Serbia Cuts Labor Market Testing for Foreign Worker Visas

Key Takeaways

• Serbia removed the Labor Market Test for D visa applications effective March 1, 2025.
• The Unified Permit combines residence and work authorization, cutting processing times to 15–19 days.
• Foreign nationals may apply for permanent residence after three years of continuous temporary stay.

Serbia’s Evolving Labor Migration Policy: Removal of the Labor Market Test for D Visas and Its Impact

Purpose and Scope

This analysis examines Serbia’s recent decision to remove the Labor Market Test (LMT) requirement for D visa applications as of March 1, 2025. The report explores the background, methodology, and key findings related to this policy change, focusing on its effects on employers, foreign workers, and the broader labor market. It also considers the introduction of the Unified Permit system, anticipated future developments such as the shortage occupation list, and the practical steps involved in the new process. The analysis aims to provide a clear, evidence-based overview for employers, foreign nationals, and policymakers interested in Serbia’s evolving approach to labor migration.

Methodology

This report draws on official government announcements, statements from Serbian authorities, and feedback from business associations and migration experts. It reviews the timeline of policy changes, presents quantitative data on processing times and permit validity, and compares Serbia’s new approach to international best practices. The analysis also incorporates perspectives from multiple stakeholders, including employers, foreign workers, and labor unions, to present a balanced view of the reforms’ implications.

Key Findings

• Serbia 🇷🇸 abolished the Labor Market Test for D visa applications effective March 1, 2025.
• Employers no longer need to prove the absence of qualified Serbian candidates when hiring foreign workers for D visa roles.
• The Unified Permit system, introduced in February 2024, combines residence and work authorization, reducing processing times to 15–19 days.
• Unified Permits are valid for up to three years and can be renewed for the same period.
• Foreign nationals can now apply for permanent residence after three years of continuous temporary stay, down from five years.
• A shortage occupation list is expected in 2025, further waiving LMT requirements for high-demand roles.
• Employers and business groups welcome the reforms, citing reduced administrative burdens and faster hiring.
• Some labor unions express concern about potential impacts on domestic employment, but the government maintains that LMT waivers will be limited to shortage occupations.

Data Presentation and Visual Descriptions

To help readers understand the scope and impact of these changes, the following sections present the main data points and describe how the new system works in practice.

Timeline of Key Policy Changes

• Pre-2024: Serbia required a Labor Market Test for most foreign hires. This meant employers had to show they could not find a suitable Serbian worker before hiring a foreign national. The process was often slow and involved several government agencies.
• February 2024: Serbia introduced the Unified Permit, which combined residence and work authorization into a single document. The application process moved online, and processing times dropped to 15–19 days.
• March 1, 2025: The Labor Market Test was officially removed for D visa applications. Employers no longer need to prove the unavailability of Serbian workers for these roles.

Visual Description: The New Process at a Glance

Imagine a simple flowchart with the following steps:

1. Job Offer: The foreign worker receives a job offer from a Serbian company.
2. Online Application: The employer or worker submits the Unified Permit application through the eUprava Portal.
3. Document Submission: Required documents include the employment contract and proof of business registration. The LMT is no longer needed for most D visa applications.
4. Review: The Ministry of the Interior reviews the application and issues a decision within 15–19 days.
5. Permit Issuance: The worker receives a Unified Permit, valid for up to three years and renewable.

Comparisons, Trends, and Patterns

Comparison to Previous System

• Before 2024: The process was lengthy, with multiple steps and agencies involved. The LMT often delayed hiring by weeks or months.
• After Reforms: The process is now faster, simpler, and more predictable. Employers and workers deal with a single authority, and most paperwork is handled online.

Trends in Labor Migration Policy

• Streamlining: Serbia 🇷🇸 is moving toward a more open and efficient system, similar to those in many European Union countries.
• Digitalization: The shift to online applications and digital processing reduces errors and speeds up decisions.
• Flexibility: The anticipated shortage occupation list will allow even more direct hiring in high-demand fields, without the need for an LMT.

Patterns in Stakeholder Response

• Employers: Strongly support the changes, as they reduce compliance costs and make it easier to fill critical roles.
• Foreign Workers: Benefit from clearer, faster, and more predictable pathways to legal employment and residence.
• Labor Unions: Some express concern about the potential impact on local jobs, but the government says protections remain in place for non-shortage occupations.

Evidence-Based Conclusions

Impact on Employers

• Reduced Administrative Burden: Employers no longer need to conduct an LMT for D visa roles, saving time and resources.
• Faster Hiring: The Unified Permit system allows for quicker onboarding of foreign talent, with decisions in as little as 15–19 days.
• Greater Flexibility: The upcoming shortage occupation list will make it even easier to hire in fields where Serbian workers are scarce.

Impact on Foreign Workers

• Simplified Application: The Unified Permit covers both residence and work, reducing paperwork and government visits.
• Longer Stay: Permits are valid for up to three years, with easier renewal and a faster path to permanent residence.
• Mobility: Workers can change employers or work for multiple employers during the permit’s validity.

