Jobs in Serbia

When working abroad in Serbia, many expats settle in either Belgrade or Novi Sad, which are the two biggest cities in the country. There are communities of foreigners working in Serbia in both of these cities, since that is where most job opportunities for English speakers are located. 

Belgrade is at the crux of Serbia’s notorious party reputation. It is the capital city of Serbia, and is home to around a quarter of the country’s population. Belgrade has a certain level of grit and charm, it has fun dive bars, hip coffee shops, and classy restaurants. One moment, you can be wandering down graffiti-lined streets, and the next, marvelling at architecturally stunning buildings. Belgrade is known for its splavovi, which are floating nightclubs and lounges anchored along the Danabe and Sava rivers that run through the city. It is an economic center for the country, and is the most likely place for expats to find Serbia jobs for foreigners. Many embassies, NGOs, and foreign companies have roots in Belgrade. 

Novi Sad is anything but sad! It is a colorful and vibrant city that is known for its cafe culture. If you’re not too much of a partier, Novi Sad might be the perfect location for you to work abroad in Serbia. Trade in your wild nights and hangovers for morning strolls and coffee dates (or do both!). In July, Novi Sad fills with festival goers, as the city hosts one of the best music festivals in the region—EXIT Festival.

Serbia has a high unemployment rate, which means the job market is very competitive—but don’t let this deter you! Just be sure to have your job offer before making the big move. Many people speak some degree of English, but the more knowledge you have of the Serbian language, the more luck you will have in finding jobs abroad in Serbia. Many foreigners find jobs abroad in Serbia by working with international companies or organizations that operate in Serbia. 

International Relations or Business. Most expats work abroad in Serbia through international embassies or in foreign companies with operations in Serbia. If you do not speak Serbian, this is your best bet in finding jobs abroad in Serbia; many of these workplaces operate in English, and some may have translators. Some of these workplaces see speaking Serbian as an asset but not a necessity. 

Education. As with many countries, there are opportunities to help people brush up on their English skills. There are opportunities as an English teacher (English is a mandatory subject in many schools), English tutor, or as a teacher in an international school.

Since many expats work in foreign organizations, they are often paid more than the average Serbian’s salary. The average wage is quite low in Serbia (around 45,000 Serbian dinars, or around $400 per month), but so are the living costs. With the combined low cost of living and higher wages in expat jobs, many expats find that they are able to live comfortably and even save up money while they work abroad in Serbia.

You can find a one-bedroom apartment in the city for $400 a month, and that will easily be your biggest expense for the month. Many expats rent apartments or houses, depending on their location and how much space they need. Rental costs are lower outside of the city center. Transit is cheap, although transit infrastructure is not as advanced as in many other European countries. 

To work abroad in Serbia, you will need a temporary residence visa and a work permit. You will need a job offer before applying for these documents, and your employer will help you in the process. For more information on how to apply for a visa to work in Serbia, start with the GoAbroad embassy directory.

Looking for jobs abroad in Serbia may seem daunting at first, especially due to the competitive job market and high levels of unemployment. When looking for work in Serbia, the phrase “the greater the effort, the sweeter the reward” definitely applies. Once you’ve jumped through all the bureaucratic hoops of acquiring a job and your working permits, you will be rewarded with the opportunity to explore Serbia’s culture, delicious food, and exciting nightlife.

You can’t work abroad in Serbia without being offered a glass of rakija! It is an alcoholic drink that ranges from 45-60% alcohol and is made of fermented fruit. Rakija sums up the spirit of Serbia: hospitable, with a bit of a party side. Although it is usually served in a small glass, it is not a shot—rakija is supposed to be sipped and savoured. Many people in Serbia take pride in making their own rakija at home, and the drink is important in Serbian culture. Rakija is widely considered Serbia’s national drink, so don’t be surprised if you are offered it at any time of the day. Make sure to give it a try if offered; it is the polite thing to do, and your experience with international jobs in Serbia will not get any more authentic than tasting homemade rakija!

While international jobs in Serbia may not exactly be ripe for the picking, they are absolutely worth the hunt. Your international work experience will take you to new heights when you return home, all while you dazzle your friends with stories about parties amongst medieval scenery. Ready to work abroad in Serbia?