Residence Permit in Serbia

1. Long-Term Stay Visa (D Visa)

This visa is designed for individuals planning to stay in Serbia for 90 to 180 days. It's suitable for those who require a visa to enter Serbia and wish to apply for a temporary residence permit. Visa requirements can be checked on the official Serbian immigration website, with specifics varying based on the applicant's country. For instance, Russian citizens can enter Serbia and apply for a temporary residence permit without needing a special visa, due to international agreements between Serbia and their country.

2. Temporary Residence Permit

This permit is intended for foreigners who want to stay in Serbia for more than 90 days.

3. Permanent Residence Permit

Foreigners can apply for permanent residency in Serbia after living continuously in the country for five years with a temporary residence permit.

Immigration policies in Serbia differ depending on the applicant’s nationality. This guide primarily addresses the temporary residence permit, which is the most commonly used route for foreigners seeking residency.

How to Move to Serbia and Obtain a Temporary Residence Permit

1. Obtain a White Card:

Upon entering Serbia, the owner of the property where the foreigner is staying must report the foreigner's accommodation to the police within 24 hours and obtain a White Card.

2. Apply for a Temporary Residence Permit:

Foreigners can apply for a temporary residence permit by submitting the necessary documents. Common reasons for applying include employment, starting a business, and family reunification. The permit is valid for up to one year and can be renewed, though it must remain valid for at least three months beyond the passport’s expiration. Those with a temporary residence permit are permitted to work legally in Serbia. Serbian employers must provide a labor market demand report to the National Employment Service. If the Service confirms that no suitable Serbian citizen or legally resident foreigner is available, an employment contract can be signed, and the permit can be applied for. Required documents typically include a work contract, company registration certificate, passport, and others.

Note: Documents not issued in Serbia need to be properly certified for use. Certification might include notarization, translation, or official sealing, depending on the country of origin.

Work Permits in Serbia

Foreigners seeking employment in Serbia must acquire a work permit. Despite Serbia not being a high-immigration country, obtaining a work permit can be a challenging process. The Serbian National Employment Service is the institution responsible for issuing work permits. While temporary residence permit applications can be submitted online, work permit applications must be handled offline. Typically, securing a work permit follows the approval of the temporary residence permit.

This guide focuses on work permits for non-EU citizens, as the process for EU citizens is generally simpler. Non-EU citizens often need to apply for a D-type visa (long-term visa) before entering Serbia and applying for a work permit. The discussion here is centered on employment work permits.

1. Employment Work Permit:

This permit is for foreigners employed by Serbian employers. The employer must submit a labor market report to the National Employment Service to verify if there are qualified Serbian citizens or legally residing foreigners available for the position. The application process for this type of work permit is relatively involved.

2. Application Process:

To apply for a work permit, submit an application form along with relevant documents to the National Employment Service. The processing time is approximately one month, depending on the type of application and the applicant’s location.

Extending a Work Permit

When a work permit expires, foreigners can apply for an extension if they meet the initial permit conditions. The extension application should be submitted before the current permit expires but no more than 30 days before its end date.