In 2026, a residence permit in the Republic of Serbia is issued for up to 3 years. It allows foreigners to legally reside in the state and use medical services. It also usually gives access to education and the labor market. Without a residence permit, you can only stay in Serbia for 30–90 days, and you will not be able to use banking services or register a car.
A Serbian permit for temporary residence is the first step toward citizenship, which foreigners can apply for after 3 years of residence. Serbia’s immigration policy is favorable to immigrants, and the conditions for obtaining a residence permit are among the simplest in Europe. For example, you can obtain a permit by registering a company or purchasing real estate; there is no minimum investment threshold in either case. Serbia is applying to join the EU. Thanks to this, the holder of a Serbian passport may become a full EU citizen in the future.
The most important aspect of temporary residence permits in Serbia
- Obtaining a Serbian residence permit is possible in 2026 through work, business, education, investment, real estate purchase, or family reunification. Other options include treatment, religious activity, and volunteering, but they are less in demand;
- An immigrant’s family can also obtain a residence permit, including the resident’s spouse and children under 18 years of age. A residence permit is issued through the family reunification procedure;
- Permanent residence can be requested after 3 years of residence; citizenship can be requested after 3 years as well. This means that a foreigner can apply for citizenship immediately after obtaining permanent status, provided that all other requirements are met;
- Business is one of the most popular reasons for immigration to Serbia in recent years. The country has a low corporate tax rate of 15% and offers benefits to startups;
- Advantages of living in Serbia include a low cost of living and a central European location. The country is attractive because of the prospect of joining the EU.
What is a boravak and what are the benefits?
A residence permit in Serbia is called a «Privremeni boravak». It is issued in the form of an ID card and contains the owner’s biometric data, full name, photo, basis and place of issue, work permit availability, expiration date, and individual number. The residence permit serves as proof of identity and may be required to obtain government or banking services.
A Serbian residence permit gives a foreigner the following:
- The right to legally live in the country. The specific period depends on the situation. The residence permit can be extended or switched to permanent residence after 3 years.
- The prospect of Serbian citizenship, which requires living in the country for at least 3 years.
- The right to officially work and conduct business, which is relevant for almost all categories of residence permits.
- Access to free emergency medical care and state insurance (you can also use private insurance).
- The right to educate children in state kindergartens and schools free of charge.
- Tax residence in Serbia after 1 year of living in the country. The income tax rate for individuals and self-employed individuals is only 10%.
- Increase your chances of being approved for a Schengen visa for travel to the EU, as well as Switzerland, Iceland, Norway, and Liechtenstein.
- Hassle-free opening of accounts, deposits, and obtaining loans in Serbian banks.
- The opportunity to obtain a Serbian driver’s license and register a car with local license plates.
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Legal grounds for obtaining a Serbia residence permit
A residence permit in Serbia is issued based on the Law on Foreigners. The document is issued to foreigners planning to stay in the country for more than 3 months.
In 2023, the government made several amendments, including increasing the validity period of work and other residence permits to three years, reducing the residence period required for permanent residence to 3 years, and enabling the issuance of electronic visas.
By 2026, it will be possible to obtain a Serbian residence permit for more than 6 reasons:
| Basis for residence | Initial residence permit duration | Eligibility for permanent residency | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Starting a business (Sole Proprietorship/LLC) | Up to 3 years | Yes | Hiring employees is not mandatory, but taxes must be paid |
| Startup | 1 year | Yes | An innovative company must be established |
| Property purchase | Up to 3 years | Yes | No minimum requirements for property value, size, or location |
| Investment | 6 months | Yes | At least €50,000 must be deposited in a Serbian bank account |
| Employment | 3 years or for the duration of the contract | Yes | An employment contract with a local employer and a work permit are required |
| Research activities | 3 years or for the duration of the contract | Yes | A contract with a research organization is required |
| Studies (University, School, Courses) | 3 years or for the duration of studies | No | Minors require sponsorship and parental consent |
| Family reunification / Marriage | Same validity period as the sponsor’s permit | Yes | The relative must hold Serbian citizenship, temporary, or permanent residence |
| Other grounds (Medical Treatment, Volunteering, etc.) | Up to 3 years | Yes | Individual cases subject to approval by the Ministry of Internal Affairs |
Business
Self-employed individuals, founders of new companies, and those who have purchased an existing business in Serbia can obtain a Serbian residence permit. Entrepreneurs are issued a combined residence and work permit. There are no restrictions on where a business is registered or how it is managed.
A business residence permit in Serbia is attractive due to the low corporate tax rate of only 15%. Many register companies here to easily access the EU market, e.g., to trade physical goods or provide services to paying European clients.
