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Job Market for Immigrants in Serbia in 2025: What’s Happening and What to Expect?
Serbia is becoming increasingly popular among foreigners looking for work. Over the past few years, the number of professionals coming from other countries has grown significantly, helping to fill labor shortages. However, many still see Serbia as a temporary stop on their way to Western Europe. To retain workers, the government is actively introducing new measures. Let’s dive into what opportunities immigrants can expect in the Serbian job market in 2025.
Table of Contents
Which Professions Are in High Demand?
Highly Skilled Specialists
IT, engineering, and medicine are the top three industries facing talent shortages. In IT, developers, DevOps engineers, and cybersecurity specialists are especially in demand. Doctors and medical staff also find jobs in both private and public clinics, though they must get their diplomas recognized. Engineers—particularly electrical, mechanical, and architectural—are also sought after. And if you’re a foreign language teacher, especially a native speaker, you have a high chance of finding work in international schools and language courses.
Blue-Collar Jobs and the Service Sector
The demand here is straightforward: construction workers, electricians, welders, and plumbers are all highly valued. In fact, foreigners make up a third of the workforce in Serbia’s construction industry. Seasonal workers are always needed in agriculture, while in tourist cities, jobs as guides, waiters, and kitchen staff are available. However, keep in mind that working illegally in Serbia carries fines and could lead to issues obtaining a residence permit.
How Much Can You Earn?
Salaries in Serbia vary greatly depending on the field, experience, and location. Here’s an overview of average monthly earnings:
- IT specialists: €1,500–€3,000 (or even higher in international companies)
- Doctors: €600–€920
- Engineers: €650–€1,450
- Financial analysts: around €1,700
- Blue-collar jobs:
- Construction workers: ~€550
- Welders: €850+
- Electricians: up to €1,700
- Service sector:
- Chefs: €600
- Waiters: €450
- Truck drivers: €1,000
- Tour guides: ~€500 (but tips can significantly increase earnings)
- Minimum net salary in Serbia: ~€460
- Average salary: €600–€800
Where Is It Easier to Find a Job?
- Belgrade is the main hub for labor migrants. It offers the highest salaries (~€850 on average), many international companies and startups, and a large number of businesses run by Russian-speaking migrants. Most foreigners work in IT, finance, education, and tourism.
- Novi Sad (Vojvodina) is quieter but promising. IT outsourcing, agricultural machinery, and international companies are growing here. Salaries are lower (~€600), but the cost of living is more affordable.
- Niš and southern regions are industrial centers with factories owned by foreign companies, creating demand for manufacturing specialists. Salaries are above average, and the cost of living is lower than in Belgrade.
What Will Change in 2025?
✔ More foreign workers. The number of migrants working in Serbia has increased significantly in recent years, especially IT professionals and entrepreneurs from CIS countries.
✔ Easier residence and work permits. In 2024, Serbia introduced a “unified permit” that combines a residence permit and a work visa, reducing bureaucracy and speeding up the process.
✔ Tax incentives for rare specialists. If you work in a high-demand field, your tax rate is reduced by 70%, making Serbia more attractive for foreign professionals.
✔ Growth in construction and tourism. As Serbia prepares for EXPO 2027, construction is booming, attracting workers from Asia and Eastern Europe. Meanwhile, the rise in tourism is creating new service-sector jobs.
How Does Serbia Compare to Other Countries?
✔ Lower salaries than in the EU, but also lower living costs. The average salary in Serbia is €600–800, whereas in Germany it’s €2,500+ and in Croatia around €1,000. However, rent and prices are much cheaper in Serbia.
✔ Easier employment process. Unlike many EU countries, Serbia has no strict work quotas or complicated visa processes. You can enter as a tourist, find a job, and apply for documents on-site.
✔ High demand for IT and engineering, but lower competition. While European salaries are higher, the requirements are stricter. In Serbia, it’s easier to land a good position, especially if you speak English.
✔ Opportunities to start a business. Serbia actively supports startups and entrepreneurs with tax incentives and development grants.
Conclusion
Serbia is a solid option for labor migration: finding a job is easier, the cost of living is lower, and bureaucracy is less of a hassle compared to the EU. However, salaries are lower than in neighboring European countries, so for many, Serbia remains a stepping stone before moving to wealthier regions. If the government continues improving conditions for foreign workers, Serbia could become a major hub for specialists from around the world.
And if you’re already job hunting, Ovde Jobs always has the latest openings from employers across Serbia! Check them out, choose, and land your dream job. 🚀