Employer of Record and Payroll Services in Serbia 
Mercans-owned legal entity
We have our own legal entity to protect your business from risk and provide you and your employees with a distinctive experience.
We have our own legal entity to protect your business from risk and provide you and your employees with a distinctive experience.
Services available
- Employer of record
- Contractor management
- Global payroll
- In-country payroll
Mercans offers complete payroll, PEO and HR services in Serbia
Serbia has attracted over €37 billion in foreign direct investment since 2007. The Development Agency of Serbia facilitates and implements direct investment promotions and assists in improving the competitiveness of the economy. Serbia boasts a highly qualified labor pool, competitive operating costs and an optimal geographic location. This is supported by numerous financial benefits and incentives and the creation of multiple free zones.
Doing Business in Serbia
To assist companies in streamlining their operations, many municipalities offer operations within designated industrial zones. These bring advantage in the form of ready-to-use infrastructure, special benefits and a privileged tax regime. At present time, a high degree of caution is advised for international travel given the strained healthcare system in the country.
Entity Registration and Incorporation Requirements
Setting up a new business or expanding an existing one in Serbia is straightforward. Choose how your company operates from a range of entity types that suit your individual circumstance.
Banking
Banking Hours: 8:00 am to 7:00 pm from Monday to Friday.
Working Week
The standard working week is from Monday to Friday from 9:00 am - 5:00 pm.
Labor Law
There are several laws governing employment in Serbia including the Constitution, the Labor Act and the Anti-Discrimination Act. Bilateral tax and social security treaties may also be relevant to a foreign national, depending on where they reside.
Main Industries
Motor vehicle, base metals, food processing, machinery, chemicals
GDP Growth
-0.5%
Dates & Numbers
dd/mm/yyyy
Official State Name
the Republic of Serbia
Population
6.93 million
Capital
Belgrade
Major Languages
Serbian
Currency
Serbian Dinar
Internet Domain
.rs
International Dialing Code
+381
5°C
Payroll
The minimum hourly wage is limited but varies from sector to sector. There are no salary caps or limitations on payment methods that apply to all employees.
It is acceptable to provide employees with online payslips
Payslip
Employees are entitled to receive paid annual leave of 20 days
Annual Leave
Employees are entitled to receive paid sick leave of 30 days
Sick Leave
Employees are entitled to 12 months of paid maternity leave and 5 days of paid paternity leave
Maternity & Paternity Leave
An employee is required to be provided with 15 days notice of termination of employment
Employee Termination
There are no provisions mandated by law regarding the 13th month salary
13th month salary
201.22 RSD per hour
Minimum Wage
Overtime pay is calculated at the rate of 1.26x the employee's ordinary rate of pay for the first 4 hours of overtime completed
Overtime
Employees who are paid monthly are entitled to a third of their pay for each year of employment
Severance Pay
Tax and Social Security
Residents are taxed on their worldwide income and non-residents are taxed on their Serbia-sourced income and any worldwide income where that relates to their work in Serbia.
Tax
Tax rates are flat and may range from 10% to 20%.
Corporate Income Tax
Personal Income Tax
Sales Tax
VAT
Social Security
Social security contributions cover pension and disability insurance, health insurance and unemployment insurance. Social security contributions are withheld by the employer which is done up to a specified cap. Contributions are defined by the Law on Mandatory Social Insurance Contributions.
Social Security Rate
Social Security Rate for Employers
Social Security Rate for Employees
Employment Law
Where an employee is seconded from Serbia to work in another country, the Law on Conditions for Secondment of Employees to Temporary Work Abroad and their Protection will regulate their status.
Employment Agreement
Every employment relationship must be supported by a written employment contract. There are two types of employment relationships which depend on their duration.
Working condition
Set out in the Labor law, the maximum number of hours worked is limited but varies from sector to sector. If the work is organized in shifts that include night work, the employer must provide for alternate shifts.
Leaves
Employees are required to receive at least 20 days of paid leave per year. This can be increased based on a range of criteria. In general, there is no explicit provision for flexible work but it can be agreed to between the employer and employee.
Employment termination
A Serbian employment agreement may be terminated for a number of reasons related to an employee’s performance or business reasons. There are, however, worker groups who are entitled to termination protection.
15 days
Minimum notice period for terminating an employee
12 days
Total number of public holidays
40
Working hours per week
5 days
Total number of days for Compassionate & Bereavement Leave
Immigration
A Serbian tax resident is someone who stays (or intends to stay) for over 183 days in a 12 month period. Transfers of employees from one place of work to another is allowed under certain conditions.
Residency permits
Foreigners who wish to work in Serbia must obtain a temporary or permanent residence permit and a work permit which allows them to perform activities like Serbian citizens. There are two types of work permits, that is, the personal work permit and the simple work permit.
Work Permit Validity
1 year
Required Documents
A duly completed visa application form
A passport that is valid for a minimum of 90 days after the issuance of the visa
A letter of invitation addressed to the individual from the potential employer in Serbia
Proof of health insurance
A passport photo
Evidence of sufficient funds or income for the individual’s stay while in Serbia
Depending on the duration of the applicant’s stay, an itinerary or a return ticket to leave Serbia
Proof of payment of the visa fee.
Build the best team and hire top talent compliantly in Serbia. Get in touch with Serbia payroll outsourcing & PEO specialists for a free consultation!