The Insider's Guide to Hiring in Serbia

Quick Overview

Can you hire? Yes
Employer cost 16.65%
Best model EOR
Continent Europe
Population~7 million
LanguageSerbian
CapitalBelgrade
Country code+381
Min wageIn the Republic of Serbia, the minimum wage (net, without taxes and contributions) is RSD 371 per working hour, effective January 1, 2026.
Working hours8 hours per day
WeekdaysMonday through Friday
Work hours per week40 hours per month
CurrencySerbian Dinar (RSD)

Can you hire?

Yes

Via entity or EOR. Entity needed: Yes (or use EOR)

Learn more

Employer cost

16.65%

On top of gross salary

Learn more

Best model

EOR

Recommended for most companies

Learn more

Direct Hire

Local Entity

Set up a local entity. Full control, full compliance responsibility.

Learn more

Contractor

Freelance

Engage freelance or project-based talent. Lighter compliance, strict scope rules.

Learn more

EOR

RemotePass

Hire without an entity. RemotePass handles compliance, payroll, and visa.

Learn more

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

IndicatorDetails
Population~7 million
LanguageSerbian
CapitalBelgrade
CurrencySerbian dinar (RSD)
Country code+381
Min wage54,208 RSD / month
Working hours8 hours per day
WeekdaysMonday to Friday
Work hours per week40 hours per month

Payroll

Average employer cost

16.65%

CategoryDetails
13th SalaryNot mandatory; subject to employer discretion
Avg employer tax16.65%

Tax Breakdown

Personal Income Tax (PIT)

CategoryRate / Details
Flat Rate10% on taxable income
Taxable IncomeGross salary minus non-taxable amount (RSD 28,423/month)

Corporate Income Tax (CIT)

CategoryRate / Details
Standard Rate15% on net adjusted profits
Taxable IncomeIncome generated in Serbia; non-residents taxed only on Serbian-sourced income

Social Security Contributions

Employee Contributions – 19.9%

CategoryRate / Details
Pension and Disability Insurance14%
Health Insurance5.15%
Unemployment Insurance0.75%

Employer Contributions – 15.15%

CategoryRate / Details
Pension and Disability Insurance10%
Health Insurance5.15%

VAT

CategoryRate / Details
VAT20%

Onboarding Process

Onboarding in Serbia typically includes the following steps to ensure a smooth transition for new hires:

  1. Employment Contract — Must be in writing; include job title, duties, salary, working hours, leave entitlements, and termination conditions
  2. Registration with Authorities — Register the employee with the Tax Administration and the Pension and Disability Insurance Fund
  3. Payroll Setup — Ensure accurate calculation and withholding of taxes and social security contributions
  4. Employee Documentation — Collect personal identification, bank account details, and tax information
  5. Workplace Policies — Provide access to company policies, health and safety guidelines, and any applicable collective agreements
  6. 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.

MonthDateHoliday
January1stNew Year’s Day
January2ndNew Year Holiday
January7thOrthodox Christmas Day
January27thSt. Sava’s Day
February15thStatehood Day
February16thStatehood Day Holiday
April18thOrthodox Good Friday
April21stOrthodox Easter
May1stLabor Day
May2ndLabor Day Holiday
November11thArmistice Day

Termination Process

RequirementDetails
Notice PeriodEmployee-Initiated: 30 days Employer-Initiated: 30 days
Severance PayNot mandatory; subject to employment agreements
Termination During ProbationEither party can terminate with 30 days’ notice
Probation PeriodMaximum Duration: 6 months Extension: Permitted if agreed upon by both parties Termination During Probation: Either party can terminate with 30 days’ notice
Personal DetailsName, contact information, and role of the employee.
Legal Disclaimer: The information provided in this guide is intended for general informational and guidance purposes only and does not constitute legal, financial, or human resources advice. While we strive to keep the information up to date and accurate, laws and regulations in Serbia are subject to change. We recommend consulting with qualified legal and HR professionals for advice specific to your situation. RemotePass does not accept liability for any errors, omissions, or outcomes related to the use of this information.

Supporting Guides

Contractor Rules

Hiring, engagement, and misclassification rules

Read Guide →

Work Visas

Visa types, sponsorship, and permit process

Read Guide →

Payroll

Pay cycles, salary structure, and employer cost breakdown

Read Guide →

Taxes

Corporate tax, VAT, and personal income tax

Read Guide →

Benefits & Leave

Annual leave, public holidays, and statutory benefits

Read Guide →

Termination & Severance

Severance, notice periods, and the offboarding process

Read Guide →

Finally, a Payroll Partner That Actually Gets Serbia

By clicking “Accept All Cookies”, you agree to the storing of cookies on your device to enhance site navigation, analyze site usage, and assist in our marketing efforts. View our Privacy Policy for more information.