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Good to know
Workers have the right to receive severance compensation if their employment is terminated due to redundancy. The minimum severance amount must be equivalent to one-third of the employee’s annual salary for each year of service completed.
Currency
Serbian Dinar
Capital
Belgrade
Employee Costs
19.90%
Local Language
Serbian
Employer Taxes
15.15%
Public Holidays
10 Days
Payroll Frequency
Monthly
Tax Year
1st Jan – 31st Dec
Are you ready to hire in Serbia?
Serbia has a well-educated and skilled workforce, particularly in fields such as IT, engineering, and manufacturing. Many Serbians are proficient in English and other foreign languages which is beneficial for companies. Serbia has a growing focus on research and development, with government support for innovation and technology-driven industries.
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Minimum Wage
As of January 1, 2023, Serbia has implemented revised minimum wages, setting it at 230.00 RSD net per hour. This equates to an average monthly minimum wage of 40,020 RSD.
Working Hours
Standard Working Hours
The standard working week usually consists of 40 hours, consisting of 8 hours per day, 5 days a week. The working week typically is Monday – Friday.
Overtime
Any work exceeding the regular weekly working hours is considered overtime and is subject to the terms specified in the employment contract or collective agreements. When employees are required to work overtime or during holidays, certain limitations apply, with a maximum of 8 hours per week or 4 hours per day allowed. Overtime exceeding 40 hours per week is compensated at an overtime rate, which is generally 126.00% of the employee’s average salary rate. Additionally, overtime hours worked on public holidays are compensated at 110.00% of the standard rate.
Payroll
In Serbia, the usual payroll frequency is monthly. There is no legal requirement for 13-month payment, however, employers can issue a bonus at their discretion.
Leave
Paid time off
Employees are entitled to 20 fully paid annual leave days annually, provided by the employer. Additionally, they are entitled to an annual vacation allowance, the specific amount of which is determined by the employer in the individual collective agreement, work rules, or employment agreement.
Sick Pay
During the initial 30 days of sickness, the employer offers sick pay at either a 65 percent rate (for non-work-related injuries or illnesses) or a 100 percent rate (for work-related injuries or illnesses). Employees are required to submit a medical certificate within 3 days of commencing their sick leave. Sick leave extending beyond 30 days is administered by the National Health Insurance Fund.
Maternity Leave
Female employees have the right to a total of 365 days of combined maternity leave and childcare leave, which is fully paid by the state. Maternity leave can commence between 28 to 45 days before childbirth and continues for 3 months after the birth.
Paternity Leave
The Father/Partner is eligible for 5 days of paternity leave after the birth of a child. However, the employee is entitled to paid entitlement only in exceptional circumstances.
Termination
Termination of Employment
The termination process differs based on the existing employment agreement and collective agreement, considering the type of contract and the reason for termination. Employers are required to provide a written explanation for the dismissal, providing it at least 8 days before initiating the termination. Furthermore, employees have the right to respond to the termination notice. Failure to grant this opportunity may lead to the court invalidating the dismissal.
Notice Period
In Serbia, the notice period depends on the length of employment and is typically as follows:
– For less than 10 years of employment, the notice period is 15 days.
– For 10 or more years of employment, the notice period increases to 30 days.
In some cases the employment contract or collective agreement may specify different notice periods. It is essential for both employers and employees to be aware of the notice period requirements and adhere to them when terminating an employment contract.
Probation Period
The probation period can be determined by the employment contract and typically lasts for a maximum of 3 months. If either party decides to terminate the employment relationship during the probation period, a shorter notice period may apply.
Visa
Visa rules in Serbia depend on the nationality and purpose of the visit.
Citizens of certain countries, particularly those from the European Union (EU), the European Economic Area (EEA), and some other countries, may enter Serbia without a visa for short stays of up to 90 days within a 180-day period for tourism, business, or family visits. However, travelers from other countries may need to apply for a visa in advance for short-term visits. For long-term stays, such as work, study, or residence, foreigners must apply for the appropriate residence permit or visa based on the purpose of their stay.
VAT
The standard rate of VAT in Serbia is 20.00%
