Start with your passport and purpose of stay
Serbia’s rules depend on the passport used for travel, the purpose of stay and the planned duration. A rule that permits a short visit does not automatically permit employment. Candidates should check both the official country visa regime and the employment residence guide.
Check Serbia’s official visa regimeExamples of countries currently requiring visas
Visa-required and visa-free candidates follow different entry steps
| Candidate situation | Likely starting point | Important limitation |
|---|---|---|
| Ordinary passport requires a visa | Check the employment-based Visa D route before travel | Employer interest is not a visa decision |
| Passport is visa-free for short visits | Check whether the employment route begins with Visa D or a direct electronic single-permit application | Visa-free entry does not itself authorise work |
| Valid Schengen, UK, EU-member-state or US visa/residence permit | Check the current Serbian short-entry exemption and document validity | A short-entry exemption is not an employment permit |
| Employment planned beyond 180 days | Review the single residence-and-work permit route | The competent authority decides eligibility and duration |
Visa C, Visa D and the single permit
Visa C
A short-stay visa generally covering up to 90 days within a 180-day period. It is not normally the route for long-term employment or temporary residence.
Employment Visa D
A long-stay visa covering 90 to 180 days. When issued for employment, it can provide the right to reside and work during its validity.
Single permit
A combined temporary residence-and-work permit for qualifying employment routes. Official guidance states that it may be issued for up to 36 months.
A reliable candidate checklist
Official sources and last review
This guide was reviewed on 31 August 2026. Always verify the current rule for your nationality and intended employment basis.