LegalizingYour Stay and Work in Serbia:  
A Comprehensive Guide

Discover how to navigate visa requirements, temporaryresidence, and work permits—plus learn how the Virtual Business Center, inexclusive partnership with Courier Serbia, can streamline the process.

Introduction

Serbia has quickly become a hub for entrepreneurs, digital nomads, and businesses seeking to expand their reach in Southeastern Europe. Thanks to a favorable economic climate, relatively low cost of living, and welcoming environment, more and more foreigners are exploring opportunities within the country. But before you begin working or setting up a company in Serbia, it’s crucial to understand the process of legalizing your stay and obtaining the necessary permits.

In this blog post, we’ll break down the key steps involved, discuss various visa options, and highlight how the Virtual Business Center, an exclusive partner of Courier Serbia, can simplify each stage of the journey.

Visa Options: Arriving in Serbia

Citizens of certain countries are permitted to enter Serbia without a visa for periods of 30, 60, or 90 days, depending on bilateral agreements. During this time, you may remain as a tourist—no work permit required. However, if you intend to stay longer or engage in employment, you'll need to begin the process of acquiring a temporary residence permit (and possibly a work permit, if you plan to be employed).

Visa D (Long-Stay)

For those from countries that do not have a visa-free agreement with Serbia, the Type D visa is a common route. It typically allows a stay of up to 180 days and provides a valid foundation for your temporary residence permit application. Once you arrive with a D visa, you’ll follow similar steps to those entering visa-free, but you already have an official basis to remain for an extended period.

Pro Tip: Always verify your eligibility and the latest visa requirements on the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Serbia website.

Temporary Residence Permit (TRP)

If you plan to stay beyond your initial visa-free period or the validity of your entry visa, you must apply for a temporary residence permit through the local offices of the Ministry of the Interior (MUP). Key documents typically include:

• Validpassport
• Evidence of a registered address
• Health insurance

Registration Deadline: Upon arrival, you (or your hotel/hostel) must register your address at the nearest police station within 24 hours. Failure to do so can result in fines or complications during the TRP application.

Work Permits and the National Employment Service (NZS)

Those intending to take up employment in Serbia will also need a work permit. The National Employment Service (NZS) handles these applications. Sometimes, you can submit your work permit application in parallel with your TRP, but final approval may require proof of legal residency status. Employers may assist in this process, though independent contractors and self-employed individuals can also apply, especially if they’ve set up a local company.

Key Steps:

• Secure your temporary residence permit.
• Gather documentation (employment contract or proof of self-employment).
• Submit a formal request to the NZS.

Setting Up a Business in Serbia

Business Structures

• SoleProprietorship (Preduzetnik, or PR)
• Limited Liability Company (DOO)
• her forms such as Joint-Stock Companies, depending on the scale of operations.

The Serbian Business Registers Agency (APR) isresponsible for incorporating legal entities. Filing the correct paperwork andsettling registration fees are mandatory steps in the process.

Why Set Up a Local Entity?

• Tax Benefits: Serbia offers competitive corporate tax rates.
• Local Market Access: Streamlined cooperation with local banks, clients, and governmental bodies.
• Residency Basis: Company ownership can reinforce your application for temporary residence and work permits.

Introducing the Virtual Business Center (VBC):
ExclusivePartner of Courier Serbia

Courier Serbia has formed an exclusive partnership withthe Virtual Business Center (VBC) to provide foreigners with a one-stop shopfor legal and administrative support in Serbia. Whether you need helpregistering a company, opening a bank account, or applying for your TRP andwork permit, VBC delivers efficient, personalized assistance.

Key VBC Services

• Company Formation: Guidance on choosing the right legal structure, filling out forms, and submitting registration documents to the APR.
• Bank Account Opening: Streamlined appointments with partner banks that understand foreign clients’ needs.
• Virtual Office & Address: Secure a legal address for your company without renting physical space.
• Administrative Support: Help with bookkeeping, invoicing, and compliance.
• Residence and Work Permit Assistance: Preparation and submission of applications to the MUP and NZS.

