Serbia expects exports from its information and communications technology (ICT) sector to reach €5bn in 2025, despite concerns from industry leaders over the government’s recent decision to scrap incentives for hiring foreign professionals.

Ana Brnabic, president of the National Assembly, said in a post on social media platform X on July 22 that exports in the sector had already surpassed €1.8bn in the first five months of the year, a 17% increase compared to the same period in 2024.

"Just 13 years ago, total annual exports from the ICT sector were €375mn – 13 times lower," Brnabic wrote, underlining the sector’s rapid growth.

Serbia's ICT industry has become one of the country's leading economic drivers, with annual exports climbing from €375mn in 2012 to over €4bn in 2024. The government has actively supported the sector through digital infrastructure projects and policies aimed at fostering start-ups and small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs).

However, the recent repeal of a key incentive scheme for employing foreign nationals has raised concerns among those employed in the sector. The Regulation on Incentives for the Employment of Foreigners, introduced in 2022 to attract international tech talent, was terminated in early July. The government cited a surge in foreign applications and a steady increase in international workers as grounds for ending the programme.

Industry leaders criticised the decision, warning about an exodus of IT talent from the country. The Serbian IT Association (SITA) warned that the move could drive foreign professionals and tech firms to relocate, potentially undermining Serbia’s status as a regional technology hub.

The repealed regulation targeted high-skilled foreign workers who had not resided in Serbia for more than 180 days in the previous two years and were hired for permanent roles paying over RSD 300,000 (€2,560) monthly. The policy had been particularly attractive to Russian tech professionals, many of whom relocated to Serbia following the 2022 invasion of Ukraine.

Despite the policy shift, analysts remain cautiously optimistic. Serbia’s ICT sector employs over 115,000 people, and average salaries in the industry are among the highest in the country. As of March 2025, software developers earned an average monthly wage of RSD 310,417, more than double the national average.

Brnabic also announced plans to support continued growth by sending parliamentary delegations to oversee the development of new science and technology parks in Kragujevac, Cacak, Nis and Krusevac — part of a broader effort to expand the country’s digital infrastructure.

Although some economists argue that incentive schemes are not sustainable long-term, IT executives warn that sudden policy changes threaten the predictability and attractiveness of Serbia’s tech landscape.

In 2024, ICT exports reached €4.13bn, a 20% increase year-on-year. If current trends persist, the €5bn mark appears within reach — albeit under more uncertain conditions.