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KosovoWork permitsLast checked October 17, 2026

Temporary residence and work permit for employment

Foreign nationals can work in Kosovo with a temporary residence permit for employment. It is issued by the MIA's Department for Citizenship, Asylum and Migration (DCAM) after the labour ministry confirms the work permit. Most permits fall under an annual quota set by the Government. Some groups are outside the quota, such as key personnel, intra-company transferees, majority business owners, researchers and language teachers. The permit is usually valid for up to 1 year and tied to one employer and job.

See requirements ↓

Life in Kosovo

Money

3

Currency

Euro

EUR

Euro

Cost of living

41

Price level · US = 100

World Bank price levels, 2022

Tax

8–10%

Income tax (national)

VAT 18%

0% up to EUR 3,000 a year (EUR 250 a month), 8% to EUR 5,400 (EUR 450 a month), 10% above.

Official rates, 2026 · headline only

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Who it’s for

Foreign nationals with a job offer from a Kosovo employer, and foreign owners of a Kosovo business who hold more than 51%.

Eligibility

  • General residence conditions

    Proof of purpose, a valid travel document, sufficient means of subsistence, health insurance, no entry ban, and no threat to security, public order or public health (art. 48).

  • Annual quota

    Employment under the quota needs an employment contract, proof of qualifications and proof of the company's registration.

    • The Government sets the annual quota by 31 October for the coming year
    • Quota covers renewals, new hires and possibly seasonal work
    • Quota is set by activity and occupation
    Official wording

    The Government sets an annual quota for employing foreigners by 31 October for the coming year. The quota covers renewals, new hires and possibly seasonal work, by activity and occupation (art. 68). A quota permit needs an employment contract, proof of qualifications, and proof of the company's registration (art. 69).

  • Outside the quota

    Permits outside the quota can go to: key personnel; intra-company transferees; people self-employed in their own company with more than 51% ownership; minority-language teachers; professional athletes; artists; staff of foreign corporations registered in Kosovo and at least three countries; scientific researchers; university and foreign-language lecturers; and people working under international contracts (art. 70).

A sneak peek at what's inside

  • Next requirementLabour-market justification
  • Document checklistValid travel document
  • FeesTemporary residence permit - employment

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  • 3 more requirements
  • 9 documents
  • 4 fees
  • 5 steps
  • Processing times and conditions
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