Gaining Residency or Citizenship in Serbia for a Low-Cost Lifestyle

Temporary Residence

If you plan to stay in Serbia for more than 90 days, you'll need to apply for a temporary residence permit. This permit allows you to live and work in Serbia for a specified period, typically one year, and can be renewed. Temporary residence is the only path to gaining permanent residence in Serbia. There are several grounds for obtaining a temporary residence permit, including:

Employment

If you have a job offer from a Serbian employer, you can apply for a temporary residence permit based on employment. To apply for this permit, you will need to provide the following documents:

• A valid passport
• A diploma certificate or other public document proving your qualifications
• An employer's excerpt on registration in the Republic of Serbia
• A landlord's statement of agreement to your registered residential address or a tenancy agreement

Business and Technical Activities

If you plan to engage in business or technical activities in Serbia, you can apply for a temporary residence permit based on this ground. There is no minimum investment amount required to qualify. To apply for this permit, you will need to provide the following documents:

• A valid passport
• A foreign citizen's photo
• A landlord's statement of agreement to your registered residential address or a tenancy agreement
• An employer's and foreign employer's statement of assignment or delegation to the Republic of Serbia
• A foreign employer's statement or a certificate of employment abroad
• Contract on business and technical cooperation entered between an employer and a foreign employer
• An employer's and foreign employer's statement that you will be returned to work with a foreign employer at the end of the secondment

To register a company in Serbia, you will need to:

1. Choose a name and arrange a legal address.
2. Prepare founding documents and lease documents for real estate. If the premises are owned, documents confirming ownership will be required.
3. Open an account in one of the banks in Serbia.
4. Submit documents to the Agencija za Priivredne Registre (Agency for Business Registers). Registration takes about 8 working days. Then you will be issued a registration certificate and tax number.

Education

Enrolling in an educational institution in Serbia can also be a basis for obtaining a temporary residence permit. To apply for this permit, you will need to provide the following documents:

• A valid passport
• Two photos (35x45mm, color, full face)
• Proof of paid prescribed administrative fee
• A landlord's statement of agreement to your registered residential address

Family Reunification

If you have family members who are citizens or permanent residents of Serbia, you may be eligible for a temporary residence permit based on family reunification. To apply for this permit, you will need to provide the following documents:

• A valid passport
• Two photos (35x45mm, color, full face)
• Proof of paid prescribed administrative fee
• A landlord's statement of agreement to your registered residential address
• Proof of kinship with a citizen of the Republic of Serbia or a foreign citizen who has been granted permanent residence (birth certificate)

Real Estate Ownership

Purchasing real estate in Serbia can also be a pathway to obtaining a temporary residence permit. To apply for this permit, you will need to provide the following documents:

• A valid passport
• Two photos (35x45mm, color, full face)
• Proof of paid prescribed administrative fee
• A landlord's statement of agreement to your registered residential address
• A certified purchase contract

Medical Treatment

You can obtain temporary residence in Serbia for medical treatment. To apply for this permit, you will need to provide the following documents:

• A valid passport
• Two photos (35x45mm, color, full face)
• Proof of paid prescribed administrative fee
• A landlord's statement of agreement to your registered residential address
• Documentation on illness, in case of unforeseen events with you and members of your immediate family (severe illness, death, etc.), i.e. by other document that proves the validity of the reasons why you require medical treatment in Serbia.

Unified Permit (Residence and Work Permit)

Serbia has introduced a unified permit that combines the residence and work permit, streamlining the process for those seeking employment in the country. This permit is issued electronically and is specifically designed for those who intend to work in Serbia.

General Requirements for Temporary Residence

To apply for a temporary residence permit, you will generally need the following documents:

• A valid passport
• Proof of the grounds for your stay (e.g., employment contract, enrollment certificate, property deed)
• Details about your financial means to support yourself in Serbia
• Proof of health insurance
• A registered address of residence in Serbia
• Completed application forms
• An apostille stamp from the government office where you obtained the document

Important Considerations for Temporary Residence

• Visa D: If you require a visa to enter Serbia, you must obtain a long-stay visa (visa D) before arriving in the country. This visa allows you to stay in Serbia for up to 180 days while you apply for a temporary residence permit.
• Residency Registration: Upon arrival in Serbia, you must register your stay at the nearest police station within 24 hours.
• Financial Stability: You need to demonstrate that you have sufficient funds to support yourself during your stay in Serbia.
• Health Insurance: Having valid health insurance coverage is a requirement for obtaining a temporary residence permit.
• Family Inclusion: The Serbian residency by investment program allows for family members to be included in the application.

Permanent Residence

After five years of continuous temporary residence in Serbia, you can apply for permanent residence. This is the only way to obtain permanent residence. Permanent residence allows you to live in Serbia indefinitely.

Requirements for Permanent Residence

To be eligible for permanent residence, you must meet the following requirements:

• Have legally resided in Serbia for at least five consecutive years with a temporary residence permit.
• Have lived in Serbia for at least 183 days each year during your temporary residence.
• Have a valid temporary residence permit at the time of application.
• Provide proof of financial stability and health insurance.
• Have a registered address of residence in Serbia.

Special Cases for Permanent Residence

In certain situations, you may be eligible for permanent residence even if you haven't fulfilled the standard five-year temporary residence requirement. These include:

• Being a minor with at least one Serbian parent or a foreign parent with permanent residence status in Serbia.
• Having made significant contributions to the interests of the Republic of Serbia.
• Being granted permission to stay in Serbia for humanitarian reasons.

