Net and gross: the difference
In Serbia vacancies almost always quote the net figure — what a person receives in hand. But your employer's paperwork shows another, larger figure: gross. The difference is compulsory contributions and tax, withheld from the calculated amount and paid to the state. This matters: the salary you agreed is net, while the payslip shows gross, contributions, tax and the final amount payable.
How much goes to contributions
The total rate of compulsory social insurance contributions in 2026 is 35.05% of the gross amount, and both sides pay it. From the employee's salary 19.90% is withheld: 14% pension insurance, 5.15% compulsory health insurance and 0.75% unemployment insurance. The employer pays a further 15.15%: 10% pension and 5.15% health. These figures are worth knowing because they are not abstract for you: PIO contributions build your service record and future pension, while health contributions give you the right to insurance.
Income tax on salary
Salary is taxed at 10%, but not on the whole amount: part is exempt. For 2026 the non-taxable amount is 34,221 dinars per month. So tax is charged on what remains after that deduction and after contributions. That is precisely why two vacancies with the same net can differ in the burden on the employer.
Minimum wage 2026
The minimum is set not monthly but hourly: 371 dinars net per hour worked. Since the number of working hours varies by month, the monthly minimum ranges from about 59,360 to 68,264 dinars net. In gross terms that is 79,797 to 92,499 dinars. Paying less than the hourly rate is not allowed — it is a direct rule of law.
What else is due besides money
Leave — at least 20 working days a year plus public holidays, and that is not a matter of the employer's goodwill. Sick leave is paid, and contributions give the right to health insurance. If the job involves overtime, by law it is limited and paid separately.
What to check on the payslip
A payslip must be issued to you. It should show the calculated amount, all withheld contributions, the tax and the amount payable. A useful habit is to check once a year whether your contributions have been recorded with the pension fund: if the employer slipped up somewhere, it does not show immediately and is harder to fix later. One more practical point: when changing jobs and when applying for residence, payslips and salary certificates are often needed, so keep them.
What to do step by step
When applying, confirm whether the figure is net or gross. Check whether the package includes payment of contributions and what is left after them. See whether the offer falls below the minimum hourly rate. When you receive a payslip, compare the amounts, and once a year check your service record and contributions. And remember: part of your salary goes towards future rights — pension, healthcare and insurance — rather than disappearing.
Data checked on 11 October 2026: contribution rates, the non-taxable amount and the minimum labour rate per the rules in force for 2026; check the specific rates if the legislation changes.