How to Get a Job in Serbia as a Foreigner (Full Guide)
The ultimate step-by-step guide for Africans, Asians, Europeans & anyone moving to Serbia for work. Read one section, then click Next to continue.
Introduction: Why Serbia Is a New Job Magnet for Foreigners
Serbia has quietly become one of Europe’s fastest-growing job markets, especially for foreigners looking for affordable living, easy immigration routes, and direct job opportunities in sectors like hospitality, manufacturing, caregiving, agriculture, and tech.
If you’re wondering “How can I get a job in Serbia as a foreigner?” — this guide gives you EVERYTHING you need: requirements, visa types, top companies hiring foreigners, salary expectations, and hidden job-hunting strategies that locals don’t tell you.
Why Serbia Is Becoming a Top Job Destination for Foreigners
Serbia is attractive because:
- Low cost of living compared to EU countries.
- Employers often struggle to fill positions – they hire foreigners fast.
- Friendly immigration system.
- English-speaking recruiters in major cities.
- Big demand in factories, hotels, warehouses, restaurants, and caregiving.
- Easier to get a work permit than in many Western European countries.
1. Can a Foreigner Work in Serbia? (YES — And It’s Not Hard)
Yes. Foreigners can legally work in Serbia by getting a Work Permit plus a Temporary Residence Permit, normally sponsored by an employer.
The process is smoother than in many EU countries because Serbia wants foreign workers due to labor shortages in:
- Manufacturing
- Agriculture
- Construction
- Hospitality
- Cleaning & Domestic Work
- Call Centers
- IT & Tech
2. Minimum Requirements to Get a Job in Serbia
You do NOT need a degree for most jobs. You also do NOT need the Serbian language for many foreigner-friendly roles.
What you usually need:
- ✔ Valid passport
- ✔ Clean criminal record
- ✔ Work contract (from employer)
- ✔ Medical check (in some sectors)
- ✔ Temporary residence approval
- ✔ Basic funds for the stay
- ✔ Passport photos & completed forms
For roles like caregiver, waiter, kitchen helper, or production worker, many employers do not require experience. If you are healthy, willing to learn and can follow instructions, you already qualify for many entry-level jobs.
3. Best Jobs in Serbia for Foreigners (High Demand 2025)
Below are the most realistic jobs foreigners get easily in Serbia:
1. Factory Workers / Production Line
Companies constantly hire for:
- Assembly line work
- Packing
- Sorting
- Machine operation
Starting salary: €450–€650 per month. Overtime is often available.
2. Hotel & Hospitality Jobs
Serbia’s tourism industry is growing, creating demand in:
- Waiters
- Housekeepers
- Receptionists
- Cleaners
- Kitchen helpers
Salary: €400–€700 per month plus tips.
3. Caregiver & Nursing Assistant Jobs
Foreigners are hired for:
- Elderly care
- Home care
- Assisted living support
Salary: €500–€800 per month.
No formal certification is required in many companies.
4. Warehouse & Logistics
Jobs available in:
- Loading/unloading
- Inventory
- Packing
- Stock control
Salary: €450–€700 per month.
5. Call Centers (English-Speaking)
Serbia has many international call centers looking for foreigners with languages like:
- English
- Arabic
- French
- Swahili
- Hindi
- Turkish
Salary: €600–€1200 per month depending on language and company.
6. Construction Laborers
Salary: €700–€1300 per month depending on skill level and hours worked.
4. Best Cities in Serbia for Jobs
Foreigners tend to find work faster in these Serbian cities:
Belgrade (Capital)
Most opportunities in hospitality, call centers, restaurants, caregiving, delivery services, and tech-related support.
Novi Sad
Huge demand in factories, agriculture-related roles, and services. It’s also a vibrant student city with growing tourism.
Niš
Good opportunities in call centers, restaurants, hotels, and factories. Cost of living is often lower than Belgrade.
Kragujevac
Known for car factories, automotive production, and warehouses.
5. How to Find a Job in Serbia (Step-by-Step Process)
Step 1: Prepare a Serbian-Friendly CV
Your CV should include:
- Passport nationality
- Residence status (foreigner)
- Languages spoken
- Skills and work experience
- Clear statement that you’re willing to relocate to Serbia
Keep it short, simple, and clean – usually 1–2 pages.
Step 2: Apply on Serbian Job Boards
These are some of the best websites for finding jobs in Serbia:
- Poslovi Infostud – poslovi.infostud.com
- Halo Oglasi Posao – halooglasi.com
- Poslovi.rs
- LinkedIn (filter for “Serbia” and “English”)
Step 3: Apply Directly to Companies Hiring Foreigners
These companies and brands often hire many foreigners:
Factories
- Yura Corporation
- Leoni Wiring Systems
- Fiat Chrysler (Kragujevac)
- Teklas Automotive
- Aptiv Services
- Henkel Serbia
Hotels & Hospitality Brands
- Hilton Belgrade
- Marriott Belgrade
- Hyatt Regency
- Radisson Blu
- Local restaurants and hostels
Call Centers
- NCR Corporation
- Sitel Group
- TeleSign
- Transcom
5. How to Find a Job in Serbia (continued)
Step 4: Contact Serbia Recruitment Agencies
These agencies are known to work with foreign workers:
- Work Abroad Serbia
- Agencija za Zapošljavanje
- Pro-Link Agency
- Europe Jobs Serbia
- Global Staffing Serbia
Look for keywords such as “zapošljavanje stranaca” (employment for foreigners).
