In the first seven months since its implementation, Serbia has issued a total of 14,693 unique work permits to foreigners, according to an analysis of labor mobility conducted by the Institute for Development and Innovation. The single work permit was introduced on February 1, following amendments to the Law on Employment of Foreigners, which were adopted in July of the previous year. This new permit allows foreigners to apply for both work and residence in Serbia with a single request.
The analysis revealed that the largest share of work permits was issued to citizens of the Russian Federation (46%), followed by China (18%) and India (9%). To break it down:
- From February 1 to August 31, 6,689 work permits were issued to Russian citizens.
- During the same period, 2,653 permits were issued to citizens of China.
- 1,298 permits were issued to Indian citizens.
Interestingly, only 243 permits were granted to citizens from the Western Balkans, with North Macedonia receiving the highest number at 39% of these permits. Citizens of Bosnia and Herzegovina and Montenegro received 31% each, while Albania accounted for just 9%. Specifically:
- North Macedonia: 94 permits
- Bosnia and Herzegovina: 76 permits
- Montenegro: 52 permits
- Albania: 21 permits
Additionally, 174 individuals requested access to the labor market under the Open Balkans initiative.
Foreign nationals in Serbia may also be granted the right to work without a work permit in certain circumstances, such as if they have been granted temporary residence due to family connections, own real estate in Serbia, are in the country for humanitarian reasons, are studying, or are involved in international student exchanges or scientific research.
