Residence Permit in Serbia | Law&Trust International

Residence permit in Serbia

Today, Serbia is one of the most attractive countries for the citizens of our country. The republic claims to join the European Union and NATO, business and tourism are actively developing in it. At the same time, Serbia needs working hands, there are quite high salaries and not an overloaded labor market. The procedure for obtaining a residence permit is quite simple here, and the residence permit is the main way to obtain citizenship of Serbia. Let's talk in more detail about what you need to know in order to get a document.

Stay in Serbia and tax residency

Before you get a residence permit in Serbia, you first need to get a white card. The law provides the following requirements for the timing of this document:

  • if a person stays at a hotel, it’s 24 hours;
  • if a person lives with a citizen or tax resident of Serbia, it’s 48 hours.

This requirement is relevant not only for persons who fulfill the conditions for obtaining Serbian citizenship or residence permit but also for tourists. Hotels are required to assist with registration. If a person stopped at another person, they should come to the police station together and draw up a “white card”. Persons without this document may be fined 5,000–25,000 dinars.

Features of obtaining a residence permit

The state requires that each applicant has a “white card” - this is a mandatory document. The passport must have a stamp on crossing the Serbian border. The application is filed to the registrar only in person. First, a temporary residence permit is issued, which is valid for 1 year. In order to obtain a permanent residence permit, the applicant must obtain the status of a tax resident of Serbia, that is, stay in Serbia for at least 183 days.

Conditions for obtaining a residence permit

Absence of criminal record

Documentary evidence of the absence of current criminal records in the country of citizenship.

Age:

The minimum age is 18 years old.

No violations

No visa violations in the Schengen countries.

Health insurance

Availability of a health insurance policy.

Impeccable reputation

Do not pose a threat to the national security of Serbia and the health of other people.

Grounds for obtaining a residence permit

Real estate investment

Real estate investment in Serbia is the most attractive option since the value of real estate starts from as little as 10,000 euros. It is worth noting that there are no restrictions on the subject of value, in other words, there is no minimum threshold for the amount of investment in real estate. By types of real estate, there is also variability - apartment, house, country house.

Having a business in Serbia

The most popular legal form for a company in Serbia is LLC (or D.O.O. in Serbian). When establishing a business in Serbia, the owner has the right to take advantage of the additional advantage provided by the country of registration of the company - obtaining a residence permit.

It is possible to apply for a residence permit subject to an existing company in Serbia. Thus, the phased procedure is as follows:

  1. Registration of a company in Serbia. Remote registration and registration with a personal visit are possible;
  2. Opening a corporate bank account;
  3. Receiving a “White Card” (registration of the applicant’s place of residence);
  4. Submission of documents for a residence permit.

It will be necessary to fly twice to Serbia: the first time, you need to come in order to get a white card and apply for a residence permit and the second time you obtain a residence permit.

Registration of marriage with a citizen of Serbia

A foreign citizen who has been married for at least 3 years with a citizen of Serbia and who has received a permanent residence in Serbia may be accepted into the citizenship of the Republic of Serbia. It is only necessary to submit a signed declaration stating that the applicant considers Serbia to be his country. Civil marriage is also equivalent to marriage.

Family reunion

A minor who has received a temporary residence permit can obtain a permanent residence permit in Serbia if one of the parents is a citizen of Serbia or a foreign citizen who has already received a permanent residence permit.



Advantages of obtaining a residence permit in Serbia

Low taxation rate.
The Serbian real estate market offers stable investment opportunities.
Serbia is an official candidate for EU membership and a full member of the UN and WTO organizations.
No need to speak Serbian.
Only 2 visits to Serbia are required.
Very profitable corporate and personal tax systems.
Quick opening of a bank account (from 7 to 10 days).
Serbia did not sign CRS.

List of documents for a residence permit

Photocopy of passport.
Certificate of good conduct.
Confirmation of the availability of funds in the bank account.
Confirmation of the address of residence in Serbia.
Health insurance.
Two photographs 3.5 x 4.5 cm.
Health certificate.
Documentary evidence of one of the grounds for obtaining a residence permit.

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