The Social and Economic Council (SES) has agreed that the minimum wage for 2025 will be 53,592 dinars, representing a 13.7% increase from the current minimum wage. This decision marks the first time in six years that the minimum wage has been set through dialogue at the SES rather than unilaterally by the Government of Serbia.
Prime Minister Miloš Vučević highlighted that this adjustment is significant as it is the first time earnings will cover the minimum consumer basket. Currently, the minimum wage stands at approximately 47,000 dinars, with around 100,000 workers receiving this amount, though unions argue that the actual number is higher.
Minister of Finance Siniša Mali noted that the hourly wage has been increased from 271 dinars to 308 dinars.
Initially, unions had requested a 20 to 30 percent increase in the minimum wage. They also proposed that if the increase exceeds the growth rate of gross domestic product (GDP) and inflation—currently at 7.7 percent—employers should receive a tax reduction.
Discussions on the minimum wage for the following year typically start on August 15 and are expected to conclude by September 15. If an agreement is not reached, the Ministry of Finance will determine the percentage increase in the minimum wage.
