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Wondering how to find a job in Serbia? If so, you’re not alone. Despite its small size, this Balkan country has lots to offer — from delicious cuisine to vibrant nightlife and friendly, welcoming locals.
Although rich in nature and culture, Serbia isn’t a wealthy country. Sadly, this affects the job market, resulting in fierce competition in almost all fields. On the bright side, though, there’s been lots of development in the workforce lately, and new opportunities are springing up for both locals and aspiring expats like you.
Ready to snag the role of your dreams? Let’s begin!
As the Serbian saying goes, vreme je novac (time is money). With that in mind, we won’t waste a second — let’s dive headfirst into this step-by-step guide to finding a job in Serbia!
Before you start job hunting, you should figure out what you’d like to do. Perhaps you’ve already got a full-blown career in some field. Or are you looking for a fresh start and a brand-new work adventure?
Either way, the following roles are popular among expats:
Also, some expats choose to fly solo. So, instead of looking for a job, you can create it by starting your own business. Sounds impossible? Just look at Tiago from Brazil, who started his own travel agency in Serbia.
Or, if you’ve got a penchant for creating content, you can go the influencer route. There are plenty of success stories to inspire you. For instance, Liz from Australia travels through the Balkans on her Vespa and shoots videos for YouTube and Instagram. Also, she fell in love and married in Serbia, but that’s a story for another time.
Of course, if you’ve got a cushy remote job and wish to move to Serbia for other reasons, you can do so as a digital nomad. In that case, you’ll find more info here.
As long as you’re seeking good old classic employment, job ads are the name of the game. Wondering where to look? Here are some popular platforms you can use:
Lastly, never underestimate the power of networking. Word of mouth can go a long way, so let your friends (and everyone else) know you’re on the lookout. With a bit of luck, someone might fix you up with the perfect opportunity!
Job interviews in Serbia typically aren’t that different from those in any Western country. They can be conducted online or in person, and the HR person will likely grill you with all the usual questions.
As you can imagine, looking confident and bringing your A-game is paramount. So, prepare thoroughly, dress to impress, don’t be late, and — polomi nogu (break a leg)!
Is your interview in Serbian? Check out our article on how to discuss jobs.
While you’re chasing a new career (and your dreams), it’s easy to overlook the boring stuff like paperwork. But to avoid getting into a legal pickle, you’ll have to dot the i’s and cross the t’s. That means meeting all the requirements for legal residency and work in Serbia.
Here’s what you may need:
If your head is already spinning, there’s some good news: you can handle it all online! That’s right — no need to waste time and money going to embassies. Just visit this portal, register an account, and start applying.
And here’s another tasty tidbit: as of February 2024, permits for work and residence have been unified, meaning you can kill two birds with one stone!
First off, not everyone will need a visa. Whether you’ll have to apply for one depends on your country of origin. If you’re not sure, use this tool to check the specific requirements for your country.
Those who need a visa to enter Serbia can apply for it online. Specifically, a D visa allows you to stay in Serbia for 90 to 180 days. Before it expires, you’ll have time to sort out your work and residence permit.
Check this page to learn more about the application process.
Don’t need a visa to enter Serbia? Then, you can head straight to obtaining your permit. As we’ve mentioned, there’s no need to request these separately — just apply for a unified work and residence permit.
You’ve got two options — sort out your permit before arriving in Serbia or after getting there. Either way, it can be issued for up to three years, with the option to renew for another three years.
Learn more about the unified permit here.
Once you’ve landed a job and sorted all the paperwork, it’s time to roll up your sleeves and get to work. First impressions last, so put your best foot forward. Let your coworkers and higher-ups see how fine an employee you are.
Again, if you need to use a bit (or tons of) Serbian at work, here’s an article to help you out.
So, you’ve found a job in Serbia? Congratulations! To help you navigate your new work life, here’s a quick guide:
While taking on a new role has its challenges, it can open a whole new world of opportunities — especially in a foreign country. With the info on how to find a job in Serbia under your belt, you’re ready to hit the work market. So, polish up your resume, put on your go-getter hat, and hunt down your dream job.
Want to shine bright among the sea of applicants? Mastering the local language will give you an edge and unlock new opportunities. Book our trial Serbian lesson, and let us create a personalized study plan to help you reach your learning goals. And don’t worry — all classes are online, so you can keep up no matter how busy life or work gets!
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