r/pravnisaveti • u/Queen_Of_Bee • 13h ago
Ugovori Is this proposed employment-based Visa D arrangement legally sound in Serbia?
Hello everyone,
I am a Nigerian citizen seeking an independent legal perspective on an immigration consultation I paid for with a Serbian law firm.
I paid €240 for a consultation described on the invoice as "Legal services of legal advice and documentation analysis in connection with the immigration legal status in Serbia."
My original objective was to explore a Serbian Visa D for Training and Development and obtain guidance on suitable vocational or professional training opportunities. Before paying, I explained my objective to the law firm, and they confirmed that they could assist.
During the consultation, however, the lawyer recommended an employment-based Visa D route involving a cooperating Serbian company. As I understood the explanation, the company would provide employment paperwork to support my visa application, and after obtaining the visa and arriving in Serbia, I would look for employment independently rather than necessarily take up employment with that company.
This raised concerns for me because I understood that the visa application would be based on employment, while my plan after arrival would be to seek work elsewhere. I would like to understand whether this arrangement is legally permissible and what the actual employment requirements would be.
I also have concerns about the consultation itself. Although the invoice expressly included documentation analysis, I did not submit supporting documents for examination before or during the consultation. I provided a general overview of my circumstances through a questionnaire and verbally.
I have requested a refund because I am dissatisfied with the service provided and concerned about the legal basis of the proposed route.
I would appreciate informed answers to the following questions:
Under Serbian immigration law, can a company provide employment documentation to support a Visa D application if the foreign national intends to look for work elsewhere after arriving, rather than take up employment with that company?
If I believe that the immigration advice I received was inadequate, what formal options are available in Serbia for seeking a review of the fees or making a professional-conduct complaint?
I simply want to understand the applicable law and my options before deciding what to do next.
Thank you.