Key Takeaways for Hiring in Serbia
- Minimum wage: RSD 47,000/month (approx.)
- Standard working hours: 8 hours/day per day / 40 hours/week per week
- Recommended hiring model: EOR
- Local currency: Serbian dinar (RSD)
Continent
Europe
Capital
Belgrade
Currency
Serbian Dinar (RSD)
Language
Serbian
VAT
20%
Overview
| Indicator | Details |
|---|---|
| Population | ~7 million |
| Language | Serbian |
| Capital | Belgrade |
| Currency | Serbian dinar (RSD) |
| Country code | +381 |
| Min wage | 54,208 RSD / month |
| Working hours | 8 hours per day |
| Weekdays | Monday to Friday |
| Work hours per week | 40 hours per month |
Payroll
Average employer cost
16.65%
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| 13th Salary | Not mandatory; subject to employer discretion |
| Avg employer tax | 16.65% |
Tax Breakdown
Personal Income Tax (PIT)
| Category | Rate / Details |
|---|---|
| Flat Rate | 10% on taxable income |
| Taxable Income | Gross salary minus non-taxable amount (RSD 28,423/month) |
Corporate Income Tax (CIT)
| Category | Rate / Details |
|---|---|
| Standard Rate | 15% on net adjusted profits |
| Taxable Income | Income generated in Serbia; non-residents taxed only on Serbian-sourced income |
Social Security Contributions
Employee Contributions – 19.9%
| Category | Rate / Details |
|---|---|
| Pension and Disability Insurance | 14% |
| Health Insurance | 5.15% |
| Unemployment Insurance | 0.75% |
Employer Contributions – 15.15%
| Category | Rate / Details |
|---|---|
| Pension and Disability Insurance | 10% |
| Health Insurance | 5.15% |
VAT
| Category | Rate / Details |
|---|---|
| VAT | 20% |
Onboarding Process
Onboarding in Serbia typically includes the following steps to ensure a smooth transition for new hires:
- Employment Contract — Must be in writing; include job title, duties, salary, working hours, leave entitlements, and termination conditions
- Registration with Authorities — Register the employee with the Tax Administration and the Pension and Disability Insurance Fund
- Payroll Setup — Ensure accurate calculation and withholding of taxes and social security contributions
- Employee Documentation — Collect personal identification, bank account details, and tax information
- Workplace Policies — Provide access to company policies, health and safety guidelines, and any applicable collective agreements
- Pre-boarding — Pre-boarding Pre-boarding
Employee Leave Policies
Sick Leave
- Paid by employer for the first 30 days; thereafter, by Social Security
Maternity Leave
- 12 weeks (fully paid)
Paternity Leave
- 3 days
Parental Leave:
- Up to 3 years; can be shared between parents
Bereavement Leave:
- Up to 5 days
Annual Leave
- Minimum of 20 working days per year
11 Public holidays in Serbia
Note: Some holidays may be observed on different dates or may be extended, depending on regional regulations.
| Month | Date | Holiday |
|---|---|---|
| January | 1st | New Year’s Day |
| January | 2nd | New Year Holiday |
| January | 7th | Orthodox Christmas Day |
| January | 27th | St. Sava’s Day |
| February | 15th | Statehood Day |
| February | 16th | Statehood Day Holiday |
| April | 18th | Orthodox Good Friday |
| April | 21st | Orthodox Easter |
| May | 1st | Labor Day |
| May | 2nd | Labor Day Holiday |
| November | 11th | Armistice Day |
Termination Process
| Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
| Notice Period | Employee-Initiated: 30 days Employer-Initiated: 30 days |
| Severance Pay | Not mandatory; subject to employment agreements |
| Termination During Probation | Either party can terminate with 30 days’ notice |
| Probation Period | Maximum Duration: 6 months Extension: Permitted if agreed upon by both parties Termination During Probation: Either party can terminate with 30 days’ notice |
| Personal Details | Name, contact information, and role of the employee. |