Stay of Foreign Nationals in Serbia
Legal Grounds, Procedures, and Residence Options
Visa-Free Entry and Short-Term Stay in Serbi
Serbia applies one of the most liberal regimes for the entry and stay of foreign nationals. Most foreigners may enter Serbia without a visa and stay for up to 90 days within any 180-day period, provided that their country has a visa-free agreement with Serbia.
Foreign nationals are required to verify in advance whether such an agreement exists between Serbia and their country of citizenship.
Residence Address Registration (Mandatory First Step)
The registration of residence is the first and mandatory step for any further immigration procedure.
- The foreign national must be registered at the local police station in the municipality where they intend to stay.
- Registration must be completed within 24 hours of entering Serbia.
- The registration confirms that the foreigner resides at the host’s address for a period of up to 90 days.
This registration is a legal prerequisite for applying for temporary residence.
Temporary Residence in Serbia – General Rules
Temporary residence in Serbia may be granted for a maximum period of 36 months.
However, the Directorate for Foreigners (within the Ministry of Interior) may initially issue a permit for only six months, based on discretionary authority.
Before the expiration of those six months, the foreign national may apply for an extension up to the full 36-month period.
Legal Basis
Article 40, paragraph 1, item 14 of the Law on Foreigners provides that a foreign national may be granted temporary residence for other justified reasons, in accordance with the law or international agreements.
This provision is crucial, as it allows the authority to decide at its own discretion whether the foreigner may remain in Serbia.
Required Documentation for Residence Registration
- Host’s ID card, read via chip
- Valid passport of the foreign national (valid for at least six months)
- Photograph for the residence permit (standard ID format, taken at any photo studio in Serbia)
The host and the foreign national must appear in person at the police station, where the host submits a statement and registers the foreigner’s residence.
The procedure usually lasts around 30 minutes, if there are no queues.
Independent Temporary Residence in Serbia
If a foreign national applies for independent temporary residence, the following steps apply:
- Opening a user account on the official portal for foreigners (handled by an attorney)
- Submission of a properly completed application to the Directorate for Foreigners
(Omladinskih brigada 1, New Belgrade)
Required Documents
- Valid passport
- Two color photographs (35 × 45 mm, full face)
- Proof of payment of the prescribed administrative fee
- Statement from the landlord consenting to address registration
- Proof of sufficient financial means for subsistence
- Recommended: a non-resident bank account in Serbia
- Required amount: approx. USD 8,754.65 (in RSD) for one year
- The authority requests confirmation from the bank based on the minimum annual salary in Serbia
- Proof of health insurance for the entire planned stay
- Serbian insurance companies offer policies for foreigners with monthly installments
- Total coverage up to EUR 5,000
Establishing a Company in Serbia as a Path to Temporary Residence (Up to 36 Months)
Self-Employment (Registered as Founder or Owner)
Required documentation:
- Valid passport
- Photograph of the foreign national
- Landlord’s consent or lease agreement
- Extract from the Serbian Business Registers Agency confirming ownership or founder status
- Proof of professional qualifications relevant to the registered business activity
⚠️ Important:
This is often the most problematic requirement. The Directorate has full discretion to assess whether qualifications are adequate.
All documents must be translated into Serbian by a certified court interpreter (approx. USD 15 per page minimum).
The foreign national may not be employed in their own company – they may only act as a capital owner.
Purchase of Real Estate as a Basis for Temporary and Permanent Residence
A foreign national may obtain temporary residence by purchasing real estate in Serbia.
- There is no minimum price, size, or location requirement.
- The application must be submitted in the municipality where the property is located.
- The foreign national must reside at that address for three consecutive years.
After three years of uninterrupted temporary residence, the foreign national may apply for permanent residence, which is a prerequisite for Serbian citizenship and a Serbian passport.
Absence Rules
During the three-year period, the foreign national may be absent from Serbia:
- up to 10 months in total, or
- no more than 6 months in one continuous absence
Foreign Investor in an Existing Serbian Company
Temporary residence (up to 36 months) may be granted if the foreign national invests in an existing Serbian company.
Financial Requirements
- Proof of EUR 50,000 available funds (approx. USD 57,607)
- For the initial six-month permit:
- Proof of investment of at least EUR 5,000 into tangible or intangible assets of a Serbian company
- For extensions up to 36 months:
- Evidence of additional investments is required
Applicable Legal Framework
- Law on Foreigners
(Official Gazette of the Republic of Serbia, Nos. 24/2018, 31/2019, 62/2023) - Rulebook on Temporary Residence Approval
(Official Gazette of the Republic of Serbia, No. 6/2024)