The process for registering as a sole proprietor or a company in Serbia is straightforward and includes the following steps:
- Obtain a qualified electronic certificate (electronic signature), which can be done at the post office. You will also need to install an electronic card reader and the NEXU app to use the signature.
- Registering a company: LLCs are only registered through the state portal eID.gov.rs. Individual entrepreneurs can submit documents in person to the Agency for Business Registration office or by mail.
- Obtaining a business tax identification number: This is issued automatically after registration is approved. If necessary, submit an application to the tax office to register as a VAT payer.
- Registration for compulsory social insurance: The application is submitted through a single window to the Central Register of Compulsory Social Insurance.
- Open a bank account.
To obtain a residence permit, a self-employed individual will need a certificate registering the legal entity and a diploma demonstrating the qualifications necessary for the job. If you do not have a diploma, you can provide information about your work experience instead. These documents must be properly prepared, translated into Serbian, and certified; therefore, it is best to entrust the preparation of the dossier to experienced lawyers.
You can also obtain a residence permit in Serbia by starting a business; you must prove that you have registered an innovative company in the country. To do so, you must obtain a report from one of the country’s science and technology parks. There are no requirements for the amount of investment in the project.
To extend a residence permit through a startup, you must hire at least one Serbian citizen long-term or provide proof of an annual income of at least EUR 8,520. Alternatively, you can request confirmation from the technology park that the startup is active.
Employment
A work residence permit in Serbia is issued as a single permit for residence and work. To obtain one, you must sign a contract with a Serbian employer.
The work contract must be legitimate. In order to hire a foreigner, an entrepreneur must request permission from the National Employment Service, which assesses whether there is a genuine need to hire a foreign specialist due to a shortage of qualified local candidates. If no such request is made, the residence permit may be refused.
Applications for residence permits must be submitted online by either the employee or the employer. The application must be accompanied by proof of education or work experience, the employer’s registration certificate, and information about the position.
Schooling or language learning
A Serbian residence permit can be obtained for studying at local schools or taking courses where the Serbian language is taught. The standard dossier must be accompanied by a document confirming enrollment in an accredited public institution, as well as a receipt for the training course payment, if applicable.
Minors require parental permission to relocate. You also need a sponsor in Serbia who will take responsibility for housing, medical care, and financial resources. If the sponsor is a foreigner, a residence permit for study will be issued for the same period as their residence permit.
Studying at a university
Boravak is available to students from accredited Serbian universities. It is also available to participants in international student exchange programs approved by the local Ministry of Education and Science.
To obtain a residence permit to study in Serbia, you must provide a certificate of enrollment from a university or a similar document, such as proof of participation in an international program. Minors must provide parental or guardian consent for immigration, as well as a sponsorship guarantee from someone residing in Serbia.
Students may also request a work permit if desired.
Internship
A Serbian residence permit can be obtained for professional training, an internship, or a similar program. To do so, applicants need a certificate from their place of work indicating the program’s details and duration. As a result, a single residence and work permit is granted for a period of up to 3 years, which is usually equal to the duration of the internship.
Read also: Is it possible to get a digital nomad visa in Serbia?
Research activities
A residence permit is available for those coming to Serbia to participate in scientific research, educational projects, and similar activities. To obtain a residence permit, you must provide an agreement with a university or scientific laboratory, as well as documents confirming the institution’s registration.
Family reunification
Family members of Serbian citizens, as well as individuals with local temporary or permanent residence permits or refugee status, are eligible to apply for a residence permit. This rule applies to:
- legal spouses and partners;
- unmarried minor children;
- parents or adoptive parents of individuals under the age of 18;
- other relatives and adult children who are financially dependent on the sponsor (in exceptional cases).
In the case of a polygamous marriage, only one spouse of a Serbian citizen or resident, along with their shared children, is eligible to apply for a residence permit.
Applicants must provide proof of kinship, such as a marriage or birth certificate, to obtain a residence permit. A residence permit granted on the grounds of family reunification automatically confers the right to work in Serbia for all adults.
Foreign nationals who have resided in Serbia for four years based on family reunification may apply for an independent residence permit. This means that the sponsor requirement is no longer applicable. This residency option is particularly relevant in cases involving the death of a spouse, divorce, or if the spouse has been charged with a crime or decides to move to another country alone.
Real estate
Real estate owners are eligible to apply for a residence permit in Serbia. There are no specific requirements regarding the property’s value; however, it must be used exclusively as the applicant’s primary residence. Consequently, if an individual vacates the property or decides to rent it out, their residence permit may be revoked, and they will not be eligible for renewal.
