Setting up an Employment Agency in Serbia (Recruiting Agency) requires compliance with specific legal and technical requirements. Whether you are looking to start an HR Agency in Serbia, an HR company in Serbia, or an HR consultancy in Serbia, understanding the necessary conditions is crucial for obtaining approval and running a successful business. Your lawyer can assist in establishing a company in Serbia, guide you through the legal framework, and help ensure compliance with all relevant regulations.
This blog may be of interest to anyone looking to advise both local citizens and foreigners on relocation and work opportunities in Serbia.
- Legal and Administrative Requirements for Establishing Employment Agency in Serbia
- Spatial and Technical Conditions for Employment Agency in Serbia
- Professional Qualifications of Employees in an HR Agency in Serbia
- Who Cannot Establish an Employment Agency in Serbia?
- Work Permit and Permit Renewal of Employment Agency in Serbia
- Professional Examination for HR Specialists
- Final Thoughts on HR Business in Serbia
Legal and Administrative Requirements for Establishing Employment Agency in Serbia
An Employment Agency in Serbia can be founded by both companies and individuals, to carry out activities such as:
- Informing individuals about employment opportunities and conditions;
- Mediation in employment within Serbia and abroad;
- Career counseling and professional orientation;
- Implementing active employment policies in cooperation with the Serbian National Employment Agency.
Before commencing operations, an HR Agency in Serbia must obtain approval from the Ministry of Labor. This approval is granted after assessing the agency’s compliance with spatial, technical, and personnel requirements.
Spatial and Technical Conditions for Employment Agency in Serbia
To legally operate as a Recruiting company in Serbia, the agency must meet several conditions, including some of the most important ones listed below:
- A minimum of two office spaces (each at least 12 m²) connected by doors, one designated as an office and the other as a waiting room.
- Sanitary facilities.
- Workspaces dedicated solely to employment activities, not used as living quarters or located in basements.
- Essential office equipment for employee and client use.
- Direct telephone and fax lines.
- At least one computer with internet access.
The formal application for establishing an HR company in Serbia must include:
- Proof of legal rights to use the premises;
- A floor plan detailing room sizes and locations;
- A list of office equipment;
- Proof of employee qualifications and job descriptions;
- Payment proof for administrative fees.
Once the request is submitted, the Ministry of Labor will conduct an inspection to verify compliance within 15 working days.
Your lawyer in Serbia can assist in analyzing the lease agreement as well as in submitting the necessary documentation to the state authorities.
Professional Qualifications of Employees in an HR Agency in Serbia
Employment activities in an HR consultancy in Serbia must be performed by professionally qualified employees who have:
- At least a secondary vocational education;
- Passed the examination for employment activities.
Additionally, the HR Agency in Serbia must employ at least one individual with a higher education degree, registered for mandatory social insurance in the Central Registry. This employee must have a minimum of 240 ECTS credits from undergraduate studies or an equivalent degree under higher education regulations.
Professional orientation and career counseling within an HR company in Serbia must be conducted by a psychologist with a higher education degree. A contract for career counseling services may also be signed with a psychologist who has passed the employment activities exam.
Employment mediation within an Employment Agency in Serbia, including providing information on job opportunities and implementing active employment policies, can be performed by:
- A person with higher education, regardless of profession;
- A person with at least a secondary vocational education provided that at least one employee in the agency holds a higher education degree.
Since Employment Agencies in Serbia perform various tasks, different individuals must have different levels of education to carry out specific jobs that fall within the business activity of HR companies in Serbia.
Who Cannot Establish an Employment Agency in Serbia?
Certain individuals are prohibited from establishing an Employment Agency in Serbia, including those who:
- Are convicted of a criminal offense and have served at least six months in prison within the past three years, counted from the date of sentence completion;
- Were the founder of an agency whose license was revoked within the past three years, counted from the date of revocation;
- Have been found operating as an unregistered employment service provider within the past three years, counted from the date of the inspection authority’s decision confirming the violation.
If you do not meet these conditions, the good news is that no direct restrictions prevent you from being the founder of an HR company in Serbia.
Work Permit and Permit Renewal of Employment Agency in Serbia
Upon verifying compliance, the Ministry issues a work permit for an HR Agency in Serbia, valid for five years and subject to renewal. The agency must report any changes affecting operational compliance within five days.
The Ministry can revoke an agency’s permit if:
- It no longer meets the prescribed conditions;
- It engages in employment mediation activities contrary to the law;
- Its founder is convicted of a criminal offense and sentenced to at least six months in prison.
Professional Examination for HR Specialists
If you’re considering a career in an HR consultancy or HR company in Serbia, it’s important to know that the process involves passing a professional examination. This examination is a crucial step for anyone looking to work in the industry, and it consists of several key components:
- General and Specialized Oral Exams – These exams assess your overall knowledge as well as your expertise in specific areas related to HR practices.
- Proof of Education – You will need to submit official documentation verifying your educational qualifications, ensuring that you meet the necessary academic requirements for the role.
- Application Fee – A fee must be paid when submitting your application, which is part of the formal registration process.
By fulfilling these requirements, you’ll be one step closer to working in Serbia’s HR sector, where professionalism and knowledge are key.
Final Thoughts on HR Business in Serbia
Establishing an Employment Agency in Serbia is a structured process that requires adherence to strict legal, spatial, and professional requirements. Whether launching an HR Agency in Serbia or a Recruiting company in Serbia, following these guidelines should ensure smooth registration and compliance.
By meeting the necessary qualifications, you can operate a successful HR company in Serbia, providing valuable employment mediation and HR consulting services. This business activity is particularly interesting given the high trend of migration worldwide, creating a growing demand for employment mediation and recruitment services.
Additionally, there are numerous advantages to doing business and living in Serbia, including a favorable business environment, competitive operational costs, and a growing market for various services.
