Serbia Employment Guide

Serbia Employment Guide

Serbia, located in Southeast Europe on the Balkan Peninsula, has a population of around 7 million. The economy is diverse, with key sectors including manufacturing, agriculture, IT, and services. Employment is regulated by the Labor Law, which governs contracts, working hours, minimum wage, leave, and social security contributions. Employers are required to comply with local labor laws, ensuring employee rights, workplace safety, and fair treatment. Serbia’s labor market offers opportunities for both local talent and international professionals, particularly in technology and industrial sectors.

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Currency

Serbian Dinar (RSD)

Capital

Belgrade

Official language

Serbian

Salary Cycle

Monthly

Our Employment Guide in Serbia

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Maternity Leave Regulations in Serbia

Serbian employment law provides comprehensive maternity benefits for expecting employees. Female workers are entitled to 12 months of paid maternity leave, with a mandatory 28-day period to be utilized before the expected delivery date. The compensation structure during this period follows a tiered approach:

Leave PeriodCompensationResponsible Party
First 30 days100% of salaryEmployer
Remaining 11 monthsAverage salary from previous 18 monthsSocial Security

Employees may extend their leave by an additional 3 months, during which they receive compensation equivalent to their average earnings over the preceding 18 months, covered by social security.

Paternity Leave Provisions

Fathers in Serbia benefit from generous paternity leave arrangements, ranging from 9 to 21 months of paid leave. The specific duration is determined by employer policies. Additionally, when an employee's legal spouse gives birth, they are entitled to 5 extra days of company-paid leave, fully compensated by government sources at 100% of their regular salary.

Parental Leave Framework

While Serbian legislation doesn't specifically define separate parental leave entitlements, employees can utilize the comprehensive maternity and paternity leave provisions to manage childcare responsibilities effectively.

Sick Leave Policy Structure

Serbia's sick leave system operates on a multi-tiered compensation model. Employees can access up to 12 months of paid sick leave, with payment responsibilities shifting between employers and social security based on duration:

DurationCompensationPayment Source
Initial 30 days65% of base salaryEmployer
Extended period (up to 12 months)Case-dependent assessmentSocial Security

International companies like SailGlobal often supplement these statutory requirements with enhanced benefits to remain competitive in attracting global talent.

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