Applicants must provide either an extract from the real estate registry indicating the owner or a purchase and sale agreement to substantiate ownership of a house or apartment for the purpose of obtaining a residence permit. Residence permits in Serbia are not issued based on rental agreements.
The average price of apartments in Serbia is approximately EUR 1,900 per м2 in areas outside the city center and EUR 2,825 per м2 in the city center. Real estate can be a sound investment. Indeed, property prices in the country rose by approximately 6% in 2025 alone—a trend observed in both the new-build and secondary markets.
However, not all foreign nationals are eligible to purchase real estate in Serbia. To do so, one must be a citizen of a country with which Serbia has signed a reciprocity agreement.
Humanitarian residence
A Serbian residence permit may be granted to individuals facing difficult life circumstances, including the following:
- Victims of serious crimes.
- Those granted a deferral of forced expulsion for a period of one year or more.
- Refugees who have fled their home country due to persecution on religious, ethnic, or other grounds.
- Minors who have been left without parental care or have fallen victim to criminal acts.
- Individuals who have been exploited by human traffickers and are willing to cooperate with authorized Serbian authorities in an investigation.
- Former residents who have family, cultural, or social ties to Serbia and have demonstrated a high level of integration (e.g., receiving an education there or mastering the Serbian language).
Residence permits are issued for terms ranging from 6 to 12 months, depending on the grounds of the application, and are renewable. A humanitarian residence permit may also be granted for other justifiable personal reasons, provided they do not conflict with the Republic’s interests or the prevailing international situation.
Residency by investment
You can obtain Serbia residency by investment in an existing company or its business operations. To apply, you must provide proof of a minimum balance of EUR 50,000 in a Serbian bank account. Upon approval, you will be issued a 6-month residency permit. To extend your stay, you must demonstrate a subsequent investment of at least EUR 5,000 in a local business.
Currently, Serbia’s investor residency program has the lowest minimum investment requirement of any program in Europe. However, the «Golden Visa» programs offered by Greece, Cyprus, and Portugal remain in high demand because these countries are members of the European Union. If you are planning to immigrate through an investment program, we recommend consulting the legal experts at iWorld, who will help you identify the best solution for your situation.
Once you have obtained a Serbian residence permit, you will receive:
- The opportunity to work freely in Europe
- The prospect of starting a business with
- Residence permit for an EU candidate country
- Social assistance from the government
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Based on ancestry
Direct descendants of Serbian nationals, including those residing in the territories of the former Yugoslavia, are eligible to apply for Serbian residency. Proof of blood kinship must be provided in the form of a birth certificate or an ancestor’s passport. A baptismal certificate issued by the Serbian Orthodox Church may also be accepted as proof.
Other grounds
Serbian residency permits may also be obtained on other grounds stipulated by law, though these are utilized less frequently:
- religious activities;
- medical treatment at a local hospital (often relevant to retirees);
- volunteer work;
- employment as an accredited journalist;
- recognition as an «international talent».
Supporting documentation for a residency application may include a medical certificate, a diploma recognized in Europe, an employment contract, or an official invitation from a religious institution.
How to choose the right basis for residency application?
The choice of grounds for obtaining a Serbian residence permit depends on your goals, financial situation, and personal status:
- If you have substantial savings, the simplest approach is to purchase real estate or invest in a local company.
- If you have the desire and experience to launch your own business, you should pursue residency through a business venture, ideally with the support of legal counsel.
- For young professionals, the best options are employment or enrollment at a Serbian university, as either will make it easier to secure a job later.
- For retirees, the optimal paths for immigration involve purchasing real estate or obtaining a residence permit on medical grounds.
| Residence permit basis | Requirements | Additional costs beyond government fees, € |
|---|---|---|
| Employment | Employment contract, diploma, or relevant work experience | Diploma recognition may be required |
| Studies | Enrollment in a school or university | Tuition fees |
| Research activities | Employment contract with a university or laboratory | Diploma recognition may be required |
| Family reunification | Proof of family relationship with a Serbian citizen or resident | None |
| Real estate | Proof of property ownership and residence address | Property purchase costs |
| Business | Company registration certificate, educational or professional background documents | Company setup costs (from €1) or business acquisition costs |
| Investment | Proof of sufficient investment funds | 50,000 |
| Humanitarian residence | Evidence of circumstances preventing departure from the country | Depends on the case |
Requirements for applicants for a Serbian residence permit
To obtain a Serbian residence permit, a foreign national must:
- be of legal age;
- hold a valid international passport that remains valid for at least 3 months beyond the intended duration of their stay;
- pose no threat to the security of the country or its residents and have no history of violating Serbia’s visa regulations;
- possess sufficient savings or a stable income to support themselves in Serbia without relying on social assistance;
- register a place of residence in Serbia;
- obtain health insurance that covers the entire duration of your stay;
- prepare supporting documents to substantiate their grounds for applying for a residence permit, such as an employment contract, company registration certificate, or property ownership certificate.
