Residence Permit in Serbia: Temporary and Permanent Stay

If you want to relocate to Serbia for more than 3 months, it is necessary to obtain a residence permit first. This article explains the route to residency in Serbia in 2026, mentioning that our Serbian attorneys are at the disposal of foreigners with legal support through the application process.

Quick Facts
Temporary residence permit types	– employment, – study, – medical purposes, – training, – family reunification
Time needed to obtain the temporary residence permit (approx.)	8 weeks
Temporary residence permit validity	Up to 3 years
Documents for obtaining temporary residence	– valid passport, – proof of income, – health insurance, – accommodation
Mandatory registrations with state authorities (i.e. with the population/municipality register)	Yes
Dependents can join the temporary permit holder	Yes
Temporary or permanent residency for investment purposes	Yes
Minimum temporary residence before applying for permanent residence	3 years without interruption
Documents for obtaining permanent residence	– valid passport, -medical certificate, – details about income, accommodation, – former residence permit
Naturalization requirements	– living at least 3 years in Serbia, – renunciation of foreign citizenship, – a declaration showing why Serbia is his/her new country
Citizenship after permanent residence	Yes
Application process for a residence permit in Serbia	The application is submitted in person to the competent police administration in Serbia or electronically (also from abroad) via the official e-government portal.
Language requirements	No specific language requirements, but knowledge of Serbian is beneficial.
Biometric data collection (Yes/No)	Yes, biometric data (photo and fingerprints) are collected during the Serbian residence permit application process
Processing time	Approximately 30-60 days
Fees	Application fee and residence permit fee (varies based on the purpose and duration of stay). Our Serbian lawyers can guide you about fee structure in detail.
Residence registration	Required within 24 hours of arrival
Work permit	Obtained separately for employment purposes
Health insurance (Yes/No)	Yes, proof of valid health insurance coverage is required.
Travel within the Schengen area	Serbian residence permit does not grant visa-free travel within the Schengen area.
Residence permit renewal	Renewal application should be submitted before the current permit expires.
Change of address	Required to inform the relevant authorities within 3 days of changing the address

Who can apply for a residence permit in Serbia?

Any foreigner who wants to relocate to Serbia for more than 90 days.

What are the available options to get residency in Serbia?

Through:

Employment,
Property ownership,
Family reunification,
Company formation,
Studies, etc.

What are the main requirements to get Serbian residency?

register your stay with the local police office,
present an employment contract or proof of funds to sustain living in Serbia,
must present information about the domicile/residential address in Serbia,
must have health insurance,
provide a valid ID/passport,
prepare passport-format photos,
pay the administrative fees.

Where do I submit the residency application form in Serbia?

At the Ministry of Interior, Immigration Department, through its local offices, or online.

The following infographic shows information about residence permits for Serbia:

Is residency by investment available in Serbia?

Yes, through property purchase. There is no minimum investment required. However, applicants are recommended to buy real estate property worth at least EUR 250,000.

What are the requirements to get residency in Serbia through real estate investments?

The main requirements to obtain a residence permit in Serbia by investment in real estate in 2026 are:

holding a valid passport;
being over the age of 18;
holding valid health insurance during the entire stay in Serbia;
registering the property at the specified authorities;
opening a bank account in Serbia;
have no current pending tax obligations.

How can I obtain residency in Serbia if I’m an investor?

By opening a company in Serbia. There is no need for specific investments to be made, and a foreigner can form a company and be the only employee. Foreigners can register companies in Serbia and get a residence permit.

How do I apply for residency in Serbia if I want to study here?

You will have to present a school/university letter showing that you will attend courses in Serbia for a specific period.

Do I need a residence permit in Serbia for medical treatments?

Yes, depending on the length of stay in Serbia and the treatments you will receive.

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

Up to 3 years.

For more details, you can watch the following video presentation we have prepared for you:

When can I apply for a permanent residence permit in Serbia?

After residing in Serbia for a minimum of 3 years. Exemptions apply to spouses married to a Serbian citizen, minors with Serbian parents, etc.

What are the conditions to get permanent residency in Serbia?

living continuously for at least 3 years in Serbia,
applying within 60 days before the temporary residence permit expires,
presenting health insurance and proof of funds in Serbia (personal ones or through employment),
presenting the temporary residence permit,
presenting the marriage certificate, as the case may be,
paying the required governmental/administrative fees, etc.

IMPORTANT! The immigration authorities in Serbia can solicit salary certificates, bank statements, employment contracts, etc.

How do I apply for a permanent residence permit for a minor in Serbia?

Both parents must be present at the time of the application. Affidavits are accepted in case one of the parents cannot be present.

Can my residence permit application be rejected?

In cases in which the requirements for residence permit applications have not been respected, the authorities can reject such submissions.

What are the benefits of a residence permit in Serbia?

access to public healthcare, social insurance services, etc.,
the right to access jobs in Serbia,
various tax benefits,
low costs of living in Serbia,
possibility to apply for Serbian citizenship after 3 years of holding a permanent residence permit.

We invite you to contact our law firm in Serbia and ask any questions about permanent or temporary residence permits in Serbia if you want one in 2026.