Immigration Lawyer in Serbia

Belgrade · Serbia · Serving Clients Worldwide

We help foreigners move to Serbia legally and stay: temporary residence, the Unified Permit for work, permanent residence, family reunification and citizenship. Every case is handled in English, and much of the process can be done before you arrive. We tell you exactly when you need to be in Serbia.

30–60 days

Typical residence permit processing

Up to 3 years

Length of a temporary residence permit

3 years

Of temporary residence before permanent residence

How We Help

Choose the situation that matches yours. Each one links to our detailed guide.

Temporary Residence Permits

You want to live in Serbia for longer than 90 days. We identify the right legal ground for your situation (company formation, employment, property purchase, family reunification or study), prepare the documents and file the application.

→ Guide: Serbia Residency Permit for Foreigners

Unified Permit (Residence + Work)

You have a job offer in Serbia, or you will work through your own Serbian company or as a registered entrepreneur. Since February 2024, residence and work authorisation are combined in one biometric card, the Unified Permit, applied for online through the eStranci portal.

→ Guide: How to Use the eStranci (eForeigner) Portal

Residence Through a Company or Property

You are registering a company or buying property in Serbia. Both can be the basis for a temporary residence permit, with no minimum investment.

→ Guides: Residence Permit by Company Formation · Residence Permit via Property Purchase

Permanent Residence

You have lived in Serbia on temporary residence and want indefinite status. Permanent residence removes the need to renew and includes the right to work for any employer.

→ Guide: Permanent Residence in Serbia (the “Green Card”)

Family Reunification

Your spouse or children want to join you, or you want to join a family member who is a Serbian citizen or holds Serbian residence. Spouses and dependent children can apply once the family member’s status is in place.

Serbian Citizenship

You want a Serbian passport through descent, marriage or naturalisation after years of residence. Serbia allows dual citizenship in most cases.

→ Guides: Serbian Citizenship by Descent · Serbian Citizenship: Complete Guide

Renewals and Refused Applications

Your permit is expiring, your circumstances have changed, or your application was refused. You can apply to extend your temporary residence no earlier than three months before it expires, and no later than the day it expires. If you have received a refusal, we review the decision and advise you on the next step.

Is There a Golden Visa or Residency by Investment in Serbia?

Serbia does not have a golden visa programme with a minimum investment amount. Instead, foreigners use standard legal grounds that often cost far less: registering a company or buying property of any value can both support a temporary residence permit. After three years of continuous temporary residence, you can apply for permanent residence.

How It Works

Step 1: Consultation

You tell us your nationality, plans and timeline. We confirm which legal ground fits and what it will require.

Step 2: Documents

We give you a precise document list and check every document before filing. Foreign documents need an apostille (or legalisation) and a certified Serbian translation.

Step 3: Filing

We file your application through the eStranci portal or at the competent police directorate, depending on the ground.

Step 4: Biometrics and Your Card

You attend a biometric appointment in Serbia and collect your residence card. On arrival, your address must be registered within 24 hours (the “white card”).

Why Applications Get Delayed or Refused

Most problems come down to paperwork, not eligibility. The mistakes we see most often:

Documents without an apostille. A notarised copy without international authentication is rejected.
Inconsistent names. A single spelling difference between your passport and your contract or other documents can cause a refusal.
Missed deadlines. Late renewals and late address registration create problems that are hard to fix afterwards.

We check every document against the requirements before anything is filed.

Immigration Lawyer in Serbia: Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a lawyer to get a residence permit in Serbia?

Not legally, but most delays and refusals come from document errors, wrong legal grounds and missed deadlines. A lawyer makes sure the application is complete and correct the first time.

How long does a Serbian residence permit take?

In most cases 30 to 60 days from a complete application. Once approved, the biometric card is usually ready within 7 to 10 days.

Can I apply from outside Serbia?

For the Unified Permit (employment, or self-employment through your own company or entrepreneur registration), yes: the application is filed online through the eStranci portal. For other grounds you may need to file in Serbia. In every case you must attend a biometric appointment in person.

Does Serbia have a golden visa?

No. Serbia has no golden visa with a minimum investment. Company formation and property purchase are standard grounds for temporary residence, with no minimum amount.

When can I apply for permanent residence?

After three years of continuous temporary residence in Serbia.

How much does an immigration lawyer in Serbia cost?

Fees depend on the type of permit and your situation. We confirm a clear, fixed fee after the initial consultation, with no hidden costs.

About the Author

This page was prepared by Lawyer Serbia, a Belgrade-based law firm specialising in legal services for foreign nationals and the Serbian diaspora. The legal content on this page is the responsibility of the firm’s principal attorney.

Milica Jeremic | Attorney at Law

Bar Association of Serbia – Registration No. 963
More than 10 years of practice in Serbian immigration and corporate law
International clients from the US, Germany, Australia, Canada, the UK, and beyond
Client success cases available upon request. Details are anonymised to protect client privacy

Talk to an Immigration Lawyer in Serbia

Send us your nationality, your plans and your timeline. We will tell you which permit fits and what it involves, and reply within one business day.