Serbia is European country that is culturally close to the countries of the former USSR, a significant number of immigrants come to Serbia from Eastern European and post-Soviet countries. Immigration to Serbia is interesting for immigrants from the East, Serbia is a country where they can improve their quality of life, live according to European standards at low living costs. Immigrants from Western countries are attracted by the opportunity to significantly reduce living expenses compared to their countries of citizenship and culture.
Serbia is not a member of the Schengen Agreement and is not yet a member of the European Union, although negotiations for Serbia’s EU accession resumed in 2022. The positive aspect is that Serbia has relatively lenient migration legislation compared to EU countries. Citizens of post-Soviet countries usually do not need a visa to visit Serbia, but if you plan to stay in Serbia for residence, you will need to obtain residence documents.
The most popular options for obtaining residence documents are:
Residence Permit for Entrepreneurs in Serbia
Temporary Residence Permit (privremeni boravak) based on entrepreneurial activity. If you plan to open your own business or work as a sole proprietor, this can be a basis for obtaining a temporary residence permit based on business in Serbia. There are no specific requirements for the company’s turnover, the number of employees, or investments. This means that you can apply for the document immediately after registering your business. Having experience in running a business, which can be provided to the local migration service, is welcomed.
The residence permit is issued for 1 year. To extend the permit, you cannot leave the country for more than 183 days per year. After 5 years of continuous residence, you can apply for permanent residence in Serbia.
Processing time: 3 months
Legal support cost: from 2000 euros
Residence Permit based on employment in Serbia
If you plan to work officially for an employer registered in Serbia and you are a foreigner, you will need to obtain a temporary residence permit based on employment.
To obtain a permit, you need to conclude an employment contract, lease agreement for accommodation, insurance policy, and other documents, and apply to the local police department responsible for residence document processing.
To extend the permit, you will need to obtain a work permit in Serbia.
Depending on the employment category, additional documents may be required. In addition to the standard category of ordinary employees, Serbian migration legislation distinguishes 6 categories: employment of entrepreneurs in their own companies, employment of foreign workers posted to Serbia, employment of professional athletes by sports clubs, employment of volunteers, employment of accredited foreign journalists, and employment of foreign experts involved in projects jointly with state agencies.
Processing time: 1-2 months
Cost: 650 euros
Residence Permit based on real estate purchase in Serbia
Another popular option for obtaining residence documents in Serbia is through real estate purchases. Whether it is commercial or residential property, the state does not impose any requirements regarding the minimum purchase amount. However, since the beginning of the war in Ukraine in 2022, real estate prices have sharply risen due to a large influx of immigrants. The most expensive real estate is in the capital, Belgrade, while the farther from the capital, the lower the property prices.
The residence permit is issued for 1 year with the right to further extension. After 5 years of continuous residence, you can apply for permanent residence in Serbia.
Cost: Upon request
Residence Permit for family reunification
Foreigners who are married to a Serbian citizen or can prove they are in a long-term relationship can use this basis to apply for a temporary residence permit in Serbia. Foreigners whose spouse or partner is already a foreigner but has a temporary residence permit in Serbia can also apply.
In addition to couples, the right to family reunification applies to minor children and asylum seekers.
Cost: 450 euros
In addition to the mentioned grounds, there are other less popular bases for obtaining a temporary residence permit in Serbia. These include religious activities, medical treatment, startup permits for participants in the Science and Technology Park, business investments, talent permits, and Serbian origin.