Alignment with International Best Practices

Legal experts note that these reforms bring Serbia 🇷🇸 closer to European Union standards. Many EU countries have similar systems that waive labor market tests for shortage occupations and offer unified permits for work and residence. According to analysis by VisaVerge.com, Serbia’s changes are likely to make the country more attractive to skilled migrants and international companies.

Step-by-Step Procedures for Employers and Foreign Workers (as of June 2025)

1. Secure a Job Offer: The foreign worker must have a formal employment contract from a Serbian-registered company.
2. Application Submission: The Unified Permit application is submitted electronically via the eUprava Portal. Either the employer, the worker, or an authorized representative can apply.
3. Documentation: Required documents include the employment contract, proof of business registration, and other supporting materials. For most D visa applications, the LMT is no longer required.
4. Processing: The Ministry of the Interior reviews the application and typically issues a decision within 15–19 days.
5. Permit Issuance: The worker receives the Unified Permit, valid for up to three years and renewable for the same period.

Permit Validity and Permanent Residence

• Unified Permit: Valid for up to three years, renewable.
• Permanent Residence: Foreign nationals can apply after three years of continuous temporary stay, down from the previous five-year requirement.

Anticipated Developments and Future Outlook

Shortage Occupation List

• The Serbian government is expected to publish a list of shortage occupations in 2025.
• For these roles, the LMT will be waived, making it even easier for employers to hire foreign workers in high-demand fields.

Continued Digitalization

• Ongoing improvements to the eUprava portal and digital services are expected to further streamline the immigration process.

Monitoring and Adjustments

• The government will monitor the impact of these changes and may adjust policies to balance labor market needs and protect domestic employment.

Multiple Perspectives

Employers and Business Associations

• Welcome the reforms for reducing administrative burdens and increasing flexibility in hiring.
• Say the changes support economic growth, especially in sectors facing labor shortages.

Foreign Workers

• Enjoy clearer, faster, and more predictable pathways to legal employment and residence.
• Benefit from longer permit validity and easier mobility within the Serbian labor market.

Local Workforce and Labor Unions

• Some unions express concern about potential impacts on domestic employment.
• The government maintains that LMT waivers will be limited to shortage occupations to protect local jobs.

Background Context and Historical Development

Before 2024

• Serbia 🇷🇸 required a labor market test for most foreign hires.
• The process was lengthy and involved multiple government agencies.

February 2024

• Major reforms introduced the Unified Permit and digitalized the application process.
• Processing times and administrative hurdles were reduced.

2025

• Further liberalization, including the removal of the LMT for D visas and the forthcoming shortage occupation list, marks a shift toward a more open and competitive labor market.

Limitations of the Current Analysis

• The shortage occupation list has not yet been published, so the full impact of this change is not yet clear.
• The long-term effects on the domestic workforce and labor market dynamics will require ongoing monitoring.
• Some practical details, such as the exact documentation required for specific roles, may change as the government updates its procedures.

Official Resources and Further Information

• Unified Permit Applications: eUprava Portal
• Labor Market Testing and Employment of Foreigners: National Employment Service (NES) Official Site
• Employers and foreign nationals are encouraged to consult with legal experts or Employer of Record (EOR) services for compliance and application support.

Conclusion

Serbia 🇷🇸 has taken major steps to modernize and open its labor migration system. The removal of the Labor Market Test for D visa applications, combined with the Unified Permit system and anticipated shortage occupation list, makes it easier for employers to hire foreign workers and for skilled migrants to build a life in Serbia. These reforms align the country with international best practices and respond to the needs of a changing labor market. While some concerns remain about the impact on local employment, the government’s approach aims to balance openness with protection for domestic workers. As reported by VisaVerge.com, these changes are expected to boost Serbia’s competitiveness in attracting global talent and supporting economic growth.

Actionable Takeaways

• Employers: Take advantage of the simplified process to fill critical roles more quickly and efficiently.
• Foreign Workers: Explore new opportunities in Serbia 🇷🇸, with faster, clearer, and more predictable pathways to legal employment and residence.
• Stakeholders: Stay informed about the upcoming shortage occupation list and any further policy adjustments.

For the latest updates and to begin the application process, visit the eUprava Portal.

Learn Today

Labor Market Test (LMT) → A requirement to prove no qualified local workers are available before hiring foreign workers.
D visa → A long-stay visa allowing foreign nationals to work and reside in Serbia.
Unified Permit → A combined residence and work authorization permit that simplifies application and reduces processing time.
Shortage Occupation List → A government-published list of high-demand jobs exempt from the Labor Market Test.
Permanent Residence → Legal status allowing foreign nationals to live in Serbia indefinitely after temporary stay.

This Article in a Nutshell

Serbia’s labor migration reforms eliminate the Labor Market Test for D visas starting March 2025, simplifying hiring. The Unified Permit merges work permits and residence, expediting approvals. These changes enhance flexibility, reduce employer burdens, and align Serbia’s policies with European standards, boosting opportunities for foreign workers and companies alike.
— By VisaVerge.com