Kosovo presents significant opportunities for businesses that are planning to expand operations. If you’re planning to expand to Kosovo, you’ll need to know how to get a work visa for every international employee.
Types of work visas in Kosovo
The government in Kosovo has designated several visa-exempt countries, meaning nationals from these nations are free to travel to Kosovo without a visa and stay for up to 90 days within a period of 180 days. Nationals from other countries will need to obtain an entry visa from the nearest embassy or consulate of Kosovo.
Regardless of whether or not an individual is from a visa-exempt country, they’ll need to obtain a work permit as well as a temporary residence permit to live and work in Kosovo.
Requirements to obtain Kosovo work visas
The general requirements to get a visa for Kosovo entrance include:
- A duly completed and signed application form
- A passport that is valid for at least 6 months after the applicant’s planned date of arrival in Kosovo
- A passport photo that was taken within the last month
- Evidence that the applicant has travel medical insurance coverage for their time in Kosovo
- Proof that the applicant has sufficient financial means to support themselves in Kosovo
- Evidence that the applicant has accommodations in Kosovo
- Proof of payment of the visa fee
Diplomatic officials may be requested to present additional documents on a case-by-case basis.
The requirements to obtain a Kosovo work permit include:
- A valid passport, with a validity period of at least 1.5 years before its expiration date
- Date of entrance in Kosovo with relevant proof of entry stamp
- An employment contract with an employer in Kosovo
- A copy of the notarized and translated university diploma
- A clean criminal record certificate issued within the last 6 months and translated
- Health insurance
- Bank statements
- A certificate of business registration for the employer
Application process
Nationals from other countries who require a visa should begin the visa application process at least 3 months before they intend to travel to Kosovo. The first step is to get in touch with the embassy or consulate of Kosovo in their country of residence. The diplomatic officials there will provide a comprehensive, updated list of the documents that are required to obtain the necessary permits.
The applicant should then gather all relevant documents and complete the application form. Once the documents are prepared, the applicant will need to visit the embassy or consulate in person to submit the application. The applicant should wait in their country of residence until their visa is issued, after which they can travel to Kosovo and obtain permits to live and work there.
Other important considerations
International employees should be aware that Kosovo has 2 official languages: Serbian and Albanian. However, specific requirements may vary based on the municipality or agency handling the application. For clarity, it’s best to confirm language requirements directly with the relevant ministry or local administrative office. Any documents that are required in support of the visa and permit applications must be translated into one of these languages as instructed by the authorities.
It’s also important to note that Kosovo’s work permits are eligible for renewal. Employees should apply for renewal at least 1 month before their existing permit is set to expire.
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