Residence Permit in Serbia

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.

1. Absence of criminal record

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

2. Возраст

   The minimum age is 18 years old.

3. No violations

   No visa violations in the Schengen countries.

4. Health insurance

   Availability of a health insurance policy.

5. Impeccable reputation

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

6. the presence of real estate

   Document the existence of own or rented housing, required minimum of 9 m2 per person.

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.