Foreigners' Rights

Serbia is an increasingly attractive destination for foreign nationals looking to live, work, or invest. Navigating the legal requirements for residence and employment requires familiarity with the Law on Foreigners, the Law on Employment of Foreigners, and numerous regulations. Attorney Olga Batinica in Subotica provides complete legal support for foreign nationals in all proceedings before Serbian authorities.

Temporary Residence in Serbia

A temporary residence permit is the foundation for lawful long-term stay in Serbia. Temporary residence can be granted for up to three years and is renewable. We handle the entire application process for temporary residence on all legally recognized grounds:

• Employment — the most common basis for temporary residence, for foreign nationals with a job offer or employment contract with a Serbian employer
• Self-employment — for foreign nationals starting a business or sole proprietorship in Serbia
• Education — for foreign nationals attending educational institutions in Serbia
• Family reunification — for family members of a foreign national who already holds a residence permit or Serbian citizenship
• Real estate ownership — for foreign nationals who own property in the Republic of Serbia
• Investment — for foreign investors contributing to the Serbian economy

Unified Residence and Work Permit

Since February 2024, Serbia has introduced the unified permit, which combines a temporary residence permit and a work permit into a single card. The application is submitted electronically, significantly streamlining the process. We assist clients throughout the entire procedure:

• Preparing documentation for the application
• Electronic submission of the unified permit application
• Monitoring case status and communicating with authorities
• Renewal of the unified permit before expiration

Work Permits

For foreign nationals working in Serbia under arrangements that do not fall under the unified permit, a separate work permit is required. We provide legal assistance in obtaining:

• Personal work permits for foreign nationals with permanent residence
• Work permits for special cases (posted workers, intra-company transfers, independent professionals)

Additional Legal Services for Foreign Nationals

Beyond residence status, we provide legal assistance to foreign nationals in other areas:

• Divorce proceedings — representation of foreign nationals in divorce cases before Serbian courts
• Debt collection — assistance in recovering monetary claims in Serbia
• Fund transfers — legal support for transferring funds from the Republic of Serbia
• Administrative proceedings — representation before all relevant government agencies

English Language Services

Our law office provides all legal services for foreign nationals in English. Fluent communication in English ensures complete understanding of the legal situation and effective representation before Serbian authorities.

Subotica is located near the Hungarian border, making it a particularly relevant location for foreign nationals doing business in the region or transiting through Serbia. Our knowledge of local institutions and procedures ensures swift and efficient legal assistance.