Serbia, situated along the so-called Balkan Route, has traditionally functioned as a transit country for migrants journeying toward the European Union. The majority of these migrants,
particularly those who are irregular, tend not to stay in Serbia long-term. This tendency is evident in the relatively low percentage of irregular migrants who engage in Serbia’s
asylum procedure, which is widely regarded as the main legal pathway for those in irregular situations seeking to establish lawful residence. The asylum process represents one of the
few avenues for migrants without legal status to regularize their stay. In 2022,1 for instance, 4,179 migrants expressed their intention to seek asylum in Serbia, yet only 319 individuals
(7.63%) proceeded to submit a formal asylum application. In 2023,2 this trend continued, with 1,645 expressions of interest in asylum but only 196 actual applications. These numbers
illustrate that, although many migrants initially signal their intent to seek protection, few proceed with the full asylum process, suggesting that the majority see Serbia as a temporary
rather than a permanent destination.
Another pathway for irregular migrants to obtain legal residence in Serbia is through humanitarian stay permits, which are granted in specific cases to migrants in vulnerable situations. However, the limited issuance of these permits further supports the observation that few migrants choose to settle in Serbia. In 2022 only 96 humanitarian stay permits were issued, with a further decrease to 59 in 2023.3 These statistics underscore that while Serbia is often a critical step along the migration journey, most migrants do not view the country as a long-term destination.
Recent years have also marked a significant shift in Serbia’s migration profile, with the country attracting more foreigners arriving for extended stays under legal migration frameworks.
Compared to a decade ago, the rise in legal migration has been substantial, with visa issuance increasing dramatically (from 741 in 2021 to 29,442 in 2023), alongside a marked rise in the number of first-time temporary residence permits (from 17,560 in 2021 to 45,112 in 2023). Foreign nationals residing in Serbia are primarily in the country for employment, with recent statistics reflecting a substantial increase in work permits issued year over year (in 2022 nearly tripled compared to 2020, and a further increase in 2023). The primary factor behind this increase is Serbia’s growing need for a foreign labor force to address shortages in several sectors, including manufacturing, construction, hospitality, transportation, and warehousing. To support this need and foster economic growth, Serbia has implemented reforms in the legislative framework governing foreign residence and employment. These reforms offer greater flexibility for foreign nationals seeking to enter the Serbian labor market.