The Serbian Parliament enacted Amendments to the Law on Employment of Foreign Nationals (hereinafter the “Law”), which came into force on December 25, 2017.

The Law introduces a new type of work permit for special cases of employment, namely the work permit for vocational training and specialization. The duration of the work permit for vocational training and specialization is one year, with the possibility of extension for one additional year. The procedure for the issuance of this work permit is similar to the existing one involving work permit for the special cases of employment.

The Law also clarifies the duration of the work permit for assigned personnel and the work permit for intra-company transfers. Namely, these permits are issued for the duration of one year and can exceptionally be extended for one additional year (i.e. up to no more than two years) with the consent of the Ministry of Labor, and in accordance with previously obtained opinion of the ministry in charge of the field that regulates activities or services of the employer, which are of interest for the Republic of Serbia.

Finally, the deadline for submission of a request for extension of work permit is extended; such request can be submitted at any time within a 30-day period before the expiration date of the work permit.