Belgrade · Serbia · Serving Clients Worldwide
Immigrate to Serbia: Complete Guide for Foreigners
Processing: 30–60 days • Remote service available • Dual citizenship allowed
If you are planning to immigrate to Serbia, you have come to the right place. Serbia is one of Europe’s most accessible destinations for foreign nationals looking to relocate, start a business, or invest. Citizens of over 90 countries can enter without a visa and stay for 90 days. With the right legal support, the path to full residency is straightforward and can be handled entirely remotely.
Serbia Simplified Its Immigration Process in 2024
In February 2024, Serbia introduced the Unified Permit, combining residence and work authorisation into a single biometric document. You can now apply from abroad through the official Foreigners Portal without needing to travel to Serbia first. This followed the 2023 Law on Foreigners amendments, which extended temporary residence permits to up to three years and streamlined the overall process significantly.
Why Foreigners Choose to Immigrate to Serbia
Serbia offers a rare combination: low cost of living, a straightforward residency framework and no minimum investment requirement. Whether you are a remote worker, an entrepreneur, or a retiree, the legal framework accommodates your situation.
- No minimum investment required for residency
- Temporary residence issued for up to 3 years, renewable
- Dual citizenship permitted in most cases
- Citizens of 90+ countries enter visa-free for up to 90 days
- Low cost of living, Belgrade is among Europe’s most affordable capitals
- Path to permanent residency after 3 continuous years
- Path to Serbian citizenship after 3 years
- Serbia is an official EU candidate country
Five Ways to Immigrate to Serbia
Serbian law provides five main grounds for a temporary residence permit. Each pathway has different document requirements and suits different circumstances. Our team will help you identify the best route for your situation.
- Company Formation — Register a Serbian company and apply for residence as its director or founder. The most common route for entrepreneurs and remote workers. Learn more
- Employment — Obtain a Unified Permit combining residence and work authorisation through a Serbian employer. Applications are submitted online via the Foreigners Portal.
- Property Purchase — Any residential property purchase in Serbia qualifies as grounds for temporary residence, with no minimum value. Learn more
- Family Reunification — Join a Serbian citizen or a foreign national who already holds valid Serbian temporary or permanent residence.
- Study — Foreign nationals enrolled at a Serbian educational institution can apply for a student temporary residence permit.
How the Immigration Process Works
The process follows a clear sequence of steps. Our team handles all documentation and communication with the Ministry of Interior on your behalf.
- Enter Serbia visa-free — citizens of most Western countries can stay for up to 90 days within any 180-day period, with no advance application required.
- Choose your residency basis — company formation, employment, property purchase, family reunification, or study. We will advise on which route suits your situation.
- Prepare your documents — we advise on the exact requirements for your specific basis and review everything before submission.
- Submit your application — online via the Foreigners Portal (employment and company-based permits)
- Wait for approval — processing typically takes 30 to 60 days from the date of a complete submission.
- Collect your biometric card — your residence card is ready within 10 working days of final approval and biometrics.
From Arrival to Permanent Residency: Your Timeline
Day 1: Enter Serbia visa-free. Citizens of the US, UK, Australia, Canada, and most EU countries enter without a visa and stay for up to 90 days within any 180-day period.
Months 1 to 3: Apply for temporary residence. Once you have chosen your basis (company formation, property, employment, family, or study), apply for a temporary residence permit. Permits are currently issued for up to 3 years and are renewable.
Year 3: Apply for permanent residency. After three continuous years of lawful temporary residence, with total absences from Serbia not exceeding 10 months, you become eligible to apply for permanent residency. Time spent on the Unified Permit counts toward this requirement.
Why Work With Lawyer Serbia?
- English-speaking lawyer with extensive experience in Serbian immigration law
- Full remote service — no need to travel to Serbia before your permit is approved
- We prepare, review, and submit all documentation and handle Ministry of Interior communications
- Transparent process — you receive clear guidance at every stage
- Serving clients from the US, UK, Australia, Canada, and over 90 other countries
- Bar Association No. 963
Immigrate to Serbia: Frequently Asked Questions
In many cases, yes. Since February 2024, applications for the Unified Permit (employment and company-based) can be submitted from abroad through the official Foreigners Portal. For other permit types, such as family reunification or property-based residence, a visit to the Ministry of Interior migration centre in Serbia may be required. We will advise you on the exact requirements for your situation.
Processing typically takes 30 to 60 days from the date of a complete application submission. Once approved, your biometric residence card is ready for collection within 10 working days.
No. Serbia has no minimum investment requirement for residency. Residential property purchases qualify at any value, and company formation has no minimum share capital requirement. Residency through employment requires a valid job contract rather than a personal investment.
Yes, in most cases. Serbia permits dual citizenship for individuals who obtain citizenship by descent or through marriage. For the standard naturalisation route, Serbian law technically requires a declaration of allegiance. We recommend discussing your specific situation with us before applying for citizenship.
After three continuous years of lawful temporary residence in Serbia, with total absences not exceeding 10 months, you can apply for permanent residency. After a further three years of permanent residency, you become eligible to apply for Serbian citizenship by naturalisation. The minimum total path from first residence permit to citizenship eligibility is six years.
Citizens of over 90 countries can enter Serbia visa-free for up to 90 days within any 180-day period. This includes the US, UK, Australia, Canada, and all EU member states. No prior visa or residence permit application is required for the initial entry period.
Ready to Start Your Move to Serbia?
Book a consultation and get a clear plan for your move. We handle the full legal process remotely.