Labor Market Situation in Serbia
As of the third quarter of 2023, Serbia recorded an unemployment rate of 9%. A key long-term problem in the labor market has been the shortage of labor, particularly felt in certain sectors. In 2022, the number of workers decreased by 51,400 (-1.2%) due to rapid aging and emigration of the working-age population to EU countries.
However, there has been a significant increase in the number of foreign workers: according to official data from the National Employment Service of Serbia, the figures for the first six months of 2023 exceeded the data for the entire year of 2022.
According to the Employment Service, in 2022, the number of migrant workers reached 35,000, and in the first months of 2023, it was 30,000, mainly in industries, construction, and skilled professions.
Additionally, many work permits were issued to IT specialists. Foreigners are also employed as auxiliary workers in various sectors of the economy, the service industry, and the hotel business.
Employment in Serbia
There is a shortage of workers in certain professions in the country:
- Carpenter,
- Electrician,
- Hairdresser,
- Welder,
- Plumber,
- Builder,
- Painter,
- Agricultural worker.
In 2024, foreign nationals can find jobs in Serbia as IT engineers, doctors, guides, workers in the tourism and hotel industry, foreign language teachers. Many come to the country for seasonal work. Some open and run their own businesses in the country. Many IT specialists, who work remotely, register as individual entrepreneurs in Serbia and continue their activities as local entrepreneurs.
Currently, working as an IT specialist and developer is one of the highest-paying professions. According to recent reports, the average salary in this field is expected to reach €43,000 by 2025. This is a significant increase compared to previous years, highlighting the growing demand for specialists.
The most sought-after positions in this field are software architects, followed by project managers and DevOps engineers.
Compared to other industries, the IT industry offers some of the highest salaries. For example, the average salary for a teacher in Serbia is around €8,000 per year, and for a medical worker, it is around €11,000 per year.
Working as a guide is less lucrative, with an average salary of around €500 per month. However, the upper limit depends on the employer and workload. If you choose to work in an agency or hotel business, you will have to interact with clients, organize tour packages, and book transportation and hotels. The salary will be roughly the same. However, you will need to learn Serbian at least at a minimal level for this job, as positions without language knowledge pay less. Some tourism-related positions require a tourism license.
To work as a doctor or teacher in Serbia, you will need to validate your education level.
Meanwhile, there is a shortage of workers in certain professions in the country, so jobs like driving, warehouse work, or construction in Serbia are suitable if you have the necessary skills. All you will need is to obtain permission.
Where to Look for Jobs
In 2023, foreign nationals most often searched for jobs in Serbia on specialized websites:
You can also find vacancies on the Employment Service website.
Another option is to search for jobs in local Serbian social media groups.
Searching on the spot can be risky because you might not find a job quickly, so we recommend deciding on a vacancy and getting an offer beforehand.
Cities for Living and Working in Serbia
Your choice of city may be influenced by your field of work. For example, Belgrade hosts the highest-paying jobs in the information technology sector. Many international companies have offices here. However, remote work is also possible, so if living in the capital does not suit you, you can choose another option. It is also easy to find work in education, hotel business, and tourism in the city.
Novi Sad is the second-largest city. In 2021, it was named the European Capital of Culture due to numerous artistic projects, communities, and welcoming spaces filled with Austro-Hungarian history. It is often chosen by students who pursue higher education in the country.
Subotica is excellent for immigrants looking to open a restaurant. The city is often visited by gastronomic tourists due to the abundance of catering establishments. However, salaries there are not high.
If you plan to work as a factory or plant worker, consider Niš. It is located in the southeast of the country, where the production capacities of many German companies are concentrated. Salaries there are on average higher than in the rest of the country, and developed infrastructure makes the distance from Belgrade less noticeable.
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