How many work permits does Serbia plan to issue in 2025?

Serbia plans to issue a record 100.000 work permits to foreign workers in 2025 to meet its growing labour demands. This represents a 423% increase since 2021.

What are the main ways to get a work permit in Serbia?

The two main pathways to obtaining a work permit in Serbia are through direct employment with a Serbian employer or through self-employment. The self-employment route involves registering your own limited liability company or as a sole entrepreneur in Serbia.

Which industries in Serbia are hiring foreign workers?

There is high demand for foreign workers in several sectors, including construction (bricklayers, carpenters, plumbers), manufacturing (welders, electricians), transport (truck drivers), and services (cooks, nurses, waiters).

What immigration services does SEECAP Consulting provide?

SEECAP Consulting offers comprehensive immigration and company registration services for businesspeople and their families. This includes assistance with work permits (both for employment and self-employment), company and sole entrepreneur registration, temporary residence permits, and help with finding office space and housing.

Serbia to Issue 100.000 Work Permits to Foreigners in 2025

Foreign Minister Ghana and Serbia — Foreign Ministers of Ghana and Serbia discussing the Workforce Mobility Agreement

In a significant move for its economy, Serbia has announced plans to issue a record 100.000 work permits to foreign workers in 2025. This development signals a major opportunity for international businesses and skilled individuals looking to establish a presence in one of Southeast Europe's most dynamic markets.

The announcement, highlighted during a mid-July 2025 press conference, underscores Serbia's commitment to addressing its growing labour demands. As an example of this proactive approach, Serbia is negotiating a Workforce Mobility Agreement with Ghana to streamline the work permit process for its citizens. This follows a similar successful agreement with Egypt, demonstrating a clear strategy to attract a global workforce.

The Ghanian Foreign Minister, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, indicated that “Serbia plans to issue 100,000 work permits this year, and Ghana has expressed its interest in fully utilizing this, so that Ghana can have thousands of our young people working in Serbia". He added that Ghana aims to be the second African country, after Egypt, to formalize such an agreement.

The Labour Mobility Agreement is expected to cover sectors such as construction, healthcare, ICT, agriculture, and services—industries that increasingly need a young, energetic, and qualified workforce in Serbia and the surrounding region.

A Trend of Growth: Serbia's Expanding Foreign Workforce

Work permit issuance statistics in Serbia (2021-2025)

The plan to issue 100.000 permits is part of a clear upward trend. Since 2021, the number of work permits issued to foreigners has skyrocketed by an incredible 423%, growing from 23.662 in 2021 to the projected 100.000 in 2025.

This surge reflects a robust demand for skilled and energetic workers across key industries. According to the Serbian National Employment Agency, the most sought-after positions include:

Construction & Trades: Bricklayer, carpenter, armourer, plumber, ceramist, locksmith, welder, facade and indoor painter.
Manufacturing & Technical: Maker of shoe uppers, maker of cable accessories, electric welder, electrician, mechanical technician, construction technician.
Transport & Logistics: Truck driver, bus driver.
Services & Hospitality: Cook, baker, tailor, dressmaker, nurse, waiter, beautician, cashier.
Administration: Bookkeeper, mining technician.

Pathways to Opportunity: How to Secure a Work Permit

While bilateral agreements are being established, the opportunity is not limited to citizens of specific countries. Employers in Serbia have the flexibility to hire qualified candidates from anywhere in the world, creating a truly global talent pool.

Beyond traditional employment, Serbia offers a viable path for entrepreneurs and independent professionals through self-employment. By registering a company or as a sole entrepreneur, you can create your own pathway to securing a work permit and residency.

For a detailed guide on the legal requirements, we recommend reading our comprehensive article: “Entry visa, work permit and residency in Serbia”.

Navigate Your Move to Serbia with Expert Guidance

Seizing this opportunity requires navigating Serbian immigration and business regulations. As part of our core corporate and foreign direct investment services, SEECAP provides comprehensive support for businesspeople, their employees, and their families.

Our expert team can assist you with:

Work permit through employment or self-employment
Company registration
Sole entrepreneur (self-employed) registration
Temporary residence permits
Sourcing office space, housing, and other essential relocation needs