Work authorisation
Single permit for temporary residence and work (one combined permit, issued as a biometric card). Issued by the Ministry of Interior (MUP).
The worker or the employer. The employer can file on the worker's behalf, also for several workers at once. Applications are electronic only, through the Foreign Nationals' Portal (welcometoserbia.gov.rs / eApplications). For an ordinary employment contract the employer side includes a labour market test procedure, whose ID number is entered in the form.
How you enter the country
Citizens of Nigeria and India need a visa (MFA visa regime pages). Visa-required workers first get a D visa on the basis of employment. The D visa can be applied for online (eVisa / eConsulate) or on paper at a Serbian embassy or consulate. The single permit application must then be filed while the D visa is valid and on the same grounds. People who do not need a visa can apply for the single permit after arrival. A D visa allows a stay of 90 to 180 days. The pages checked do not mention biometrics for the D visa.
Processing times
Single permit: the welcometoserbia page says a complete application is decided within 15 days of submission. D visa: not stated.
Documents you usually provide
- Valid passport (for the D visa: valid at least 90 days after departure, issued in the last 10 years, two blank pages)
- Photo
- Completed visa application form (D visa)
- Invitation letter (D visa)
- Signed draft employment contract
- Employer's registration certificate and job description from its systematisation rulebook (or a statement if it has fewer than 10 staff)
- Diploma or certificate of qualification, with certified translation
- Landlord's statement or tenancy agreement for the address
- Power of attorney if the employer applies for the worker
- Travel medical insurance (general D visa requirement on the MFA page)
After arrival
The stay must be registered within 24 hours of arrival or of being given accommodation. Hotels register guests in the eTourist system. Private hosts must register visitors, and registration can also be done on the eAdministration portal. After the single permit is approved, the worker is called through eDelivery to the authority's office, where biometrics are taken and the card is made. The card is valid for up to 36 months. Renewal can be filed up to 3 months before expiry.
How Worrki helps
We confirm the job with the employer, coordinate the employer documents and check your package before you apply. You submit the application yourself and the authorities make the decision. See jobs and conditions in Serbia.
This summary was checked against the official pages listed below on 2 November 2026. Fees are set by the authorities and change often, so we do not quote them here. Always confirm the current requirements and fees with the consulate that serves your country of residence.