There are no nationality-based restrictions in Serbia. Furthermore, proficiency in the Serbian language is generally not a mandatory requirement, although it may be necessary for employment or studying at local universities.
Required documents for a Serbian residence permit
The basic list of documents required to apply for a Serbian residence permit includes:
- an international passport;
- an application form. Applicants must download and complete the form or fill out the application electronically via the government portal if applying online;
- proof of sufficient financial means to cover living expenses in Serbia;
- 2 color photographs of the applicant (3.5 x 4.5 cm), taken full-face;
- a statement from the landlord confirming that the foreign national has a valid, registered residential address in Serbia;
- health insurance coverage must be valid for the entire duration of the stay in the country;
- a receipt confirming payment of the state administrative fee;
- documents substantiating the grounds for the residence permit application.
Documents issued abroad must be translated into Serbian and apostilled.
The procedure for obtaining a Serbian residence permit
As of 2024, applications for long-stay visas and Serbian residence permits (VNRs) can be submitted online via welcometoserbia.gov.rs. Applications for a single residence and work permit must be submitted exclusively online. Otherwise, you may submit an application for a residence permit in person at a police department or the Directorate for Foreigners’ Affairs.
The procedure for obtaining a Serbian residence permit involves several mandatory steps:
- Document preparation.
It is crucial to gather a complete set of documents in advance, translate them into Serbian, apostille them, and scan them for online submission. When compiling your dossier, consider the general requirements as well as your individual circumstances. In certain cases, you may need to provide additional supporting documents, such as proof of work experience. Therefore, it is highly advisable to consult legal experts when preparing your documents.Estimated timeframe is 2 weeks with the assistance of migration specialists.
- Visa application.
If you need a visa to enter Serbia, apply for it online at welcometoserbia.gov.rs or through a Serbian consulate. The fee for the document is EUR 50. However, if you are eligible to enter Serbia under a visa-free regime allowing a stay of 30 to 90 days, you may skip this step and apply directly for a residence permit, either online or upon arrival. In exceptional cases or on humanitarian grounds, you may be permitted to apply for a residence permit even if you originally entered the country on a short-stay visa.Estimated timeframe: Up to 30 days, depending on your circumstances.
- Registration upon arrival.
Foreign nationals are required to register their place of residence within the first 24 hours of arriving in Serbia. This is typically handled by the host—either your landlord (via the eUprava portal) or your hotel (via the eTurista application). If you own a house or apartment in Serbia, it is best to visit a police station to complete your registration because accessing the online services requires a valid residence permit card.Estimated timeframe: 15 minutes.
- Residency application submission.
Foreign nationals often submit their applications online. To do so, you must register on the government portal, complete the application form carefully, and pay the applicable fee. Alternatively, you may submit your application in person at a Ministry of Internal Affairs (MUP) office by appointment. The total cost is approximately EUR 3.50 for the registration fee and EUR 193 for the residence permit. Citizens of certain countries, such as Cyprus, are required to pay only the registration fee.Estimated timeframe: 30 days for a standard residence permit and 15 days for a single permit.
- Receiving the residence permit.
If your application is approved, you will receive an email inviting you to visit the designated authority to provide your biometric data, such as fingerprints and a photograph. You will then receive a confirmation stating that production of your residence permit card has begun, along with instructions on how and when to collect the finished document.Estimated timeframe: 2 weeks.
- Residence permit renewal.
You may renew your residence permit if the reasons for which it was originally granted remain valid. For example, you may renew your permit if you continue to work in the country, run a business, or reside there as a family member of a resident or citizen. To do so, apply at a Ministry of Internal Affairs office no earlier than 90 days before your current permit expires. Typically, residence permits are renewed for a period of up to 3 years.Estimated timeframe: 30 days.
Residence permits in Serbia are most frequently obtained by business owners and remote workers because relocating to Europe opens up significant professional and financial opportunities. After residing in the country for 3 years, you become eligible to apply for citizenship.
