Immigrate to Serbia: Visas, Residence and Key Formalities

If you are planning to immigrate to Serbia in 2026, this article can help you. Discover below some of the key formalities and procedures, while contacting our Serbian lawyers for legal advice and support.

Quick Facts
Entry visa requirement (from EU) (YES/NO)	No
Entry visa requirement (outside EU) (YES/NO)	Yes
Types of visas available	– student visa, – work visa, – family visa, – tourist visa
Time frame for obtaining work visa (approx.)	Around 3 weeks
Validity of temporary residence permit	Up to 3 years
Temporary residence permit renewal requirements	– health insurance, – proof of income and domicile, – clean criminal record
Documents for obtaining a residence permit	– valid passport, – confirmation of address, – health insurance, – Certificate of Good Conduct, – bank statements
Time frame for obtaining permanent residence (approx.)	After 3 years of continuous temporary residence
Investor Visa availability (YES/NO)	Yes
Start-up Visa Scheme availability (YES/NO)	No
Sponsorship requirement (YES/NO)	No
Time frame for obtaining citizenship	At least 3 years of registered residence after permanent residence is granted
Citizenship/Residency by investment scheme availability (YES/NO)	Residency only (e.g. via real estate ownership); no citizenship-by-investment scheme
Taxation of foreign citizens	– 10% tax rate on income from salary; – 10% tax rate on income from self-employment; – 20% tax rate on income from real estate rental; – 20% tax rate on income from royalties
Tax benefits for expats	– possibility to claim tax credits under certain conditions, – personal income tax reductions
Immigration laws	Law on Foreigners.
Visa-free travel	Citizens of Serbia can travel to around 135 countries without a visa or with a visa on arrival.
Work permit for non-EU citizens who relocate to Serbia	Non-EU citizens require a work permit to be employed in Serbia.
Citizenship	Serbian citizenship can be acquired through birth, descent, marriage, or naturalization.
Integration programs	Integration programs are available to help immigrants adapt to Serbian society and culture.
Language	Serbian is the official language of the country, and knowledge of it can be helpful for individuals who are planning to immigrate to Serbia.
Education system	Serbia provides education opportunities for immigrant children, including public schools and language support.
Healthcare	Immigrants in Serbia can access healthcare services, including emergency care and basic medical treatment.
Cost of living	The cost of living in Serbia is generally lower compared to many other European countries.
Employment opportunities	You can explore employment opportunities, particularly in industries such as IT, manufacturing, and tourism if you move to Serbia.
Family reunification (yes/no)	Yes, family members of immigrants can apply for reunification.
Entrepreneurship	Immigrants have the opportunity to start their own businesses in Serbia, contributing to the local economy.
Dual citizenship	Serbia allows dual citizenship, but ordinary naturalization generally requires release from the previous citizenship; spouses of Serbian citizens and persons of Serbian origin are exempt.
Foreign investment opportunities	Serbia actively encourages foreign investors by offering free customs zones, payroll tax incentives and various double tax treaties.
Immigration authorities	The Ministry of Interior of Serbia is responsible for immigration-related matters and issuing permits.

What is the authority observing immigration to Serbia?

Ministry of Internal Affairs (MUP).

Do I need a visa to enter Serbia?

Citizens of all nationalities need a visa to enter Serbia except for about 90 countries, among which are the EU states, Canada, the UK, Australia, New Zealand, and holders of Schengen visas.

How much time can I spend in Serbia without a visa?

90 days.

What are the paths for immigration to Serbia?

Employment,
Family reunification,
Study,
Company formation,
Real estate purchase.

NOTE! Buying a real estate property without a minimum price imposed starts the path to residency in Serbia.

What is the type of visa required for a long stay in Serbia?

D visa.

The following infographic contains information on this topic:

What do you need to do at the time of relocation to Serbia?

Apply for a residence permit.

What are the conditions to get a residence permit in Serbia?

for employment – Secure a work contract, present health insurance, and a valid passport.
for family reunification – If you are married to a Serbian citizen or prove you have relatives here with birth/marriage certificates, etc.
for company formation – Start a business and register it with the Serbian Business Registers Agency.
through real estate purchase – Buy a residential or commercial property in Serbia.
for studies – Present an approval letter from the college/university in Serbia.

IMPORTANT! If you apply from Serbia, you will have to register first with the local police station within about 24 hours of arrival in the country to obtain the White Card or Beli Karton. Bank statements are also solicited to prove you can financially support yourself during your stay in Serbia.

What type of health insurance is needed for relocation to Serbia?

A health insurance preferably issued in Serbia.

Also, the following video presentation contains information about how to immigrate to Serbia:

Is a criminal record certificate required when immigrating to Serbia?

No, but the immigration authorities in Serbia can do some rigorous background checks. However, such a certificate can be necessary when applying for a permanent residence permit in Serbia.

Where do I apply for a visa and a residence permit for Serbia?

at the Serbian Embassy/Consulate in the country of origin, or
online through the “Welcome to Serbia” Official platform.

IMPORTANT! In both cases, it is best to apply with the help of our lawyer in Serbia to skip the complexities. We can represent customers with a power of attorney.

What is the duration of a temporary residence permit in Serbia?

3 years.

Can I get the work permit and residence permit in Serbia at the same time?

Yes, the work & residence permit for Serbia is issued at the same time due to a single electronic application.

Can I change my temporary residence permit into a permanent one in Serbia?

Yes, if you want to relocate and stay in Serbia for more than 3 years.

NOTE! We mention for those interested that there is the possibility to obtain residence through real estate ownership or by opening a business; Serbia has no citizenship-by-investment scheme. We recommend that you collaborate with one of our Serbian lawyers in order to benefit from an uncomplicated process.

Those interested in immigration to Serbia in 2026 can contact our Serbian law firm for full legal services. We can also assist foreign entrepreneurs in starting a business in Serbia.