Special Offer: Clients who bundle multiple services(e.g., company formation plus work permit assistance) may receive discounts onadministrative fees.

AdditionalConsiderations

Translation and Notarization

Most foreign documents require certified translations by a court interpreter. Notarial certification may also be necessary. The cost varies based on the number of pages and the complexity of the language.

Health Insurance

Proof of valid health insurance is a standard requirement for TRP applications. You can obtain private insurance from local or international providers.

Extensions

If you wish to extend your stay in Serbia, submit an extension application at least 30 days before your current permit expires. Late or incomplete applications can risk delays or rejection.

Reliable Resources and References

• Ministry of Foreign Affairs (Serbia): https://www.mfa.gov.rs/en

• National Employment Service: https://www.nsz.gov.rs

• SerbianBusiness Registers Agency (APR): https://www.apr.gov.rs

• VirtualBusiness Center (VBC): https://www.virtualbussinescentar.rs

PriceList and How to Edit Packages

Below are indicative prices. Feel free to change the figures (in [brackets]) to match your actual rates for each package. You can also add special discounts if a client opts for multiple services.

Registering a Sole Proprietorship (PR)

• Base Service: Price on request

• Registration Fee: Price on request

• Includes: Advice on business activity codes, filling out forms, submitting documents.

Forming an LLC or Other Types of Companies

• Base Service: Price on request

• Administrative Fee:  Price on request

• Includes: Drafting founding documents, APR registration, guidance on ownership structure and capital.

Forming an LLC or Other Types of Companies

• Fee: Price on request

• Potential Additional Bank Costs: Account maintenance, card issuance, etc.

• Advantage: Faster scheduling, priority service(especially for foreign nationals), help filling out forms.

Corporate Assistant / Administrative Services

• Monthly Fee: Negotiable / depends on scope

• Description: Issuing invoices, maintaining a KPO ledger, communicating with banks and government institutions, registering employees, etc.

• Discount: If you formed your company through the VBC, you may receive a reduced service fee for the first 6 months.

Virtual Address (Company Headquarters)

• Separate Legal Entity: Provided by Virtual Business Center.

• Monthly Fee:  Price on request

• Benefits: Receiving mail and packages, a legally validaddress in Serbia, no need for a physical office space.

Applying for Temporary Residence and Work Permits

• Fee:  Price on request

• What You Get: Preparation and submission of documents to the MUP and NZS, monitoring the process, handling possible supplemental requests.

• Discount: If you also establish a company through us, you get a 10% discount on this service.

Additional Costs and Procedures

• Notarizations and Translations: Court interpreters, notaries (prices vary per page of documentation).
• Health Insurance: Mandatory for temporary residence.
• Administrative Fees (MUP, NZS): Vary according to current regulations.
• . Banking Fees: Monthly account maintenance, foreign currency transfers, sending money abroad.

Benefits and Discounts When You Do “Everything in One Place”

Our Virtual Business Center has extensive experience collaborating with:

• Banks that offer expedited processes for foreigners
• Certified translation and notary offices (potential discounts for bundled documents)
• Specialized law firms for immigration matters

When you use multiple services at once (e.g., forming a company + assistance with opening a bank account + applying for temporary residence), you’ll typically receive a discount or have certain administrative fees partially covered by the Virtual Business Center.

Conclusion and Contact

Legalizing your stay and work in Serbia doesn’t have to be a tedious and expensive ordeal—with the right team, it can be fast and straightforward. Whether you arrive visa-free or with a D visa, and whether you want to start your own business or seek employment, our Virtual Business Center provides all essential services in one place.

Take advantage of:

• Expert attorneys and notaries
• Authorized court interpreters
• Established relationships with banks
• Option for a virtual address and ongoing administrative support
• Discounts when combining multiple services

For more detailed information or a personalized quote, reach out via email, phone We’ll be happy to help you start or continue your business in Serbia in the easiest and most cost-effective way possible.