Simplification Of Work, Residence And Long-Term Stay Permits Forthcoming

At a Glance

Beginning January 1, 2020, foreign nationals seeking to enter Serbia will be able to apply for a long-term stay visa while abroad and file a work permit application upon arrival in Serbia, whereas currently both applications must be made in Serbia. Foreign nationals will therefore be able to start work approximately 30 days after arrival in Serbia rather than 60. Beginning January 1, 2020, foreign nationals will be able to apply for a temporary residence permit online from overseas whereas currently this is not possible. Starting December 20, 2020, foreign nationals will be able to apply for their Work and Residence permits jointly as one online application from overseas, thereby eliminating the need to spend time in Serbia without work permission to file and reducing the need to submit duplicate documentation to two different authorities. Due to the above forthcoming changes, the length of time foreign nationals will need to spend in Serbia without work authorization is expected to decrease or be eliminated altogether once the changes go into effect. The situation

A number of changes aimed at simplifying work and residence permit applications and reducing the length of time foreign nationals are unable to work after entering Serbia are forthcoming. Other administrative changes have already taken place.

A closer look

Key changes are outlined below, and discussed in detail here.

Longer renewal application period. Seconded workers can now apply for a work permit extension at least 60 days (instead of the previous 30 days) before the expiration of their work permit, allowing employers additional time to consider other options for renewal such as work permits based on employment on local payroll, for example, if the application is rejected.

Notarization requirement eliminated. New and renewal work permit applications no longer require notarized documents.

Applications from abroad. Beginning January 1, 2020, foreign nationals will be able to apply for a long-term stay...