precision, allowing professionals to focus on their career growth while the legal details are managed with expertise.