The Serbian Labor Minister, Zoran Dordevic, recently announced amendments to the Law on Employment of Foreigners and the Law on Foreigners. The amendments aim at securing higher state revenues from the increasing number of foreigners working online remotely from Serbia for companies based in other countries.

Mr. Dordevic, via Radio Television of Serbia, discussed that the changes are based on the idea that Serbia would be the first country in Europe to make it possible for those who work for foreign companies, and are not Serbian citizens ,to keep doing their job while still living in Serbia.

The new regulations, he added, should start being implemented on January 1. He explained that everyone who wants to live in Serbia and work for companies abroad should prove that:

  • they have a gross salary of more than EUR 3,500
  • they are employed by a foreign company
  • they are not residents of Serbia
  • they are foreigners in order to obtain residence and a work permit for a year in Serbia.

"Thus, they will be able to work and spend money here in Serbia, which is much cheaper than other countries. Our country is safe, there is no racism and we also have a very good social life," Dordevic has said.

The Minister cited the example of Bali, Indonesia, where 50,000 foreigners work among four million islanders, of which the island has EUR 65 million in revenue per month, or EUR 780 million per year from VAT.

"I think we can be very similar to them. The forecasts are that by 2035, approximately one billion people will work remotely. With the promotion of our country and tourism, I believe that we will attract foreign citizens to work and live in our country, and thus contribute to the income of Serbia," Dordevic added.

The content of this article is intended to provide a general guide to the subject matter. Specialist advice should be sought about your specific circumstances.