Processing times and validity period of the status
A Serbian temporary residence permit is usually granted for a period ranging from 6 months to 3 years, depending on the grounds of the application and the circumstances. Those who apply for a temporary stay based on real estate purchases, business registration, employment, or education are often granted a permit for 3 years from the beginning. This makes it easier to move to Serbia for long-term living. However, an initial residence permit obtained through investment is only valid for 6 months. If the program’s conditions are met, the residence permit is valid for renewal. Family-based residence permits are issued for the same duration as the sponsor, who is the individual already residing in the country.
A temporary residence permit is, by definition, temporary; however, it can be renewed an unlimited number of times. The only requirement is demonstrating that the original grounds for obtaining the permit remain valid. Additionally, you may switch to a different category of residence permit (e.g., transitioning from an employment-based permit to a permit based on business ownership or real estate investment) or apply for permanent residency.
Permanent residence permit in Serbia may be applied for after 3 years of continuous and lawful residence in the country, creating a clear pathway to permanent residence for foreign nationals. During this period, a foreign national may leave and re-enter the country multiple times, provided their total time spent outside Serbia does not exceed 10 months in aggregate or 6 months in a single continuous absence.
Students are not eligible to apply for permanent residency immediately, even if they have resided in Serbia for more than three years. Although a residence permit is granted for the duration of their studies, they must first obtain a residence permit based on different grounds, such as employment or business ownership, in order to qualify for permanent residency. Furthermore, when calculating the qualifying period, only half of the time spent holding a student residence permit is considered.
Suppose an individual lived in Serbia for 4 years as a student, followed by an additional year as a business owner. In this case, they would receive residence approval for permanent residence after 3 years of qualifying stay because the 1 year spent as a business owner counts fully toward the requirement, and 2 years of their student residency (half of the 4 years) are credited. This calculation depends on the period for which the temporary residence permit was issued under each residency basis.
Serbian citizenship may be applied for after 3 years of residence. One of the mandatory prerequisites for citizenship is holding permanent residency status. In other words, you only need to reside in Serbia for three years with temporary status, obtain permanent residency, and then apply for citizenship. You are not required to pass a Serbian language test; you only need to submit a written declaration stating that you consider Serbia your home country.
A drawback of naturalization in Serbia is the requirement to renounce your existing citizenship. However, a Serbian passport is appealing because it could eventually lead to EU citizenship, as Serbia is in the process of accession to the European Union.
Refusal or loss of Serbian residency status
A foreign national may be refused a Serbian residence permit, or its renewal, in the following cases:
- The passport has expired or has a short remaining validity period. The document must remain valid for at least 3 months after the expiration date of the residence permit.
- An incomplete application dossier or forged documents are submitted. Authorities may reach this conclusion due to minor inaccuracies, such as errors in translations or spelling of names. Therefore, it is essential to verify everything meticulously.
- The requirements for obtaining a residence permit have not been met. For example, registering a business is not enough; it is essential to provide proof with a company registry extract.
- There is an existing entry ban for Serbia or an approved deportation order. While such decisions can be appealed and a new residence permit application can be submitted, it is crucial to proceed with the assistance of experienced legal counsel.
- The grounds for residing in the country may have ceased to exist. For example, a residence permit will not be renewed if a student frequently misses classes and performs poorly academically, or if a property owner decides to rent out the apartment that was previously provided to the resident.
- The foreign national has been absent from the country for an extended period. Specifically, a residence permit may not be renewed if the individual has been absent for half of its validity period. Permanent residency may be revoked if one leaves Serbia for more than 1 year.
- The issuance of a residence permit poses a threat to the security of the Republic or its inhabitants. Such a decision may be appealed with the help of a lawyer.
If a residence or renewal permit is denied, the foreign national is usually given the chance to file an appeal. They are permitted to remain in the country while the appeal is under review. If the residence permit is ultimately refused, the individual will be granted a short grace period to leave Serbia.
Assistance with obtaining residency in Serbia
The procedure for obtaining a residence permit in Serbia is quite simple, particularly thanks to the option of submitting an online application. However, practical difficulties may arise. For instance, how does a foreigner register a company in Serbia? What documents must be requested from a bank to verify savings? How does one correctly fill out every field in an application form?
For this reason, it is advisable to navigate the immigration process with the help of legal professionals. Expert guidance is invaluable at every stage, from selecting the appropriate grounds for relocation to preparing your application dossier and ultimately receiving your residence permit card.
iWorld has been assisting clients with immigration to Serbia for many years. To date, over 400 of our clients have successfully obtained Serbian residence permits quickly and without complications. Furthermore, our support extends beyond securing residence documents to addressing complex matters such as identifying a business niche, registering a company, making international money transfers, complying with taxes, and purchasing and legally registering real estate.