Reciprocity Explanation Request

When renewing residency based on property ownership, you may need to submit a reciprocity explanation request to the Ministry of Justice of the Republic of Serbia.

Citizenship

Once you have obtained permanent residence, you can apply for Serbian citizenship after three years.

Requirements for Citizenship

To be eligible for Serbian citizenship, you must generally meet the following requirements: 

• Be at least 18 years old.
• Have been released from your previous citizenship or provide evidence that you will be released upon acquiring Serbian citizenship.
• Have had registered permanent residence in Serbia for at least three years without interruption.
• Submit a signed statement declaring that you consider Serbia your country.
• Demonstrate proficiency in the Serbian language.
• Demonstrate knowledge of Serbian culture.
• Submit a loyalty declaration.

Alternative Paths to Citizenship

• Citizenship by Descent: If one or both of your parents are Serbian citizens, you may be eligible for citizenship by descent, regardless of where you were born. To be eligible, you must be over 18 years old, fit to work, and provide a written declaration stating that you consider the Republic of Serbia your homeland.
• Citizenship by Marriage: If you are married to a Serbian citizen, you can apply for citizenship after three years of continuous residence in Serbia, provided the marriage remains valid during this period.
• Citizenship by Exception: In exceptional cases, the Serbian government may grant citizenship to individuals who have made significant contributions to Serbian society, even if they don't meet the standard residency requirements.

Dual Citizenship

Serbia generally allows dual citizenship, meaning you can hold Serbian citizenship along with the citizenship of another country if you meet the requirements for both.

Termination of Citizenship

Serbian citizenship can be terminated on the basis of release if you: 

• Are over 18 years old.
• Have no objections on account of military service obligation.
• Have paid taxes and regulated other legal obligations in Serbia.
• Have regulated proprietary obligations stemming from marriage and parent-child relations in relation to persons living in Serbia.
• Are not subject to criminal proceedings for criminal offenses.
• Have an alien citizenship or evidence that you will be admitted to alien citizenship.

Visa Requirements for Serbian Citizens

As of 2023, Serbian citizens have visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to 138 countries and territories, ranking the Serbian passport 38th overall in terms of travel freedom.

Cost of Living in Serbia

One of the main attractions of Serbia is its low cost of living. Compared to Western European countries and the USA, expenses in Serbia are significantly lower.

Accommodation

Rent prices vary depending on the city and location. In Belgrade, a one-bedroom apartment in the city center can cost between €300 and €600 per month, while outside the center, it can be €100 to €200 less. In smaller cities, rent is even more affordable.

Utilities

Utilities, including electricity, heating, water, and garbage collection, can cost around €150 to €200 per month for an 85m2 apartment. Internet and mobile phone plans are also relatively inexpensive.

Food

Food costs in Serbia are quite reasonable. You can find affordable groceries at local markets and supermarkets. Eating out is also relatively inexpensive, with meals at inexpensive restaurants costing around €8.

Transportation

Public transportation in Serbia is affordable and efficient. A monthly pass for public transport can cost around €20. Taxis are also readily available and relatively inexpensive.

Cost of Living Comparison

To illustrate the affordability of living in Serbia, here's a table comparing the cost of living in Belgrade with other major cities:

Healthcare in Serbia

Serbia has a universal healthcare system financed by compulsory health insurance contributions, which comprise 10.3% of payroll taxes. This system provides access to healthcare services for all citizens and permanent residents. The public system is burdened with long waiting times for specific services and interventions, which often invites nepotism and corruption. However, the private part of the healthcare market is easily accessible, quick, and efficient, though it may not be affordable for all.

Education in Serbia

Education in Serbia is free and compulsory for children aged 6 to 15. Almost all children in Serbia attend secondary education. Higher education is also available at universities and colleges, with tuition fees that are generally lower than in many other European countries.

Job Market in Serbia

The job market in Serbia is growing, with opportunities in various sectors. Serbia is experiencing a decline in population, partially compensated by an increase in the number of foreigners.

In-demand sectors

Some of the most in-demand sectors in Serbia include:

• IT: The IT sector is booming, with a high demand for software developers, web developers, and cybersecurity experts.
• Healthcare: There is a growing need for healthcare professionals, including doctors, nurses, and specialists in geriatric care.
• Manufacturing: The manufacturing industry is also expanding, with opportunities for skilled workers in various fields.
• Tourism: With its increasing popularity as a tourist destination, Serbia offers job opportunities in the tourism and hospitality sector.
• Renewable Energy: Serbia is investing in renewable energy sources, creating jobs in this growing sector.

There is also a shortage of workers in certain professions, such as carpenters, electricians, hairdressers, welders, plumbers, builders, painters, and agricultural workers.

Salaries

Salaries in Serbia are generally lower than in Western European countries. However, the cost of living is also lower, making it possible to live comfortably on a smaller salary. The average monthly net salary in Serbia is around €900.

Here are some examples of average monthly salaries in Serbia: 

• IT specialist: €4,000
• Teacher: €8,000 per year
• Medical worker: €11,000 per year

Work Permits

If you are a foreigner and want to work in Serbia, you will need to obtain a work permit. The process typically involves your employer applying for a work permit on your behalf.

Conclusion

Serbia offers a unique opportunity for those seeking a low-cost and fulfilling lifestyle in Europe. With its affordable living expenses, growing job market, and welcoming culture, it's an attractive destination for expats and those looking to relocate. There is no minimum investment amount for those seeking residency through investment, and there is no language requirement for permanent residency or citizenship. By understanding the various paths to residency and citizenship, as well as the requirements and procedures involved, you can make an informed decision about making Serbia your new home.