Step 5: Attend Interviews (Online or In-Person)
Serbian employers are usually open to foreign candidates. They often ask simple questions like:
- Where are you from?
- What work have you done before?
- When can you travel?
- Can you work overtime?
Step 6: Employer Obtains Work Permit
After hiring you, the employer will typically:
- Submit an application to the National Employment Service.
- Get approval for your work position.
- Apply for your Temporary Residence Permit.
You do NOT need to do this alone – most employers or agencies help with the process.
Step 7: Travel to Serbia & Begin Work
Upon arrival in Serbia, you will usually:
- Submit fingerprints and biometric data.
- Get your residence ID card.
- Sign your employment contract.
- Start working at your new job.
6. Serbia Visa for Foreign Workers
Serbia does not use a typical “work visa” like many EU countries.
Instead, you normally receive two key documents:
-
Temporary Residence Permit (Boravište)
Valid for 6–12 months and renewable every year. -
Work Permit
Issued by the employer for a specific job and location.
You cannot start working legally without a valid work permit.
7. Salary Expectations in Serbia (Realistic Figures)
Here are realistic salary ranges for common foreigner-friendly jobs in Serbia:
| Job Type | Salary Range (€/month) |
|---|---|
| Factory Worker | €450–€650 |
| Waiter/Waitress | €400–€700 + tips |
| Housekeeper | €350–€550 |
| Caregiver | €500–€800 |
| Warehouse Worker | €450–€700 |
| Call Center Agent | €600–€1200 |
| Construction Labor | €700–€1300 |
8. Cost of Living in Serbia
Serbia is relatively cheap compared to most of Europe. Typical monthly expenses:
- Shared room: €100–€180
- Studio apartment: €200–€350
- Transport: about €25/month
- Food: around €120–€200/month
You can survive on roughly €350–€450 a month if you share housing and manage your budget, making Serbia one of the cheapest places in Europe to live while working.
9. Tips to Increase Your Chances of Getting a Job Fast
✔ Learn Basic Serbian Phrases
Words like:
- “Hvala” (Thank you)
- “Dobro jutro” (Good morning)
- “Koliko?” (How much?)
These small efforts can help you connect with locals and get hired faster.
✔ Apply to Factories — They Hire Foreigners First
Many foreigners from Asia and Africa get production jobs within weeks. Factories are often the easiest entry point into the Serbian labor market.
✔ Have Your Documents Ready
Delays happen if you are missing important documents like:
- Birth certificate
- Police clearance or Certificate of Good Conduct
- Passport with at least 6+ months validity
✔ Be Open to Rural Towns
Small towns like:
- Šabac
- Sremska Mitrovica
- Pančevo
These areas often have LESS competition, which can mean faster hiring for you.
10. Can You Travel to Serbia on a Tourist Visa and Look for a Job?
Technically YES, many foreigners follow this path:
- Enter Serbia visa-free or with a tourist visa (depending on nationality).
- Attend interviews with companies and agencies.
- Get hired by a Serbian employer.
- Employer applies for your work permit.
- Switch status to temporary residence.
Serbia does allow changing status within the country, which makes it easier compared to places like Italy, Germany, France, the Netherlands, or Belgium where status changes are often very difficult.
11. Common Questions Foreigners Ask About Working in Serbia
1. Do I need to speak Serbian to get a job?
No. Many jobs accept English-speaking foreigners, especially in call centers, hotels, and some service roles.
2. How long does the work permit take?
Typically between 2–6 weeks, depending on documents and local processing times.
3. Can I move to Serbia alone and find work?
Yes. Many foreigners move to Serbia alone, look for jobs on arrival, and get hired within weeks.
4. Is Serbia safe for foreigners?
Yes, Serbia is generally considered one of the safer countries in Europe. Like anywhere, be sensible with your belongings and personal safety.
5. Which nationalities get hired the most?
Workers from countries such as:
- Kenya
- Uganda
- Ghana
- Nepal
- India
- Bangladesh
- Philippines
are already working in Serbian factories, hospitality, and services – and more are coming.
12. Final Verdict: Serbia Is One of the Easiest Countries in Europe to Get a Job as a Foreigner
Serbia offers:
- Simple work permit process
- Cheap cost of living
- Employer sponsorship opportunities
- Fast hiring in certain sectors
- Many jobs requiring little or no previous experience
If you want a European opportunity but struggle with visas and high requirements in Western countries, Serbia is one of the BEST entry points. It can be your doorway to a new life, work experience, and future opportunities across Europe.
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