Temporary and Permanent Residence
Expatriates wishing to reside in Serbia are required to obtain a residence or a business permit. Within 24 hours upon entering the country they are obliged to register with the police station in the territory of residence. In addition, those who are eligible for a residence permit have to submit the application to the police station in the territory of residence within 3 days upon their arrival in the country. It normally takes not more than a week to process the application, and the temporary residence permit is issued for a period of up to one year. Upon expiration of the temporary residence permit, it may be extended for another year. The holder of a residence permit is also obliged to notify the local police of any change of address.
Visas are no longer required for: citizens of EU member countries, EU membership candidate countries and other highly developed countries, if staying in Serbia less than 90 days. Therefore, the following nationals do not require visas: Andorra, Argentina, Australia, Austria, Belgium, Belarus, Bolivia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Bulgaria, Czech Republic, Canada, Chile, Costa Rica, Croatia, Cuba, Cyprus, Denmark, DPR Korea, Estonia, Ethiopia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Great Britain and Northern Ireland, The Netherlands, Hungary, Vatican Holy See, Ireland, Iceland, Israel, Italy, Japan, Korea, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, FYR Macedonia, Malta, Mexico, Monaco, Montenegro, Norway, New Zealand, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Russian Federation, San Marino, Singapore, Seychelles, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Switzerland, Sweden, Tunisia and USA.
The EU citizens, as well as those from Switzerland, Norway, and Iceland can now travel to Serbia with just ID cards. They no longer need to have a passport for entering Serbia. People from these countries who visit Serbia with valid ID cards will be able to stay in the country for up to 90 days.
To be granted a temporary residence or a business visa on the grounds of opening an enterprise, a branch office or a bank it is necessary to submit the following documents:
- Decision-approval of the opening of the company issued by the commercial court and by the founding act;
- Proof of sufficient funds (credit cards, savings, hard currency, etc);
- Credential of a business account cash flow.
To be granted a temporary residence or a business visa on the grounds of establishing a labor contract it is necessary to submit the following documents:
- Written decision of the commercial court of the registration of the company or other legal entities where foreigner is establishing a labor contract;
- Employment contract or Part-time Agreement;
- Opinion of the National Employment Agency when the employment contract is establishing for a first time or written decision of the National Employment Agency confirming that the foreign citizen involved may be employed.
Permanent Residence can be granted to foreigner on the basis of:
- Serbian origin,
- If married to a Serbian citizen,
- When some of the close family members are citizens of Serbia or to a foreigner who has been granted permanent citizenship,
- Investments in the country for the purpose of doing business and other business related activities.
The documentation required for this type of a permit is:
- Valid passport,
- 2 photographs, format 4x3 cm,
- Bill of health,
- Certificate of the level of education (official and verified transcript and translation),
- Birth certificate (official and verified transcript and translation),
- Marriage certificate (official and verified transcript and translation),
- Proof of residence in Serbia,
- Proof of sufficient funds for living.
More information on temporary and permanent residence on www.mup.gov.rs.
