Jobs in Serbia for Indian citizens - visa, work permit and salaries

Indian citizens with ordinary passports need a visa to enter Serbia, and anyone coming to work must apply for a D visa for employment at a Serbian embassy, usually in New Delhi. Once the employer and the worker complete the procedure, the worker can stay and work legally, and later switch to a single residence and work permit valid for up to three years.

This guide covers the Serbia visa for Indian citizens, the work permit, salaries and practical advice for finding jobs in Serbia safely.

Do Indian citizens need a visa for Serbia?

Yes. According to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Serbia, holders of ordinary Indian passports need a visa. Visa-free entry for Indian citizens ended on 1 January 2023.

Holders of a valid US, UK or multiple-entry Schengen visa can enter Serbia for short stays. However, the Ministry clearly states that an Indian citizen who has signed an employment contract in Serbia cannot use a Schengen visa to enter and register stay based on employment. For work, a D type visa is required.

The D visa for employment

The D visa for employment allows a foreigner to stay and work in Serbia for up to 180 days. It is issued for a specific employer and job. Applications are filed online on the official Welcome to Serbia portal, and then the passport is submitted in person at the embassy.

According to the Embassy of Serbia in New Delhi:

• passports are submitted on working days except Friday, from 11:00 to 13:00, without an appointment, with hard copies of the documents from the online application
• passports are collected on working days except Friday, from 16:00 to 17:00, after the embassy calls the applicant
• the consular fee for a D visa is 52 euros (5,222 INR)

Before the visa is issued, the National Employment Service assesses whether the conditions for employment are met. This is why the employer in Serbia must be involved from the first step.

From visa to the single permit

If the worker stays with the same employer for longer than 180 days, the next step is the single permit for temporary residence and work, introduced on 1 February 2024. It combines residence and work authorisation in one biometric document.

1. The employer starts a labour market test with the National Employment Service, which prepares its report within 4 days.
2. The worker or the employer submits the single permit application electronically on the Welcome to Serbia portal.
3. A complete application is decided within 15 days.
4. The permit can be issued for up to three years and extended before it expires.

If a worker wants to change employer while the single permit is valid, they first need consent from the National Employment Service, which decides within 10 days.

Jobs in Serbia for Indian workers

Serbian employers most often look for Indian workers in:

• construction (masons, steel fixers, carpenters, welders)
• manufacturing and production lines
• warehouses and logistics
• transport, for drivers with recognised licences
• hotels, restaurants and food production

Before hiring, employers often organise a video interview and, where possible, a practical skills test to confirm that the experience in the CV matches the real job. A clear description of the position, shifts and accommodation before arrival reduces the risk that a worker leaves in the first weeks.

Basic English is useful in most workplaces. Serbian is not required for most of these jobs, but a few words of the language help in everyday life.

Salaries in Serbia

According to the Statistical Office of the Republic of Serbia, the average net salary in July 2026 was 121,346 dinars, and the median net salary was 95,036 dinars. The minimum wage for 2026 is 371 dinars net per working hour, and it applies to foreign workers in the same way as to Serbian citizens.

The actual salary depends on the job, city and working hours. Ask for the net monthly amount in writing, and check whether accommodation, meals and transport are paid by the employer or deducted from your salary. Compare offers by the net monthly amount, not by an hourly rate without the number of working hours.

How to avoid problems

• Do not travel on a tourist or Schengen visa with the plan to "arrange papers later". Work requires a D visa or a single permit.
• Ask for the employer's full company name and check that it is registered in Serbia.
• Get the job description, salary and working hours in writing before you travel.
• Be careful with intermediaries who ask for large payments and do not explain what they are for.
• Track deadlines from day one: employment of a foreigner ends when the single permit expires, and the extension must be requested before that.

If you are looking for a job, you can register as a candidate. Serbian companies that want to hire Indian workers can register their company and describe the positions they need to fill.

FAQ

Is there visa-free entry to Serbia for Indians?

No, not for ordinary passports since 1 January 2023. Short visits are possible with a valid US, UK or multiple-entry Schengen visa, but not for employment.

How much is the Serbia visa fee for Indian citizens?

According to the Embassy of Serbia in New Delhi, the D visa fee is 52 euros (5,222 INR), and the C visa fee is 92 euros (9,240 INR).

Can I apply for a Serbian work visa without an employer?

No. The D visa for employment and the single permit are based on employment with a registered employer in Serbia, and the National Employment Service assesses the employer's conditions.

How long can I work in Serbia?

The D visa allows up to 180 days. The single permit can be issued for up to three years and extended.

Jobs in Serbia for Indian citizens are a realistic option when the employer, the contract and the visa procedure are clear from the start. If you have questions about a job offer or about hiring workers from India, contact us.